Tim Tam Inspired No-Bake Chocolate Caramel Bars
Decadent no-bake bars layered with chocolate, smooth caramel, and crunchy biscuit base, inspired by Australia's beloved Tim Tam biscuits. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers crushed finely digestive biscuits, melted unsalted butter, (395 g) sweetened condensed milk 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 200 g, crushed finely digestive biscuits
- 100 g, melted unsalted butter
- 1 can (395 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 200 g, chopped dark chocolate
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper. Combine 200 g finely crushed digestive biscuits with 100 g melted unsalted butter in a bowl until mixture resembles wet sand. Press evenly into the base of the pan to form a firm crust.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 can (395 g) sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, 2 tbsp golden syrup, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir constantly for 8-10 minutes until mixture thickens and turns a rich caramel color.
- Step 3: Pour the caramel evenly over the biscuit base and refrigerate for 1 hour until set.
- Step 4: Heat 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering, then pour over 200 g chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit 2 minutes then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 5: Pour the chocolate ganache over the caramel layer and spread evenly. Refrigerate again for at least 2 hours until firm before cutting into bars.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tim Tam Inspired No-Bake Chocolate Caramel Bars 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 Tim Tam Inspired No-Bake Chocolate Caramel Bars?
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 Tim Tam Inspired No-Bake Chocolate Caramel Bars?
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 Tim Tam Inspired No-Bake Chocolate Caramel Bars 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 Tim Tam Inspired No-Bake Chocolate Caramel Bars?
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.