Let’s Get Real
Alright, folks, gather ’round because it’s time to spill the beans about my latest obsession: Bourbon Biscuit Tray Bake. Yes, you read that right. If you’re imagining something glamorous or pretentious, let me bring you down to Earth—quickly. We’re talking about crispy, chocolatey goodness that is so ridiculously simple to make, even your pet hamster could whip it up (not really, but you get my vibe).
Now, full disclosure: I didn’t even particularly like Bourbon biscuits as a child. Gasp! Don’t gasp too loudly; I might just hear you. But somewhere along the line, probably after several too many coffee breaks where I needed a quick jolt of sugary fuel, I turned my nose into a full-on marshmallow of excitement. Bourbon biscuits became my ride-or-die snack. And when inspiration struck to turn them into a tray bake, I thought, “Hello, sweet kitchen magic!” With a touch of creativity (and maybe a splash of bourbon—wink, wink), I found myself in biscuit bliss.
This tray bake is delightful because it’s essentially stripping everything down to basics—layering biscuit, chocolate, and some whimsical flair. The best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser and makes everyone think you secretly slaved away in the kitchen. Trust me, they will never know how easy it is. No more indecisive stumbling around your kitchen, no unnecessary complications—just pure, unadulterated happiness baked into one glorious pan. So grab your apron (or don a comfy sweater if you’re feeling rebellious—hey, it’s your life), let’s get into it!
Ingredients, Unfiltered
What’s Really in Easy Bourbon Biscuit Tray Bake
Okay, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this anthem of simplicity. Let me tell you about the stars of this show:
Bourbon biscuits: The backbone of this tray bake. I like to consider these guys as the emotional support biscuits of my baking world. Buy a pack—or two—because you’re definitely going to snack on them before they even make it into the tray bake. Just a fair warning.
Butter: This is my not-so-secret weapon for everything delicious. This recipe calls for a hefty amount—think luxurious, velvety infusion and that “Oh my God, why does this taste so good?” effect. I often reach for unsalted butter; the saltiness of salted butter makes my head spin more than it helps the flavor.
Dark chocolate: Rich, smooth, and simply divine! Dark chocolate is where the magic happens, and honestly, the darker the better for me. Aim for something around 70% cocoa if you want an intense flavor. This chocolate will take your tray bake from simple to sophisticated in no time.
Condensed milk: Oh, sweet nectar of the gods! This is a thick, creamy miracle worker that adds sweetness and moisture to our concoction. Don’t skimp on this; we want our tray bake to have the perfect fudgy texture. Just try not to eat it straight from the can—tempting, I know.
Powdered sugar: Because we all need a little sweetness in our lives. Don’t be shy here. Nobody judges if you go a little heavy on the sugar. This is a tray bake, after all, not a salad!
Bourbon (or any whiskey): You don’t need to be a connoisseur, but I’ll advise you to choose a decent bourbon for the best flavor. You want your tray bake to taste like a party—because it is! Plus, let’s be real: you can always add a little more bourbon if you’re feeling particularly cheeky.
Let’s Talk Health (or Not)
Is This Even Healthy? Let’s Discuss
Look, we need to talk about this elephant in the room: health. Spoiler alert: this isn’t a kale salad smoothie we’re discussing. You’ve got butter, sugar, and good old condensed milk. But let’s get real here, my friends—this is a dessert, not a health spa. Sure, there’s butter (lots of it) and sugar (always), but I sleep like a baby at night knowing that a little indulgence never hurt anybody.
Let’s put it this way: if you happen to shove half a tray bake in your mouth while working your way through Netflix, I won’t judge. Just keep some water on standby; you’ll need it for the inevitable bourbon cravings calling your name!
So, calories? We’ll count them when we’re at the gym. Meanwhile, let’s focus on making life delicious.
Your Grocery List
Here’s What You’ll Need
– 250g Bourbon biscuits (plus a few extra for snacking)
– 150g unsalted butter, melted
– 200g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), chopped
– 397g can of condensed milk
– 180g powdered sugar
– 4 tablespoons bourbon (or whiskey of your choice)
And guess what? This glorious tray bake will serve about 12-16 people, depending on the size of the piece you’re feeling generous enough to slice. But let’s be real—you could easily polish off several pieces yourself. No judgment here, just pure deliciousness!
The Actual Cooking Part
Okay, Let’s Make This
1. First things first, preheat that oven of yours to 180°C (350°F). While the oven is heating, line a square baking pan with baking parchment. This step is key, folks—nobody wants to battle with their sweet masterpiece when it’s time for removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, go ahead and crush the Bourbon biscuits. I usually grab a freezer bag and take out some pent-up frustration by smashing the biscuits with rolling pin. It’s oddly satisfying—who knew baking could be the perfect therapy? You want a mix of crumbs and slightly larger pieces, so don’t go full steam ahead.
3. Now, transfer those sad little crumbs into a mixing bowl and add the melted butter. Mix it all together until every crumb is coated in buttery goodness. Instant happiness, right?
4. Spread the biscuit mixture onto the bottom of the lined tray and press it down firmly. This is a crucial step because we want a solid base—one that won’t disintegrate at the first sign of a dessert nibble. Trust me, you don’t want a crumbly mess when people reach for their slice!
5. Melt the dark chocolate in a separate bowl (you can use a microwave if you’re feeling lazy—just do 30-second bursts and stir in between). Once it’s all smooth and glossy, mix in the condensed milk. This is where the magic happens; you’ll get a silky, decadent chocolate mixture that will have your taste buds doing happy dances.
6. Stir in the powdered sugar and bourbon to the chocolate mix until everything is combined. You should have a ridiculously yummy mixture that makes you want to dive face-first into the bowl. Resist the urge! We still have work to do!
7. Pour this chocolatey goodness over the biscuit base in the tray and spread it evenly. I always take a moment to appreciate the sheer level of indulgence happening here. It’s good for the soul, I swear.
8. Pop it into the oven for around 20-25 minutes. It should be set but still slightly wobbly in the center. Remember, this bad boy will firm up as it cools. Don’t panic if this looks messy—it’s supposed to!
9. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tray for a bit before transferring it to the fridge for at least a couple of hours (or even overnight, if you can handle the suspense). Just remember: patience is a virtue, but tasting it before it’s set will bring on chaos!
10. When you’re ready to serve, slice it into squares (or triangles if you’re feeling edgy) and try not to embarrass yourself by shoving one too many pieces into your mouth in one go. Good luck!
Side Notes & Sassy Hacks
Bonus Tips You Didn’t Ask For
– Don’t have chocolate biscuits? Go ahead and use any chocolate cookie you fancy (I’m looking at you, Oreos). Get creative! Hi-hat style, the world is your biscuit!
– If you want to “healthify” this a smidge (if that’s even a word), you can substitute some of the butter for applesauce or Greek yogurt. But let’s be real, who wants to do that? Let’s not ruin our life with guilt.
– Want to get fancy? Drizzle some additional melted chocolate on top before you slice it for Instagram gold! You’ll gain followers just for making it look extra fancy.
– The bourbon is optional, but frankly, it’s a party in your mouth; why wouldn’t you want to add it? If you want to skip the boozy vibe, you can replace it with a splash of vanilla extract—still good but a whole lot less fun!
– The best way to eat this tray bake is with a seriously hot cup of tea or a nice cold beer. Your choice!
Final Words of (Culinary) Wisdom
If you’re still reading, congrats! You’re either a determined food lover or one of my best friends who just can’t resist my food rambles. Either way, I’m thrilled you’ve stuck around to explore this Bourbon Biscuit Tray Bake with me. If you try it, please tag me or send over a mental high-five. Baking can be messy, chaotic, and totally unpolished, but let’s be real: it’s the disasters and triumphs that make great stories. So don those apron ties, hit that kitchen, and remember—a little mess is just a sign of creativity in action! Now, go on, make my day and bake something magical!
