Hedgehog slice

Hedgehog slice is a popular and traditional Australian dessert known for its unique texture and rich, sweet flavor. It is a no-bake treat that consists of crushed biscuits, desiccated coconut, cocoa, and condensed milk, all mixed together and then topped with a layer of chocolate icing. The dessert gets its name from its appearance, which is reminiscent of a hedgehog's spiky exterior.

Etymology

The term "hedgehog slice" is believed to have originated in Australia, where the dessert is most popular. The name is thought to be derived from the appearance of the dessert, which, with its rough, textured surface, somewhat resembles the spiky exterior of a hedgehog. However, the exact origins of the term are unknown.

Ingredients and Preparation

The primary ingredients in a hedgehog slice are crushed biscuits, desiccated coconut, cocoa, and condensed milk. These are mixed together to form the base of the dessert. The mixture is then topped with a layer of chocolate icing, which is made from butter, icing sugar, and more cocoa.

To prepare a hedgehog slice, the biscuits are first crushed into small pieces. The crushed biscuits are then combined with the desiccated coconut, cocoa, and condensed milk in a large bowl. This mixture is pressed into a lined baking tray and refrigerated until firm.

While the base is chilling, the chocolate icing is prepared. Butter, icing sugar, and cocoa are mixed together until smooth. This icing is then spread over the chilled base and the entire dessert is refrigerated again until the icing is set. Once set, the hedgehog slice is cut into squares or rectangles before serving.

Variations

There are many variations of the hedgehog slice. Some recipes include additional ingredients such as nuts, marshmallows, or dried fruit. Others substitute the traditional biscuits with other types of cookies or crackers. There are also variations in the type of chocolate used in the icing, with some recipes calling for dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate.

See Also

• Lamington
• Anzac biscuit
• Pavlova (dessert)

References

Hedgehog slice Resources
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