If you have a sweet tooth and love a dessert that’s both delightfully rich and wonderfully textured, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Biscuit Cake with Ganache and Golden Raisins Recipe. Imagine crunchy digestive biscuits mingling with luscious semi-sweet chocolate, silky ganache coating the top, and bursts of chewy golden raisins adding a subtle fruity sweetness. This no-bake cake feels indulgent yet approachable, making it a fantastic treat to share with friends or savor on a cozy evening at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two clear glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface, side by side. The left bowl contains unmixed ingredients: shiny golden honey on the left, creamy white thick yogurt or cream on the right, and a pile of dark brown chopped chocolate pieces in the middle, creating a mix of three layers with different colors and textures. The right bowl shows the same mixture fully stirred into a smooth, glossy dark brown chocolate batter, with a wooden spatula coated in chocolate resting inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and pleasing textures. Each element plays a special role—from the buttery richness to the juicy golden raisins, every bite is a delight.

Digestive biscuits (14 oz/397 g): Provide the perfect crunchy base with a slightly nutty flavor that complements chocolate wonderfully.
Butter (2 cups/16 oz/450 g): Adds creaminess and helps bind the cake together for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (2 cups/12 oz/340 g): Delivers deep chocolate flavor and a luxurious smoothness.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (4 ½ tablespoons): Boosts the chocolate intensity and gives a beautiful dark color.
Golden syrup (½ cup plus 2 tablespoons/6 ¼ oz/177 g): Adds a subtle caramel sweetness that balances the bitterness of the cocoa.
Golden raisins (½ cup/2 ½ oz/71 g): Introduce chewy bursts of natural sweetness and a lovely contrast to the crunch.
Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Sharpens the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
For the ganache: Semi-sweet chocolate (½ cup/3 oz/85 g) and heavy whipping cream (⅓ cup/2 ½ fl oz/80 ml) create a glossy, silky topping that complements the cake perfectly.
Chopped chocolate (2 tablespoons/1 oz/30 g) for garnish: Adds an elegant, textured finish.

How to Make Chocolate Biscuit Cake with Ganache and Golden Raisins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pan and Crush the Biscuits

Start by buttering an 8 inch (20 cm) round cake pan and lining it with three layers of cling wrap, making sure to leave some overhanging edges for easy removal later. Place the digestive biscuits in a ziplock bag and bash them gently with a rolling pin. You want a mix of smaller crumbs and larger chunks for texture, so don’t overdo it!

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture

Combine butter, chopped semi-sweet chocolate, cocoa powder, and golden syrup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30 second bursts, stirring in between, until everything is melted and smooth. This usually takes 60 to 90 seconds—take care not to overcook to keep it silky.

Step 3: Mix in Biscuits, Raisins, and Flavorings

Now for the fun part—stir in those crushed biscuits along with the golden raisins, vanilla extract, and salt to the warm chocolate mixture. The biscuits soak up the chocolate, while the raisins add little juicy surprises throughout.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Cake

Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan, pressing it down evenly and firmly so the pieces stick well together. Cover the top with the cling wrap overhang and pop the cake into the fridge. After about 2 hours, it will be firm, ready for the luscious ganache topping.

Step 5: Make the Silky Chocolate Ganache

Combine semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat for about 50 seconds, then let it rest for 5 minutes so the chocolate melts perfectly. Whisk gently until smooth and shiny, reheating briefly if necessary to remove any lumps.

Step 6: Assemble and Chill Again

Unmold the set biscuit cake by carefully lifting it out using the cling wrap. Invert it onto a serving plate, pour the ganache over the top, and spread it smoothly with a spoon. Sprinkle finely chopped chocolate around the edges to add texture and a pretty finish. Chill the cake for at least one hour to let the ganache set beautifully.

How to Serve Chocolate Biscuit Cake with Ganache and Golden Raisins Recipe

The image shows a round chocolate biscuit cake on a white plate with blue floral patterns, placed on a white marbled tablecloth with pink and blue flowers. The cake has one layer made of a dark chocolate mix combined with visible chunks of light-colored biscuit pieces spread evenly throughout. The top of the cake is coated with a smooth layer of dark chocolate, decorated with irregular pieces of chocolate along the edge. A slice of the cake is cut and slightly pulled away, revealing the thick, dense, and textured inside. In the background, there is a piece of the same cake on a plain white plate and a glass cup with a brown coffee or tea. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This cake loves a simple yet elegant garnish. Finely chopped chocolate enhances the texture, while a few extra golden raisins or a light dusting of cocoa powder will brighten each slice and invite guests to dig in happily.

Side Dishes

Serve this rich cake alongside lightly whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the intense chocolate flavors. A cup of strong coffee or robust black tea also pairs beautifully and rounds out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, slice this cake into small bite-sized squares and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy sharing. Alternatively, layer it with whipped cream and berries served in clear glasses for an inventive dessert parfait that showcases the cake’s crumbly texture and rich ganache layers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake holds up wonderfully when stored in the fridge. Keep leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days. The flavors even deepen with time, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert.

Freezing

You can freeze the biscuit cake either with or without the ganache topping. Wrap tightly in cling film and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a soft, ready-to-serve treat that keeps well for up to a month.

Reheating

Enjoy this cake chilled or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving as it can affect the texture. Instead, let it sit out for 20 minutes before serving to bring out the full flavor and soften the ganache slightly for the best eating experience.

FAQs

Can I use other types of biscuits instead of digestive biscuits?

Absolutely! While digestive biscuits offer the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, you can experiment with graham crackers, tea biscuits, or even shortbread to tweak the flavor and texture to your liking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional digestive biscuits contain gluten, so this cake is not gluten-free as written. However, using gluten-free biscuits can make it accessible to those avoiding gluten without compromising on taste.

Can I substitute golden syrup with honey or maple syrup?

Golden syrup has a distinctive caramel flavor and thickness, but honey or maple syrup can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind they will slightly alter the taste and texture of the cake.

How long does the ganache stay fresh after making?

The ganache can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container. Before using, gently warm and stir it to regain that glossy, pourable consistency.

What’s the best way to cut this cake cleanly?

Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This ensures smooth cuts without tugging the ganache or crumbling the biscuit base.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Biscuit Cake with Ganache and Golden Raisins Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and a dessert that feels both nostalgic and sophisticated. It’s a joy to make and even more fun to share. Go ahead and give it a try—you may just find your new favorite chocolate treat to impress family and friends with every bite!