No-Bake Caramel Slice with Macadamia Crunch

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A luscious no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy biscuit base, a rich caramel layer, and a topping of roasted macadamia nuts for a classic Australian treat. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 35 minutes layers melted unsalted butter, (395 g) sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 12 Australian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Line a 9x9 inch (23x23 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine 200 g crushed digestive biscuits with 100 g melted unsalted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the base of the prepared pan.
  2. Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 can (395 g) sweetened condensed milk, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 60 g unsalted butter, and 2 tbsp golden syrup. Stir continuously and cook for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a caramel color.
  3. Step 3: Pour the caramel evenly over the biscuit base and sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped roasted macadamia nuts on top, pressing gently.
  4. Step 4: Melt 150 g chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel and nuts layer.
  5. Step 5: Refrigerate the slice for at least 3 hours until set. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Bake Caramel Slice with Macadamia Crunch take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover No-Bake Caramel Slice with Macadamia Crunch?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Caramel Slice with Macadamia Crunch?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale No-Bake Caramel Slice with Macadamia Crunch for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with No-Bake Caramel Slice with Macadamia Crunch?

Australian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.