No-Bake Caramel Slice with Macadamia Nut Crust

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

A classic Australian dessert featuring a crunchy macadamia nut base topped with gooey homemade caramel and a smooth chocolate layer. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers digestive biscuits, crushed, macadamia nuts, chopped, unsalted butter, melted 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 290 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: 20 min Serves 12 Australian cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Line a 9x9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Combine 2 cups crushed digestive biscuits, 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts, and 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter in a bowl. Press mixture firmly into the base of the pan to form an even crust.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, and 2 tbsp golden syrup. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and turns golden caramel color, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Pour the hot caramel evenly over the prepared crust and refrigerate for 1 hour until set.
  4. Step 4: In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup heavy cream until simmering, then pour over 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
  5. Step 5: Pour chocolate ganache over the set caramel layer and refrigerate for another 2 hours until firm. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Nut Crust?

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 Nut Crust?

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 Nut Crust 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 Nut Crust?

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.

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