As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of spiced rum mingling with sweet raisins transported me to cozy holiday evenings spent with loved ones. This Boozy Christmas Tiffin is my go-to treat for celebrating the season—it’s a delightful no-bake dessert that captures all the festive charm without demanding hours of work. The simple combination of crushed gingernuts, chewy fruit, and a glossy layer of chocolate makes it an effortless crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or as a cherished gift. Plus, it’s easily adaptable for those looking for a non-alcoholic version. Ready to indulge in a holiday classic that promises fun for the whole family? Let’s dive into this simple Christmas Tiffin recipe together!
Why is this Tiffin a Must Try?
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with the festive essence of Christmas, thanks to the warming spices and rich chocolate.
Effortless Preparation: This no-bake treat means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities.
Versatile Variations: Swap the spiced rum for whisky or create an alcohol-free version, making it perfect for everyone.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy family gathering, this tiffin is sure to impress guests and family alike. You can also enjoy it alongside other festive treats like Mac Cheese Bites for a complete holiday spread!
Great for Gifting: Pack it beautifully in a festive box for a thoughtful homemade gift that spreads joy during the season.
Simple Christmas Tiffin Ingredients
• A delightful mix of flavorful essentials awaits you!
For the Base
• Gingernuts – These provide a spicy, crunchy foundation; feel free to experiment with buttery biscuits.
• Butter – Essential for binding your tiffin together, giving it a rich and smooth texture.
• Sugar – A touch of sweetness that enhances flavor; adjust to your personal taste if desired.
• Golden Syrup – Adds moistness and a hint of caramel; honey is a great alternative if needed.
For the Fruity Layer
• Raisins – Their natural sweetness and chewiness are elevated when soaked in spiced rum; try them plain for a non-alcoholic twist.
• Cranberries – Offers a tart balance to the sweetness; substitute with cherries for a different flavor.
For the Chocolate Topping
• Milk Chocolate – Melts beautifully to create a glossy finish on your tiffin; dark chocolate can be used for a richer taste.
• White Chocolate – Used decoratively for swirls on top; omit or double up on milk chocolate, depending on preference.
Spices and Flavor
• Mixed Spice – Essential for that festive flavor profile; a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg works wonders if you’re out of this blend.
• Cocoa Powder – Provides deep chocolate richness; unsweetened is best for balance.
Feel free to indulge in this simple Christmas tiffin recipe that binds your family together during the holiday season!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Simple Christmas Tiffin Recipe
Step 1: Prep Raisins
Start by soaking your raisins in spiced rum for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to plump them up and infuse them with flavor. This extra time allows the fruit to absorb the warm, festive notes of the rum, bringing a delicious depth to your Simple Christmas Tiffin Recipe.
Step 2: Prepare Tin
While the raisins soak, take a 20cm/8” square tin and grease it lightly with butter. Then, line the tin with baking paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This step sets the foundation for your tiffin, ensuring it comes out perfectly when set.
Step 3: Crush Biscuits
Put the gingernuts into a ziplock bag, sealing it tightly. With a rolling pin, crush the biscuits into varying sizes—some fine crumbs for binding and larger pieces for crunch. This mixture serves as the delightful base for your Simple Christmas Tiffin Recipe, providing a nice balance of texture.
Step 4: Melt Mixture
In a medium saucepan, melt together the butter, sugar, golden syrup, mixed spice, and cocoa powder over low heat. Stir gently until everything is fully melted and combined, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat once the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Pour the crushed biscuits into the melted mixture, along with the soaked raisins and cranberries. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated, making sure every crumb and fruit piece is enveloped in that luscious chocolate mixture, which is key to the satisfaction of your Simple Christmas Tiffin Recipe.
Step 6: Press Into Tin
Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared tin. Using the back of a spoon or your hands, press it down firmly and evenly, ensuring it’s compact. This is crucial for the tiffin to hold together nicely once it’s set, forming a solid base for your festive treat.
Step 7: Melt Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate in 20-second increments, stirring in between until it’s smooth and fully melted. Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed tiffin mixture in the tin, using the back of a spoon to spread it evenly and create a glossy finish that makes your tiffin irresistible.
Step 8: Decorate
If you wish to add a decorative touch, melt the white chocolate in the same manner as before, then drizzle it over the top of the tiffin. Use a skewer or knife to swirl the white chocolate into the milk chocolate, creating a beautiful marbled effect that enhances the festive appeal of your Simple Christmas Tiffin Recipe.
Step 9: Set and Serve
Finally, refrigerate the tiffin for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm to the touch. Once set, lift it out of the tin using the overhanging baking paper and slice it into squares. Your delightful Simple Christmas Tiffin Recipe is now ready to share and enjoy during the holiday season!
Simple Christmas Tiffin Recipe Variations
Explore the delightful possibilities to make this tiffin truly your own, adding a unique twist that fits your taste buds!
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Alcohol-Free: Omit the spiced rum and soak the raisins in apple juice for a kid-friendly version. This way, everyone can enjoy the festive flavors.
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Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the mixture for added crunch and richness. The nutty texture balances beautifully with the sweetness.
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Biscuit Twist: Experiment with different biscuits by replacing gingernuts with almond or hazelnut biscuits for a delightful nutty flavor. This change can give a fresh perspective to the classic tiffin.
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Chocolate Boost: Drizzle caramel or peanut butter over the tiffin instead of white chocolate for a creative flavor combination. This rich twist will be a delicious surprise!
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Dried Fruit Medley: Mix in a variety of dried fruits such as apricots or cherries along with cranberries for a burst of flavor and added color. Each bit will surprise your palate with a flavorful experience.
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Extra Spice: Add a pinch of chili powder or ginger for a hint of heat, amplifying the festive spices. Just a touch will make the flavors pop and keep things interesting!
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Vegan Variation: Use dairy-free butter and dark chocolate to create a plant-based version that’s still decadent and delicious. Your vegan friends will thank you!
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Serve with Style: Pair your tiffin with a steaming mug of Iced Mexican Coffee or even a slice of Homemade Grilled Octopus for an unexpected yet delightful combination at your holiday gatherings.
Expert Tips for Simple Christmas Tiffin Recipe
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Soak Raisins Well: Make sure to soak your raisins long enough to absorb the spiced rum flavor; otherwise, they may not provide adequate moisture.
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Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality milk chocolate to elevate the richness of your tiffin; it makes a significant difference in taste.
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Press Firmly: Compress the mixture firmly into the tin to ensure the tiffin holds together well when sliced, preventing crumbles.
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Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar quantity to suit your preferences; the tiffin is delightful even with reduced sweetness.
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Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to customize the mixed spice blend according to your taste; it’s a fun way to make the simple Christmas tiffin recipe uniquely yours!
Make Ahead Options
These Boozy Christmas Tiffin treats are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy stress-free holiday gatherings! You can soak the raisins in spiced rum up to 24 hours in advance, which enhances their flavor and ensures they plump up nicely. Additionally, you can prepare the entire tiffin mixture and press it into the tin a day ahead; simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to serve, melt the chocolate and drizzle it on top, allowing about 30 minutes for setting in the refrigerator. By prepping your Simple Christmas Tiffin Recipe ahead of time, you’re sure to save valuable moments in the kitchen and delight your loved ones with a sweet festive treat!
What to Serve with Boozy Christmas Tiffin
Elevate your holiday gathering with these delightful accompaniments that perfectly complement the warmth and richness of your festive treat.
- Creamy Hot Chocolate: Rich and indulgent, this drink adds a cozy element that pairs beautifully with the chocolatey layers of the tiffin.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: The zesty brightness of fresh fruits contrasts the sweet, dense tiffin, refreshing the palate between bites.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla adds a luscious creaminess, balancing the richness of the chocolate and fruit in the tiffin.
- Spiced Mulled Wine: Warm and aromatic, this drink echoes the spices in your tiffin and makes for a festive treat everyone will love.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Their spiced flavor harmonizes with the gingernuts in the tiffin, creating a cohesive holiday flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel brings an extra layer of sweetness and richness, elevating the indulgence of the tiffin even further.
- Cheese Platter: Savory cheeses create a delightful contrast to the sweet tiffin, providing various textures and flavors for a balanced tasting experience.
- Chocolate Mint Brownies: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, these brownies echo the tiffin’s chocolate flavor while adding a refreshing mint twist.
- African Red Tea: This caffeine-free cozy beverage serves as a soothing accompaniment, balancing the richness of the dessert with its earthy notes.
- Winter Spiced Cranberry Juice: Tart and refreshing, this juice mimics the flavors in the tiffin while adding a festive touch to the table.
How to Store and Freeze Boozy Christmas Tiffin
Fridge: Keep your Boozy Christmas Tiffin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This will maintain its freshness and flavor, ready to be enjoyed whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the tiffin for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen tiffin, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This keeps the texture intact while ensuring it’s ready to savour without any fuss.
Reheating: If you prefer a slightly warm treat, gently warm individual squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Boozy Christmas Tiffin Recipe FAQs
What type of raisins should I use?
I recommend using plump, juicy raisins for the best texture and flavor. Choose ones that aren’t dried out or have dark spots all over, as these can affect the sweetness and chewiness of your tiffin.
How should I store the Boozy Christmas Tiffin?
Keep your Boozy Christmas Tiffin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This helps to preserve its freshness and flavor, making it perfect for whenever that sweet craving hits!
Can I freeze the tiffin? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your tiffin, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container. This method protects it from freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
What if my tiffin is too crumbly?
If your tiffin is crumbly, it might be due to not pressing the mixture firmly enough into the tin. Make sure to pack it down tightly. If you find it’s still not holding together, a little extra melted butter or chocolate mixed in could help bind it better.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Boozy Christmas Tiffin Recipe is vegetarian! However, if you want to make it vegan or check for allergens, ensure that the chocolate used is dairy-free and substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
What alternatives can I use for spiced rum?
If you’d like a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the spiced rum and increase the moisture with a splash of orange juice or apple cider. You can also use whisky for a different flavor profile if you prefer!
Delicious Simple Christmas Tiffin Recipe to Brighten Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Soak your raisins in spiced rum for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
- Grease a 20cm/8” square tin lightly with butter and line it with baking paper.
- Crush the gingernuts in a ziplock bag into varying sizes.
- Melt together the butter, sugar, golden syrup, mixed spice, and cocoa powder over low heat, stirring for about 5 minutes.
- Mix the crushed biscuits, soaked raisins, and cranberries into the melted mixture until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared tin and press down firmly and evenly.
- Melt the milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and pour it over the pressed mixture.
- If using, melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the top, swirling it into the milk chocolate.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm, lift out, and slice into squares.