Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of spiced rum wafted through the kitchen as I prepared to create a holiday masterpiece—my Boozy Christmas Tiffin. This traditional Scottish treat combines crushed gingernuts, creamy butter, and rich chocolate into an absolutely delightful dessert. With the optional splash of alcohol, it transforms into a festive indulgence that’s both easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Not only does this recipe come together in just a few simple steps, but it also offers a nostalgic nod to the flavors of Christmas pudding, making it a perfect offering for your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re serving it alongside coffee or sharing it with loved ones, this Boozy Christmas Tiffin is bound to elevate your celebrations. Ready to uncover how to bring this festive delight to your table? Let’s dive in! Why is this Tiffin a festive must-try? Ease of Preparation: This recipe is a breeze to whip up, with minimal cooking skills required—just melt, mix, and set! Festive Flavor: The blend of rich chocolate, spiced rum, and seasonal spices evokes the cozy essence of Christmas in every bite. Unique Twist: While traditional, the boozy spin on this Scottish classic makes it a standout dessert for holiday parties or cozy gatherings. Crowd-Pleaser: With its appealing texture and delightful taste, this Tiffin is sure to impress family and friends—perfect for any festive dessert table. Versatile Options: Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite nuts or even a hint of orange zest for a fresh twist! You might also enjoy making a refreshing Watermelon Banana Smoothie to balance the richness of this treat. Simple Christmas Tiffin Ingredients For the Base Gingernuts – A crunchy foundation for the Tiffin; Digestive biscuits can be used for a milder flavor. Butter – Provides richness and binds the ingredients; opt for unsalted for flavor control. Sugar – Adds sweetness; brown sugar deepens the flavor profile. Golden Syrup – Acts as a sweetener and binder; honey is a viable but flavor-changing alternative. Cocoa Powder – Imbues a rich chocolate flavor; ensure it’s unsweetened for the best results. Mixed Spice – Gives warmth and echoes festive flavors; use pumpkin pie spice if needed. For the Fruity Mix Raisins – Adds chewiness; soaking in spiced rum enhances the overall flavor. Dried cranberries can substitute if preferred. Cranberries – Introduces tartness; feel free to swap with cherries or more raisins. For the Boozy Twist Spiced Rum – Enhances the Christmas flavor profile; omit for a non-alcoholic take. For the Topping Dark Chocolate – Provides a rich and decadent finish; semi-sweet chocolate is an acceptable alternative. White Chocolate – Ideal for decorative swirls; can be left out if simplicity is desired. Create your festive masterpiece with these simple Christmas Tiffin ingredients! Happy baking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Simple Christmas Tiffin Step 1: Prep Raisins Start by soaking the raisins in spiced rum overnight. This helps them absorb the flavors and enhances their chewiness. Make sure to cover them well and place them in a cool, dark spot. By the time you start assembling your Simple Christmas Tiffin, the raisins will be plumpy and bursting with festive flavor. Step 2: Prepare Baking Pan Next, grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) square tin with baking paper. This will ensure that your Simple Christmas Tiffin comes out easily once set. Press the baking paper into the corners and sides of the tin, allowing some overhang to make it easier to lift the Tiffin out later. Step 3: Crush Biscuits Now, take the gingernuts and place them in a ziplock bag. Use a rolling pin to crush them into coarse chunks, making sure there are a variety of sizes for texture. This process should take just a few minutes, and you’ll want to end up with about 2-3 cups of crushed biscuits for the base of your Simple Christmas Tiffin. Step 4: Melt Mixture In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter, sugar, golden syrup, mixed spice, and cocoa powder together over low heat. Stir continuously for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well combined. Once melted, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly before adding the biscuits and fruit. Step 5: Combine Ingredients Once your melted mixture has cooled slightly, stir in the crushed biscuits, soaked raisins, and cranberries until everything is well coated. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should look fudgy and sticky; this is the perfect consistency for your Simple Christmas Tiffin. Step 6: Form Base Transfer the mixture to your prepared tin. Using the back of a spoon, press it down evenly across the tin, packing it tightly to ensure it holds its shape. Take a moment to smooth the top and create an even surface; this base will be the foundation of your delicious Simple Christmas Tiffin. Step 7: Melt Chocolate For the topping, melt the dark chocolate in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overheat it; once melted, pour it over the pressed Tiffin base and use a spatula to spread it out evenly, creating a glossy finish. Step 8: Decorate To add a decorative touch, melt the white chocolate similarly, then drizzle lines over the dark chocolate topping. Use a skewer or toothpick to swirl the white chocolate into fun patterns. This adds a personal touch to your Simple Christmas Tiffin and makes it visually appealing for holiday gatherings. Step 9: Set Place your assembled Tiffin in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This chilling time is crucial to achieve the perfect texture, allowing the chocolate to set completely. Keep an eye on it, as it should feel solid but still slightly yielding when pressed. Step 10: Serve Once set, lift the Simple Christmas Tiffin out of the tin using the overhanging baking paper. Slice it into squares using a sharp knife for clean cuts. Arrange the pieces on a platter and enjoy them as a festive treat or share them with friends and family at your holiday celebrations. What to Serve with Boozy Christmas Tiffin As you prepare to indulge in this delightful festive treat, consider pairing it with complementary sides and beverages that elevate your holiday experience. Rich Coffee: A classic beverage that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, fudgy texture of tiffin, enhancing its flavors. Creamy Eggnog: This luxurious drink adds a festive spirit to your dessert, perfectly matching the rich chocolate and spices. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess and cold temperature contrast with the warmth of the Tiffin, bringing a delightful play of textures. Each bite becomes a lovely fusion of hot and cold that’s irresistible during the holidays. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful medley of seasonal fruits adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the dessert beautifully. Consider including pomegranate seeds for an extra festive touch. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Elevate your dessert experience with fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate; they add a refreshing twist and a hint of elegance. Mulled Wine: The warm spices and wine aromas echo the holiday vibe while bringing a cozy element to your Tiffin experience. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it warms the heart and soul. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses, such as brie or camembert, provides a savory counterbalance to the sweetness of the Tiffin. Serve with crackers for added crunch. Celebrate with a Sherry: A glass of sweet sherry complements the boozy richness of the Tiffin, making each bite feel even more luxurious. With these delightful pairings, your Boozy Christmas Tiffin will surely be the star of the table, inviting both warmth and scrumptious enjoyment to your festive celebrations! Make Ahead Options These Boozy Christmas Tiffins are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the base mixture—crushed biscuits, soaked raisins, and the warming spices—up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the initial steps, pressing the mixture into the tin, and then cover tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. For the chocolate topping, melt it just before serving to maintain that glossy finish—this extra step ensures your Tiffin looks as delightful as it tastes. When you’re ready to enjoy the treats, simply drizzle the topping and place the Tiffin in the fridge for a couple of hours to set. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have more time to enjoy the festive spirit while impressing guests with this delicious dessert! How to Store and Freeze Simple Christmas Tiffin Fridge: Store your Simple Christmas Tiffin in an airtight container for up to a week. This keeps it fresh while preserving its rich flavors and fudgy texture. Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the Tiffin for up to 3 months. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for easy access. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply remove from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge for a couple of hours. Enjoy the delightful taste of this festive treat whenever you desire! Reheating: There’s no need to reheat—simply slice and serve chilled, or allow it to come to room temperature for the best experience. Expert Tips for Simple Christmas Tiffin Soak Raisins Longer: Allow raisins to soak for at least 8 hours or overnight for a richer flavor infusion. Chocolate Melting: Melt chocolate over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave to prevent burning; keep stirring to achieve a smooth consistency. Firming Time: Be patient! Let your Simple Christmas Tiffin set in the fridge for a full 2 hours to ensure it holds together when sliced. Clean Cuts: Use a sharp knife and lightly warm it under hot water for perfectly clean cuts—no crumbles! Storage Advice: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage; just remember to thaw before serving! Simple Christmas Tiffin Variations Feel free to customize your Boozy Christmas Tiffin to delight every palate and occasion! Alcohol-Free: Omit the spiced rum altogether for a kid-friendly and non-alcoholic treat. Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or hazelnuts for an extra layer of texture and flavor. Toss them into the chocolate mixture to ensure they’re evenly distributed. Citrus Zing: Incorporate a teaspoon of orange zest for a refreshing twist that brightens every bite. You might also enjoy adding a splash of orange juice to the mix for added moisture and flavor. Minty Fresh: Stir in some crushed peppermint candies for a festive burst of mint that pairs beautifully with chocolate. This fresh flavor adds an exciting holiday flair! Fruity Swaps: Use dried apricots or cherries instead of raisins for a delightful change in both color and taste. Experimenting with different dried fruits can surprise your taste buds! Sweet Heat: For those who enjoy some spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate topping to create a deliciously unexpected kick. The heat balances the sweetness perfectly. Flavor Mashup: Mix in a tablespoon of chai spice or pumpkin pie spice instead of the traditional mixed spice for a unique flavor profile that still warms the soul. Creamy Layer: Add a layer of your favorite nut butter, like almond or cashew, under the chocolate topping for creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the crunchy Tiffin base. These variations not only enhance your Boozy Christmas Tiffin, but they also allow you to showcase your creativity! Looking for a light, refreshing drink to serve alongside? Try a delightful Watermelon Banana Smoothie to balance out the rich flavors. Happy baking! Boozy Christmas Tiffin Recipe FAQs What type of biscuits should I use for the Tiffin? I recommend using gingernuts for a delicious crunch and flavor, but if you prefer a milder taste, Digestive biscuits work beautifully as a substitute. Just remember that the key is to have a sturdy biscuit that can hold its shape when mixed with the other ingredients. How should I store my Boozy Christmas Tiffin? Store your Boozy Christmas Tiffin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This will keep it fresh and maintain its rich, fudgy texture. If you find yourself with leftovers, you can also freeze it for longer storage—up to 3 months! Can I freeze the Boozy Christmas Tiffin? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they’ll be protected from freezer burn and can be enjoyed whenever a sweet craving strikes. Just remember to let them thaw in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving! What if my chocolate topping is too thick or clumpy? If you find your chocolate topping has thickened or clumped while melting, no worries! Simply return it to low heat and stir in a teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil. This will help thin it out, making it easy to pour and spread over your Tiffin base for that glossy finish. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Yes! If you’re serving the Boozy Christmas Tiffin at gatherings, be mindful of any food allergies your guests may have, particularly regarding chocolate or dried fruits. You can always make a non-alcoholic version by omitting the spiced rum. Additionally, for a nut-free option, skip any nuts you might want to add. How can I ensure my Tiffin sets properly? To achieve the best texture, make sure to let your Boozy Christmas Tiffin chill in the fridge for a full 2 hours. This is crucial for the chocolate topping and the base to firm up. If you’re in a hurry, keeping it in the freezer for 30 minutes can also help, but be careful not to freeze it solid! Simple Christmas Tiffin: A Festive Treat with a Boozy Twist No ratings yet Enjoy a delightful Simple Christmas Tiffin with a boozy twist, combining crushed gingernuts, rich chocolate, and spiced rum for a perfect holiday treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins Servings: 12 squaresCourse: DessertCuisine: ScottishCalories: 220 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base200 g Gingernuts or Digestive biscuits100 g Butter unsalted for flavor control100 g Sugar brown sugar preferred70 g Golden Syrup honey can be used as an alternative30 g Cocoa Powder ensure it's unsweetened1 tsp Mixed Spice pumpkin pie spice can be usedFor the Fruity Mix100 g Raisins soaked in spiced rum overnight100 g Cranberries or dried cherriesFor the Boozy Twist50 ml Spiced Rum omit for a non-alcoholic versionFor the Topping100 g Dark Chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate50 g White Chocolate optional for decorative swirls Equipment Medium saucepan20cm (8-inch) square tinRolling Pinziplock bag Method Preparation StepsSoak the raisins in spiced rum overnight to absorb flavors.Grease and line a 20cm square tin with baking paper.Crush the gingernuts in a ziplock bag using a rolling pin.Melt butter, sugar, golden syrup, mixed spice, and cocoa powder in a saucepan over low heat.Combine the crushed biscuits, soaked raisins, and cranberries into the melted mixture.Transfer the mixture into the prepared tin and press down evenly.Melt dark chocolate and spread it over the pressed Tiffin base.Melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the dark chocolate, swirling for decoration.Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours until set.Lift out of the tin, slice, and serve as festive treat. Nutrition Serving: 1squareCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 40mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. Freezing is an option for longer storage. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
