New Day, New Recipe - Chocolate Caramel Peanut Slice

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL PEANUT SLICE

Mmm.. In this stinging weather who would not like hot chocolate with a yummy slice of cake-like goodies? Then stuff your face with this one!
We find the best way to get through the week is to have something truly delicious in the middle of it - this slice is it!

Preparation Time

30 minutes

Cooking Time

40 minutes

Ingredients (serves 16)

• Melted butter, to grease
• 190g (1 1/4 cups) self-raising flour
• 70g (1/3 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar
• 120g butter, melted

• Caramel filling

• 1 x 395g can sweetened condensed milk
• 70g (1/3 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar
• 60g butter

• Chocolate & peanut topping

• 150g (1 cup) unsalted roasted peanuts
• 300g good-quality dark cooking chocolate, chopped
• 80ml (1/3 cup) thickened cream

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Brush a 13 x 30cm (base measurement) loaf pan with melted butter to lightly grease. Line the base and 2 opposite sides with non-stick baking paper, allowing the sides to overhang.
2. To make the biscuit base, combine the flour and sugar in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter and stir until just combined. Spoon mixture into the prepared pan and press firmly over the base. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven.
3. Meanwhile: to make the caramel filling, combine the condensed milk, sugar and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for 8 minutes or until caramel thickens (do not boil).
4. Pour the hot caramel over the biscuit base. Bake in oven for 15 minutes or until caramel begins to bubble. Remove from oven and set aside for 1 hour to cool slightly.
5. To make the chocolate & peanut topping: sprinkle the caramel evenly with peanuts. Place the chocolate and cream in a medium saucepan over low heat and stir with a metal spoon for 3-4 minutes or until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture evenly over the peanuts and use a round-bladed knife to smooth the surface. Place in the fridge for 1-2 hours to set. Cut into 16 pieces to serve.