Orange Pistachio Hedgehog Slice
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This Orange Pistachio Hedgehog Slice Recipe strikes the perfect balance between firm and fudgy, packed with chunky crushed biscuits and pistachios, all beautifully infused with vibrant orange zest!
Orange Pistachio Hedgehog Slice Recipe
This orange pistachio hedgehog slice is a delightful twist on the classic no-bake hedgehog.
It blends the crisp texture of Marie biscuits with the rich nuttiness of pistachios, all enhanced by the fresh zestiness of orange.
This recipe keeps the traditional hedgehog base, sweetened with coconut sugar and bound by melted butter without using melted chocolate.
Perfect for those who enjoy a sophisticated version of the classic hedgehog slice, the natural flavors of orange and the unique crunch of pistachios make each bite vibrant and satisfying!
Best Hedgehog Slice Recipes
- Hedgehog Slice Without Condensed Milk – This old fashioned hedgehog is fudgy and indulgent featuring butter, sugar, crunchy biscuits, cocoa, eggs and coconut!
- Caramilk Hedgehog Slice – Enjoy this twist on tradition with caramelized white chocolate, biscuits, and nuts!
- Chocolate Hedgehog Slice – A decadent no-bake slab of Marie biscuits, walnuts, coconut, condensed milk and a milk chocolate topping. Easy and delicious!
Essential Ingredients
The essential ingredients listed below are affiliate links on Amazon so you can easily find and see the exact products I recommend for creating this orange hedgehog slice!
Must Have Tools
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Why is it called hedgehog slice?
The hedgehog slice gets its name from its appearance. Once the slice is cut, the surface, studded with bits of crushed biscuits and sometimes nuts, resembles the spiky back of a hedgehog.
It’s popular in Australia and New Zealand and is known for its delicious chocolate texture combined with crunchy biscuit pieces!
What can I use instead of pistachios?
If you’re allergic to pistachios or prefer a different nut, chopped almonds or walnuts make great substitutes and still provide a wonderful texture and flavor.
Expert Tips
- Measure your baking ingredients accurately: Check out my helpful guide on how to measure basic ingredients.
- Biscuit Texture: Break the biscuits into uneven pieces for a more interesting texture.
- Cutting the Slice: To cut clean slices without cracking the chocolate, let the slice sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry to slice through the chocolate layer neatly.
How to store orange hedgehog slice
Storage: Store the hedgehog in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the entire slab or individual slices in cling film, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, leave them at room temperature for a few hours until they are soft enough to eat.
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Orange Pistachio Hedgehog Slice
Ingredients
- 500 g (2 packets / 17.6 oz.) Marie biscuits, or arrowroot / plain digestives biscuits
- 150 g unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups coconut sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten and at room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 orange finely zested
- 1/2 cup salted pistachios, shells removed and roughly chopped
Instructions
- Line Baking Pan: Line a 9 x 9 inch (22cm x 22cm) square baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Crush Biscuits: In a food processor or high-speed blender, add both packets of biscuits and pulse to a medium crumb, leaving some larger chunks. Crush one packet at a time if your processor/blender is smaller. Set biscuits aside.
- Melt Butter and Sugar: Place a medium-large flat-based skillet over low heat, and add butter and sugar. Gently melt butter down, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until it’s completely melted and sugar has begun to dissolve. It won’t dissolve completely. Turn off the heat once all of the butter has melted. Allow it to cool down for 15-20 minutes.
- Check Temperature: This cooling step ensures your eggs won’t cook when added next. To test if it’s cooled enough, dip in your finger; it should feel slightly warm/at room temperature, not hot.
- Add Eggs: Once cooled, stir through beaten eggs until well combined.
- Mix Cocoa Powder: Add cocoa powder and stir until well combined. Return to stovetop and place over low heat. Continue stirring through the cocoa until it’s well blended and break up any pockets of cocoa. Stir through the orange zest once cocoa has dissolved.
- Heat Mixture: Continue to heat and stir over low-medium heat until the mixture is warm and some small bubbles begin to appear in the middle. This process will take about 3 minutes. Do not let it boil or simmer.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Turn off heat and stir through the crushed biscuits and chopped pistachios until well combined.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the mixture into the lined pan and smooth out the top. Be careful handling the pan and mixture as it will still be hot.
- Chill: Transfer the hedgehog to the refrigerator and allow it to sit for 3-4 hours or overnight until it’s firm.
- Cut and Serve: Remove hedgehog from pan and cut into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store the hedgehog in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the entire slab or individual slices in cling film, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thaw: Thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, leave them at room temperature for a few hours until they are soft enough to eat.