If you dream in coffee and crave a little crunch with your chocolate, you’re about to fall in love with this No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice. Combining velvety smooth chocolate, a jolt of bold espresso, and the rich earthiness of walnuts, this treat is a spectacular pick-me-up that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. There’s no oven involved, just a few simple steps to an utterly decadent, layered dessert that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). Let’s dive into your new favorite way to enjoy that winning trio: coffee, chocolate, and nuts!

No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice brings something crucial—flavor, texture, or that eye-catching finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why each star deserves its place in the show.

Crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers: These form the sturdy yet tender base, giving you just the right amount of crispiness under all that lusciousness.
Walnuts (chopped): Walnuts add an earthy crunch that pairs perfectly with robust espresso and creamy chocolate—toast them for extra depth!
Unsalted butter (melted): Butter binds the base together and adds a rich, indulgent flavor that melts in your mouth.
Sweetened condensed milk: This brings the creamy sweetness that balances the cocoa and coffee, ensuring each bite is moist and luscious.
Instant espresso powder (dissolved in hot water): The espresso is what makes this slice sing with bold, aromatic coffee notes—adjust for your perfect level of buzz.
Cocoa powder: Cocoa brings a rich, slightly bitter chocolate depth, making sure each bite is as indulgent as it looks.
Vanilla extract: Vanilla smooths out the flavors, tying together coffee, chocolate, and nuts into one harmonious bite.
Semisweet or dark chocolate chips: These form the shiny, snappy top layer, offering a chocolate shell that cracks beautifully over the creamy base.
Vegetable oil: A spoonful of oil mixed into the chocolate topping ensures a glossy finish and easy slicing straight from the fridge.
Extra chopped walnuts for garnish: Scatter these on top for a bakery-worthy (and totally irresistible) finishing crunch.

How to Make No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides so you can lift the slice out easily. This seemingly small step makes clean-up a breeze and guarantees you’ll get perfect squares every time.

Step 2: Mix the Base

Grab a large bowl and combine the crushed biscuits, chopped walnuts, melted butter, sweetened condensed milk, dissolved espresso, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture looks uniform and all the biscuit crumbs are nicely moistened. This is where the magic happens: everything melds together, creating that melt-in-your-mouth, crunchy-yet-creamy base everyone loves.

Step 3: Press the Base Into the Pan

Tip the mixture into your prepared pan. Using clean hands or the back of a spatula, press it down firmly to create a compact, even layer. Don’t be shy—really pack it in! This helps your No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice hold its shape once chilled.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Topping

Pop your chocolate chips and vegetable oil into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until the chocolate is melted and completely smooth. The oil is the secret to that extra-glossy, easy-to-slice topping.

Step 5: Finish and Chill

Pour the silky melted chocolate over your biscuit base, smoothing it out to every edge. For that extra flourish, sprinkle a generous handful of chopped walnuts on top—this adds both crunch and a beautiful, bakery-style finish. Slide the whole pan into the refrigerator and let it set for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until everything is nice and firm.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift your No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice from the pan. With a sharp knife (run under hot water for extra clean cuts), slice into squares. Now, all that’s left is to dig in and savor each decadent, coffee-kissed bite!

How to Serve No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice

Garnishes

Take your presentation up a notch with a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts for crunch and visual appeal. A light dusting of cocoa powder or even a few coffee beans on the serving plate brings professional-style drama to your homemade No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice.

Side Dishes

This slice makes an ideal partner to your favorite cup of coffee, of course, but try it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries for a truly luxurious dessert spread. Even a drizzle of caramel sauce can amplify the flavors for special occasions.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the slice into elegant rectangles and arrange on a tiered cake stand for a high-tea vibe, or pop mini squares into cupcake liners for fuss-free party bites. For gifting, place slices in a pretty box and tie with a ribbon—guaranteed smiles are included!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice is set, simply keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for quick treats or lunchbox surprises all week long.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead or stash some away for future cravings, this slice freezes beautifully. Wrap individual squares in parchment or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat! In fact, the No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice is best served chilled, straight from the fridge. If you’ve frozen the slices, just give them plenty of time to thaw so the base and topping are perfectly soft and sliceable.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! Pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds make lovely swaps or additions. Each nut brings a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to customize based on your cravings or what you have on hand.

What if I don’t have instant espresso powder?

If instant espresso isn’t available, strong instant coffee granules will work, though the flavor will be a little milder. For the deepest coffee flavor in your No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice, stick with espresso if you can.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk, plant-based butter, and vegan chocolate chips. The result will still be wonderfully rich and satisfying, just with a gentle twist for your dietary needs.

How do I keep the chocolate topping from cracking?

Let the slice sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting and use a sharp, warmed knife for the cleanest slices. The touch of vegetable oil in the chocolate helps keep it flexible and minimizes cracking, too.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Simply use a 9×13-inch pan and double all the ingredients. The No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice is a crowd-pleasing dessert—perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you want to spread the love.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new dessert obsession, the No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice is guaranteed to become a staple in your treat repertoire. It’s quick, full of flavor, and endlessly irresistible—so don’t be surprised if it disappears fast. Try it once and you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it!

No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 16 slices 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate with this easy-to-make No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice. A perfect treat for coffee lovers!

Ingredients

Scale

Base:

2 cups crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons instant espresso powder, dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Topping:

1 1/2 cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Extra chopped walnuts for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Base: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Mix crushed biscuits, walnuts, melted butter, condensed milk, dissolved espresso, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Press firmly into the dish.
Make the Chocolate Topping: Melt chocolate chips with vegetable oil in the microwave. Pour over the base and spread evenly. Sprinkle with extra walnuts.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours until firm. Slice into squares and serve.