There is something utterly magical about this Vegan Mint Chocolate Slice Recipe that makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Imagine a rich, crumbly almond and cacao base with a luscious, fresh mint filling that melts together with a glossy layer of dark chocolate on top. Each bite brings the perfect balance of refreshing mint and decadent chocolate, all while being completely plant-based and surprisingly simple to achieve. This treat feels indulgent but is packed with wholesome ingredients that come together like a little slice of heaven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Vegan Mint Chocolate Slice Recipe is like assembling a dream team of flavors and textures. Each component plays an essential role, from the nuttiness of ground almonds giving structure, to the smoothness of coconut cream making the mint filling irresistibly creamy, and the bittersweet chocolate providing that perfect finishing touch.
- 2 cups ground almonds: The sturdy and nutty base that gives the slice its lovely crumbly texture.
- ½ cup cacao powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and rich color to the crust.
- ½ teaspoon flaky salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 4 tablespoons vegan butter (or solid coconut oil): Binds the crust ingredients and ensures a tender bite.
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Natural sweetness that complements the cocoa tones perfectly.
- 5.5 oz cacao butter (melted): Brings silkiness and helps the mint layer set beautifully.
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves: The star of the show, imparting that refreshing, bright flavor.
- 1 ½ cups coconut cream: Creates a rich and luscious base for the mint filling.
- 3 ½ tablespoons coconut butter: Adds extra creaminess and smooth texture.
- 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Sweetens the mint filling naturally and organically.
- 7 oz vegan dark chocolate (finely chopped): The crowning glory, ensuring a shiny and decadent top layer.
- 1 tablespoons vegan butter (or solid coconut oil): Gives the chocolate topping a glossy finish and soft snap.
How to Make Vegan Mint Chocolate Slice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease an 8-inch square pan with oil or vegan butter, then line it with parchment paper. This step is crucial because it guarantees your slice will come out smoothly without sticking.
Step 2: Make the Crust
Combine the ground almonds, cacao powder, flaky salt, coconut oil, and maple syrup in a food processor. Blend the ingredients until they stick together forming a dough. This process helps the flavors blend and ensures the base will hold firm but still be tender.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Press the dough evenly into the base of your prepared pan, smoothing it with a spatula or a flat-bottomed glass. Gently prick it several times with a fork to prevent bubbles while baking. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until it’s just lightly browned—this creates a wonderful nutty aroma. Then allow it to cool completely to room temperature, which is key for the next steps.
Step 4: Prepare the Mint Filling
Over a double boiler, melt the cacao butter until smooth. In a high-speed blender, combine the melted cacao butter, fresh mint leaves, coconut cream, coconut butter, and maple syrup. Blitz until silky smooth. To ensure your slice has a flawless texture, pass this mixture through a fine sieve to remove any tiny bits of mint leaf. Pour this luscious mint filling over the cooled base in an even layer, then pop it in the freezer for 2-3 hours or overnight so it sets perfectly.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Topping
Melt two-thirds of the chopped vegan dark chocolate over a double boiler. Remove it from heat and stir in the remaining chocolate and vegan butter until thoroughly melted and glossy. Spread this decadent chocolate layer evenly over the frozen mint filling and place the slice in the fridge for 15 minutes, allowing the topping to set beautifully.
Step 6: Slice with Care
To get clean, perfect slices, warm your knife by placing it in boiling water, then dry it before cutting. The heat gently melts through the chocolate layer making each cut smooth and neat—no messy edges here!
Step 7: Store Your Creation
Your Vegan Mint Chocolate Slice is best stored in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoyed within a week. If you make extra (and who wouldn’t?), you can freeze the slices to keep them fresh longer and thaw portions as you crave.
How to Serve Vegan Mint Chocolate Slice Recipe
Garnishes
Lift your presentation by garnishing each slice with a small fresh mint leaf or a light dusting of cacao powder. These little touches add a pop of color and hint at the delicious minty flavor inside.
Side Dishes
This slice pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot vegan peppermint tea or a chilled glass of almond milk for a refreshing contrast. For a special occasion, serve alongside fresh berries to add some tartness that complements the rich slice beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering this mint slice with crushed vegan cookies or serve it as a chilled dessert alongside a dollop of coconut whipped cream. You could even cut the slice into small squares and serve as bite-sized treats at a party for an elegant yet approachable dessert option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Vegan Mint Chocolate Slice Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to a week. Keep it airtight to prevent it absorbing any fridge odors and to maintain its fresh flavors and textures.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is an excellent choice. Slice it beforehand for easier portioning and store in a sealed container or freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge to keep the texture intact and enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
While this slice is best served chilled, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving as it may melt the chocolate unevenly and affect the structure.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut flour instead of ground almonds?
Absolutely! Ground cashews or hazelnuts can give the crust a slightly different but equally delicious flavor. Just make sure the nut flour is finely ground for the right texture.
Is cacao butter essential for the mint filling?
Cacao butter is important because it helps the filling set firmly and adds a creamy richness. However, if you cannot find cacao butter, a combination of coconut oil and coconut cream may work as a substitute, though the texture might be a bit softer.
Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?
Yes, you can swap maple syrup for agave nectar or brown rice syrup. Just keep in mind these alternatives might make a slight difference in the flavor and consistency, but the slice will still be delicious.
How long does it take to fully set the mint layer?
Typically, freezing the mint filling for 2 to 3 hours is enough, but overnight setting ensures the best firmness, especially if your freezer is warmer or if you want it perfectly sliceable.
Can I use fresh mint extract instead of fresh mint leaves?
While fresh mint leaves give the best natural flavor and texture, you can use a few drops of natural mint extract if you’re short on time. Be careful not to use too much as mint extract can be very strong and overpowering.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving this Vegan Mint Chocolate Slice Recipe a try in your kitchen. It’s such a rewarding treat that delivers on flavor, texture, and looks stunning on any dessert table. Whether you’re vegan or just love a refreshing chocolate dessert, this slice will quickly become one of your favorites to share with friends and family!
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Vegan Mint Chocolate Slice Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 53 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Mint Chocolate Slice is a decadent, dairy-free dessert featuring a crunchy almond and cacao crust, a smooth mint-infused coconut cream filling, and a rich dark chocolate topping. Perfectly balanced with fresh mint and pure maple syrup, this treat is ideal for refreshing and indulgent snacking, suitable for vegan diets.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups ground almonds
- ½ cup cacao powder
- ½ teaspoon flaky salt
- 4 tablespoons vegan butter (or solid coconut oil)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Mint Filling
- 5.5 oz cacao butter (melted)
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 ½ cups coconut cream
- 3 ½ tablespoons coconut butter
- 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Chocolate Topping
- 7 oz vegan dark chocolate (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter (or solid coconut oil)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease the base and sides of an 8-inch square pan with oil or vegan butter, then line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust dough: In a food processor, combine the ground almonds, cacao powder, flaky salt, coconut oil (or vegan butter), and maple syrup. Blend until the mixture sticks together forming a dough that holds its shape.
- Bake the crust: Evenly press the dough into the base of the prepared pan. Smooth it out with a spatula or flat-bottomed glass, then gently prick the dough several times with a fork. Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the mint filling: Melt the cacao butter using a double boiler. In a high-speed blender, combine the melted cacao butter, fresh mint leaves, coconut cream, coconut butter, and maple syrup. Blend until completely smooth, then strain through a fine sieve to remove any mint leaf bits. Pour this evenly over the cooled crust layer.
- Set the filling: Place the pan with the mint filling into the freezer and let it set for 2-3 hours or overnight for best results.
- Make the chocolate topping: Melt two-thirds of the finely chopped vegan dark chocolate over a double boiler. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining third of chocolate along with vegan butter until all is fully melted and smooth.
- Top and chill: Spread the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the set mint filling. Refrigerate the slice for 15 minutes to allow the topping to firm up.
- Slice and serve: To cut the slice, heat a sharp knife by placing it in boiling water, then dry it thoroughly. Use the warm knife to gently slice through the chocolate layer, allowing it to melt slightly for clean cuts.
- Storage: Store finished slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within one week. Alternatively, freeze any unused portions and thaw as needed.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh mint leaves in the filling and strain to remove any fibrous bits.
- If cacao butter is unavailable, substitute with coconut oil but the texture may vary slightly.
- Pressing and pricking the crust prevents bubbling during baking and ensures even cooking.
- The double boiler method helps melt chocolate and cacao butter gently to avoid burning.
- The heating of knife before slicing prevents cracking and creates clean, neat slices.
- This slice can be frozen for up to 1 month for extended storage.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
