This Tim Tam slice is one of those recipes that people cannot believe is so easy to make. A buttery biscuit base, a creamy chocolate filling and a smooth dark chocolate topping, all coming together in under 30 minutes with no baking required. It is rich, indulgent and completely irresistible.
I have been making this Tim Tam slice recipe for years and it is always the first thing to disappear from any dessert table. The combination of crushed Tim Tams through the base and filling gives it a flavour that is unmistakably Australian.
In this post I will walk you through every step, share my tips for getting the layers clean and even, and give you a few variations to try once you have the base recipe down.
Table of Contents
Why this Tim Tam slice recipe works
No-bake slices live or die by the quality of their layers. This Tim Tam slice gets every layer right.
- A base that holds together perfectly. Crushed Tim Tams mixed with melted butter create a firm, flavourful base that slices cleanly without crumbling.
- A creamy, fudgy middle layer. Condensed milk and cream cheese give the filling a rich, smooth texture that sets firmly in the fridge.
- A glossy chocolate topping. A simple ganache-style topping sets with a beautiful shine and cuts cleanly when chilled properly.
- No baking required. This Tim Tam slice is made entirely in the fridge, which means no oven and no timing stress.
A little story from my kitchen
I made this Tim Tam slice for a friend’s birthday years ago thinking it would be a simple, easy option. What I did not expect was for it to completely upstage the birthday cake.
Three people asked me for the recipe before the party was over. I have since shared it with so many people that I have lost count of how many times it has been made in other kitchens.
It is one of those recipes that looks far more impressive than the effort involved. And that is exactly the kind of baking I love most.
The key ingredients for this Tim Tam slice
Tim Tams
The star of the show. Two packets are needed for this Tim Tam slice, one for the base and one crushed through the filling for extra flavour and texture. Original Tim Tams work best here as the flavour is the most versatile.
Cream cheese
Full fat cream cheese gives the filling its rich, smooth texture and helps it set firmly in the fridge. Make sure it is properly softened at room temperature before mixing or you will end up with lumps in the filling layer.
Sweetened condensed milk
Condensed milk adds sweetness and helps bind the filling so it sets with a fudgy, sliceable texture. According to BBC Good Food, sweetened condensed milk is one of the most reliable setting agents for no-bake slices because its high sugar content creates a firm, stable texture when chilled.
Dark chocolate for the topping
Good quality dark chocolate melted with a little cream makes a smooth, glossy topping that balances the sweetness of the filling beautifully. Use at least 70% cocoa dark chocolate for the best contrast of flavours in this Tim Tam slice.
Ingredients you will need
For the base
- 1 packet Tim Tams (200g), crushed
- 80g butter, melted
For the filling
- 250g cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 packet Tim Tams (200g), roughly crushed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping
- 200g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup thickened cream
This Tim Tam slice makes about 16 squares from a standard 20 x 20cm tin.
How to make this Tim Tam slice step by step
- Line a 20 x 20cm square tin with baking paper, leaving overhang on all sides for easy removal.
- Crush the first packet of Tim Tams into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-lock bag and rolling with a rolling pin. Mix with the melted butter until evenly combined.
- Press the base mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared tin. Use the back of a spoon or the base of a glass to compact it well. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.
- For the filling, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the condensed milk and vanilla extract and beat until well combined and creamy.
- Roughly crush the second packet of Tim Tams and fold through the cream cheese mixture by hand.
- Spread the filling evenly over the chilled base. Smooth the top with a spatula and return to the fridge for 30 minutes.
- For the topping, heat the cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Remove from heat, add the chopped dark chocolate and stir until completely melted and smooth. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Pour the chocolate topping over the filling layer and spread evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until completely set.
- Use the baking paper to lift the Tim Tam slice from the tin. Cut into squares with a warm, dry knife for the cleanest slices.
Tim Tam slice troubleshooting
Here are the most common problems with this Tim Tam slice and how to fix them.
Filling is lumpy
- Cream cheese too cold. Always bring the cream cheese to room temperature before beating. Cold cream cheese will not beat smooth and will leave lumps in the filling of your Tim Tam slice.
Chocolate topping cracking when sliced
- Slice too cold when cutting. Remove the Tim Tam slice from the fridge 5 minutes before cutting and use a knife warmed under hot water, dried well, for each cut.
Base not holding together
- Not pressed firmly enough. The base needs to be compacted very firmly into the tin. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to press it down hard and evenly before chilling.
Tim Tam Slice
Course: Dessert, SliceCuisine: AustralianDifficulty: Easy16
squares30
minutes310
kcal150
minutesA no-bake Tim Tam slice with a crushed Tim Tam base, creamy condensed milk filling and a smooth dark chocolate ganache topping. Rich, indulgent and ready in 30 minutes plus chilling time.
Ingredients
- Base
1 packet Tim Tams (200g), crushed to fine crumbs
80 g butter, melted
- Filling
250 g cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 packet Tim Tams (200g), roughly crushed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate Topping
200 g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
1/2 cup thickened cream
Directions
- Line a 20 x 20cm square tin with baking paper leaving overhang on all sides.
- Crush first packet of Tim Tams to fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and press firmly into the tin. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add condensed milk and vanilla, beat until creamy.
- Fold roughly crushed second packet of Tim Tams through the filling. Spread over the chilled base and refrigerate 30 minutes.
- Heat cream until simmering. Remove from heat, add chopped chocolate and stir until smooth. Cool 5 minutes then pour over filling.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set. Lift out using the paper, slice with a warm dry knife.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese fully: Cold cream cheese will not beat smooth. Leave it out for at least 30 minutes before starting this Tim Tam slice.
- Warm knife trick: Run your knife under hot water and dry it before each cut for the cleanest slices.
- Overnight is best: This Tim Tam slice sets and slices much more cleanly if left in the fridge overnight rather than just 2 hours.
- Variation tip: Try double coat Tim Tams in the base for an even richer chocolate flavour.
Variations to try
The base Tim Tam slice recipe is brilliant as is, but here are a few ways to mix it up.
Double coat Tim Tam slice
Use double coat Tim Tams in the base layer for an extra thick, fudgier crumb that holds together even better when sliced.
Salted caramel Tim Tam slice
Drizzle a few tablespoons of store-bought salted caramel sauce over the filling layer before adding the chocolate topping. The salty caramel cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
White chocolate topping
Replace the dark chocolate topping with white chocolate melted with cream for a sweeter, creamier finish. Decorate with crushed Tim Tams on top before the chocolate sets.
Make ahead and storage
This Tim Tam slice is an ideal make-ahead treat that keeps beautifully in the fridge.
Fridge
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The Tim Tam slice actually improves after a day as the layers meld together and the flavour deepens.
Freezer
This Tim Tam slice freezes well for up to 2 months. Cut into squares first, layer between baking paper and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Serving tip
Remove the Tim Tam slice from the fridge about 10 minutes before serving. The filling softens slightly at room temperature and the flavour is more pronounced when it is not ice cold.
Australian recipes you might like
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tim Tam slice need to set in the fridge?
A minimum of 2 hours is needed for this Tim Tam slice to set properly, but overnight is strongly recommended for the cleanest slices and the best flavour. The layers firm up significantly with a longer chill time.
Can I use a different biscuit instead of Tim Tams in this slice?
Yes. Oreos, Chocolate Ripple biscuits or any chocolate-coated biscuit work well as a substitute in this Tim Tam slice recipe. The flavour will be slightly different but the method and ratios stay the same.
Why is my Tim Tam slice filling lumpy?
This is almost always caused by cream cheese that was not fully softened before beating. Always bring it to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before you start, and beat it on its own until completely smooth before adding the condensed milk.
Can I make this Tim Tam slice without cream cheese?
Yes. Replace the cream cheese with the same quantity of softened butter for a richer, more fudge-like filling. The texture will be denser but it sets just as well in the fridge.
How do I get clean slices from a Tim Tam slice?
The key is a warm, dry knife and a well-chilled slice. Run your knife under hot water, wipe it completely dry, and make each cut in one smooth downward motion. Wipe and rewarm the knife between cuts for the neatest result.
This Tim Tam slice is the kind of recipe that earns you a reputation as the person who brings the best thing to every gathering. Make it once and you will understand why it disappears so fast.
Happy cooking from my Newcastle kitchen.
Ella x
