This recipe was originally published in December 2020 and has since been updated with new images and expanded details to enhance your baking experience.

For those unfamiliar with this delightful creation, a tiffin bar, often referred to as ‘refrigerator cake’ or ‘chocolate biscuit cake’ in other regions, is a beloved no-bake confectionery, particularly popular in the UK and Ireland. It typically consists of a mixture of crushed biscuits (cookies), melted chocolate, and a binding agent like syrup, often finished with an additional layer of chocolate on top. Our special Christmas chocolate tiffin recipe elevates this classic with a festive twist. The foundation is a rich, robust layer of dark chocolate combined with crunchy ginger cookies and bright, fragrant orange zest, creating a symphony of warm, seasonal spices. Crowned with a luxurious white chocolate layer, adorned with vibrant pistachios and sweet, tangy dried cranberries, each bite encapsulates the very essence of Christmas. This particular recipe is also a festive homage to a cherished holiday treat from Pret, their iconic Christmas tiffin, designed for you to recreate that magic at home.

This recipe is an ideal choice for holiday entertaining or gifting, especially when your oven is already occupied, or you simply prefer a hassle-free approach to dessert. The beauty of this simple, yet elegant, “refrigerator cake” lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. It’s perfect for gifting to friends, family, or colleagues during the holiday season. Moreover, it’s incredibly customizable, allowing you to easily swap ingredients to suit your taste preferences or whatever you have on hand, making it a truly adaptable dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Adore These Christmas Tiffin Bars!

These Christmas Chocolate Tiffin Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a holiday tradition in the making. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite:

• This is a truly no-bake recipe, which means absolutely no oven time is required. Simply melt, mix, chill, and slice! It’s perfect for busy holiday schedules, freeing up oven space, or for those who prefer to keep baking simple.
• They are bursting with so many irresistible festive flavors like the warming spice of ginger, the bright aroma of orange zest, and the chewy sweetness of dried cranberries. Every ingredient is carefully chosen to evoke the spirit of Christmas, creating a truly memorable taste experience.
• Effortless Customization: Not a fan of certain flavors? No problem! This recipe is incredibly forgiving and easy to adapt. You can effortlessly swap in your favorite types of cookies, dried fruits, or nuts to create a tiffin bar that’s uniquely yours. Think shortbread, digestive biscuits, or even Oreos; dried cherries or apricots; walnuts or pecans.
• This is a fantastic recipe to make with kids, thanks to its straightforward, no-fuss steps. Little hands can help crush cookies, stir ingredients, and sprinkle toppings, making it a fun and engaging activity for the whole family during the holidays.
• Perfect for Gifting: Beautifully layered and visually appealing, these tiffin bars make an exquisite homemade gift. Package them in festive boxes or cellophane bags, and you have a thoughtful present that tastes as good as it looks.
• Ideal for Entertaining: Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large holiday party, these bars are easy to transport and serve. Their rich flavor means a small square goes a long way, making them economical for feeding a crowd.
• Long Shelf Life: Unlike many delicate baked goods, tiffin bars keep well in an airtight container, especially when refrigerated, allowing you to prepare them in advance and enjoy them throughout the holiday season.

Essential Ingredients for Your Christmas Tiffin

Crafting these festive chocolate tiffin bars requires a selection of quality ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry during the holidays. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how each component contributes to the final delicious result:

• Syrup: The Essential Binder

  I rely on golden syrup to create the perfectly chewy and cohesive bottom layer of these no-bake bars. Its unique butterscotch-like flavor complements the chocolate and ginger beautifully. However, if golden syrup isn’t readily available in your region, you have several excellent substitutes: honey offers a floral sweetness, corn syrup provides a neutral binding, and maple syrup adds a distinct, rich flavor. Be aware that substitutions will slightly alter the final taste profile, but the structural integrity will remain.

• Ginger Cookies: The Flavorful Foundation

  The base of these tiffin bars gets its characteristic crunch and spicy kick from crushed ginger biscuits (gingersnaps). I typically use a standard sleeve of ginger cookies, finely crushed to integrate well into the chocolate mixture. For a different texture or flavor, feel free to experiment with other cookies: digestive biscuits or graham crackers offer a milder, classic biscuit base, while shortbread or even chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos) can introduce new dimensions of flavor and richness.

• Chocolate: A Duo of Decadence

  This recipe thoughtfully combines both dark chocolate and white chocolate to create contrasting layers of flavor and visual appeal. The rich, slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate perfectly balance the sweetness of the syrup and cookies in the bottom layer. The top layer, made of creamy white chocolate, adds a delicate sweetness and a beautiful pale contrast to the darker base. If dark chocolate isn’t your preference, you can easily substitute it with milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier bottom layer.

• Pistachios & Dried Cranberries: Festive Toppers

  These vibrant additions are sprinkled generously over the white chocolate layer, not only for their delightful crunch and chewiness but also for their striking festive colors. Pistachios lend a subtle earthy note and a beautiful green hue, while dried cranberries provide a tart counterpoint and a pop of festive red. But don’t stop there! This is where you can truly “go crazy” with customization. Consider adding different nuts like walnuts or pecans, extra crushed cookies for added texture, mini marshmallows, or even colorful sprinkles to make your tiffin bars truly unique and celebratory.

• Unsalted Butter: The fat that binds and enriches the chocolate layer. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the bars.
• Orange Zest: A crucial ingredient for adding a bright, zesty, and undeniably Christmasy aroma and flavor that perfectly complements the ginger and chocolate.
• Ground Ginger: Enhances the ginger flavor from the cookies, adding an extra layer of warmth and spice that is essential for a truly festive tiffin.
• Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and intensifying all the other flavors, making the chocolate taste even richer.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your No-Bake Tiffin Bars

Creating these delightful Christmas Chocolate Tiffin Bars is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Melt the Base

First, line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it overhangs on the sides. This will create “slings” that make it easy to lift the set tiffin out of the pan later. Set this aside. In a medium to large saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and golden syrup. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and allow the butter and syrup to gently melt together, stirring occasionally until smooth and fully combined. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and add your chopped dark chocolate. Stir continuously until the dark chocolate has completely melted into a glossy, smooth mixture. The residual heat from the butter and syrup will be enough to melt the chocolate perfectly without scorching it.

Step 2: Create the Flavorful Base Layer

With the heat off, immediately stir in the crushed ginger cookies, fragrant orange zest, ground ginger, and a pinch of kosher salt into the melted chocolate mixture. Mix thoroughly until all the crushed cookies are evenly coated and everything is well combined. This is your flavorful base layer. Pour this rich mixture into your prepared baking pan. Using a silicone spatula or the back of a spoon, press the mixture down firmly and evenly across the bottom of the pan. This ensures a compact and stable base for your tiffin bars. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the base layer to set properly.

Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate Topping

While the base layer is chilling, prepare your white chocolate topping. You can melt the white chocolate using a microwave or a double boiler. If using a microwave, place the chopped white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short 15-second increments, stirring well after each interval. Continue this process until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted, being careful not to overheat it, which can cause it to seize. For a double boiler, place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water) and stir the white chocolate until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Finish and Chill to Perfection

Once the white chocolate is melted and smooth, retrieve your chilled tiffin base from the fridge. Pour the melted white chocolate evenly over the dark chocolate and cookie base, spreading it gently with your spatula to create a smooth, consistent layer. Immediately sprinkle your chopped pistachios and dried cranberries over the wet white chocolate. Press them down lightly so they adhere. Return the pan to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer (up to 2-3 hours), until both layers are completely firm. Once fully set, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into your desired bar or square sizes. Enjoy your homemade Christmas Chocolate Tiffin!

Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Tiffin Bars

Achieving bakery-quality tiffin bars at home is simple with these expert tips and tricks:

• Precision is Key: While no-bake recipes can be forgiving, I always recommend using a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially when working with chocolate and syrups. It’s incredibly easy to add too much of one ingredient if you’re using measuring cups, which can throw off the delicate ratio and affect the final texture of your bars. Weighing ensures consistent, perfect results every time.
• Embrace Customization: The beauty of tiffin is its versatility! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations.
  • Nuts: Swap out pistachios for crunchy walnuts, buttery pecans, toasted almonds, or even roasted hazelnuts for a different nutty profile.
  • Dried Fruit: Instead of dried cranberries, try sweet raisins, tart dried cherries, chopped dried apricots, or even candied orange peel for an extra citrusy kick.
  • Cookies: While ginger biscuits offer a festive spice, feel free to substitute them with digestive biscuits, classic graham crackers, buttery shortbread, or even popular chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos) for a completely different base. Each will impart a unique flavor and texture.
• Chill Time is Crucial: Patience is a virtue when making tiffin! Ensure you give the bars enough time to set completely in the refrigerator before attempting to slice them. Rushing this step can result in crumbly, messy bars. A minimum of 1-2 hours, or even longer, will yield perfectly firm and clean slices.
• Perfect Portions: Tiffin bars are quite rich and indulgent. While you can slice them into long rectangular bars for a more substantial treat, I highly recommend cutting them into smaller squares if you’re serving them to a crowd or as part of a dessert platter. This allows guests to enjoy a decadent bite without feeling overwhelmed, and ensures more people can sample them!
• Achieve Clean Slices: For crisp, clean edges, use a sharp, warm knife. Run your knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then make a single cut. Repeat this process for each slice to prevent dragging chocolate and cookies.
• Ingredient Quality Matters: Since there’s no baking involved, the flavor of your ingredients really shines through. Use good quality chocolate, butter, and fresh orange zest for the best possible taste experience.
• Storage Solutions: Once set and sliced, store your tiffin bars in an airtight container. If your home is warm, keeping them in the fridge is best to maintain their firmness and prevent melting. They will last beautifully for 3-4 days at room temperature (if cool) or up to a week in the refrigerator.
• Freezing for Later: Tiffin bars freeze exceptionally well! Wrap individual bars or small batches tightly in parchment paper, then in aluminum foil, and store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for an hour before serving.

What can I use as a substitute for golden syrup?

Golden syrup is a unique ingredient that provides a distinct flavor and texture. However, if you can’t find it, you can successfully substitute it with an equal amount of honey, corn syrup, or maple syrup. Keep in mind that each of these alternatives will impart a slightly different flavor profile to your tiffin bars – honey will add a floral note, corn syrup is quite neutral, and maple syrup will bring its characteristic woody sweetness. The primary goal is to provide the sticky binding agent, which these syrups all do effectively.

Is tiffin the same thing as rocky road?

While tiffin and rocky road are both delicious no-bake chocolate treats with crushed biscuits, they are not exactly the same. The key differentiator is typically marshmallows. Rocky road characteristically includes marshmallows along with biscuits (or cookies) and sometimes nuts or dried fruit, all bound in chocolate. Tiffin, on the other hand, traditionally does not contain marshmallows. It relies more heavily on the rich chocolate-biscuit-syrup mixture for its texture and flavor. So, while very similar in concept, the presence of marshmallows is usually the defining difference.

Can I make these tiffin bars gluten-free or vegan?

Absolutely! To make these tiffin bars gluten-free, simply substitute the ginger cookies with your favorite gluten-free ginger snaps or digestive biscuits. The rest of the ingredients are typically naturally gluten-free. For a vegan version, you would need to use plant-based butter, ensure your dark and white chocolates are dairy-free (many brands offer vegan chocolate options), and use a vegan-friendly syrup if your golden syrup isn’t already. Most golden syrups are naturally vegan, but always check the label.

How long do Christmas Tiffin Bars last and how should I store them?

These tiffin bars are quite robust! When stored in an airtight container, they will keep well at room temperature for 3-4 days, provided your home is cool. However, for extended freshness and to prevent them from becoming too soft, especially in warmer environments, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator. In the fridge, they will last for up to a week. If you wish to store them longer, they can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly.

Christmas Chocolate Tiffin Bars

Ella Gilbert

Nutrition