Irresistibly Crispy No-Bake Orange Infused Chocolate Crisps: Your Perfect 4-Ingredient Holiday Treat

Well, hello there, fellow sweet tooth enthusiasts! Happy Saturday, and greetings from what feels like a perpetual post-Thanksgiving food coma. The holiday season is truly upon us, and with it comes a craving for all things delicious, comforting, and ideally, incredibly easy to make. That’s precisely why I’m thrilled to finally share the recipe for these amazing no-bake orange infused chocolate crisps – a simple yet sophisticated treat that will undoubtedly become your new holiday favorite!

You see, yesterday was a whirlwind. While I initially planned to post this delightful recipe, I got wonderfully sidetracked by the siren call of Black Friday deals. But don’t picture me braving the madness of crowded stores; instead, I cozied up on my couch, enveloped by a mountain of pillows (the only way to find comfort these days!), with my laptop strategically placed. My primary mission? Stocking up for my little “nugget.” Oh, my goodness, the sheer volume of adorable baby essentials out there! With our little one on the way, it was the perfect excuse to gather all the cute gear. Now, the anticipation for those packages to arrive is almost as sweet as these crisps!

But enough about my shopping adventures, I know you’re here for the real star of the show: these unbelievably easy and utterly delicious crispy chocolate clusters! Prepare yourself for a symphony of textures and flavors. Imagine golden, crunchy corn flakes and delicate rice krispies, all generously coated in a rich, pure chocolate that’s been beautifully infused with bright, aromatic orange zest. What’s not to love about that? If you’ve been following along, you might notice a delightful trend: my ongoing obsession with the magical orange-chocolate flavor combination. Do you recall last year’s orange hot chocolate? Or perhaps you’ve indulged in these exquisite orange cardamom truffles? If not, what are you waiting for? This latest creation continues that tradition, offering a new way to savor this classic pairing.

The Magic of No-Bake: Effortless Elegance for the Holidays

One of the greatest joys of these orange infused chocolate crisps is their incredible simplicity. They require absolutely no baking whatsoever. That’s right – no preheating ovens, no precise timers, and no worrying about uneven browning. The process is straightforward: just melting, mixing, scooping, and then the hardest part of all… waiting! But trust me, the wait is more than worth it for the irresistible result.

These no-bake wonders are a true lifesaver during the bustling holiday season. When your oven is constantly occupied with roasts, casseroles, or other festive bakes, having a show-stopping dessert that doesn’t demand oven space is an absolute game-changer. They’re also perfect for involving little helpers in the kitchen (minus the hot chocolate melting part!), making for a fun, family-friendly activity that ends with a delicious reward. Their light and airy crunch, combined with the intense flavor of dark chocolate brightened by fresh orange, makes them an elegant addition to any dessert platter or a thoughtful homemade gift.

Inspired by a Culinary Icon: My Twist on a Classic

While I adore experimenting in the kitchen, I must confess that the brilliant idea for these chocolate crisps didn’t entirely spring from my own mind. I happily borrowed the concept from none other than the legendary Barefoot Contessa show. You know how much I admire Ina Garten, right? Her philosophy of simple, elegant, and utterly delicious food deeply resonates with me, and her recipes always serve as fantastic starting points for my own culinary adventures.

In Ina’s original version, she often uses a combination of dark and milk chocolate, and sometimes just cornflakes. For my take, I wanted to enhance both the texture and the flavor intensity. That’s why I introduced a bit of rice krispies into the mix, adding an extra layer of light, airy crispness that truly elevates each bite. And because I’m a firm believer in the bold, rich notes of dark chocolate, I opted for all semi-sweet chocolate, which provides a deep, luxurious base that beautifully complements the vibrant orange. The most crucial modification, of course, was to infuse that chocolate with fresh orange zest, transforming a simple chocolate crisp into something truly extraordinary.

A Lesson Learned: The Secret to Perfect Orange Infusion

Now, for a humorous, yet important, anecdote from my kitchen chronicles. When I first set out to infuse my chocolate with orange, I thought I’d get fancy. Against my better judgment, I decided to add a touch of Grand Marnier, an orange-flavored liqueur, into the melted chocolate. Oh, dear reader, please learn from my mistake and never, ever do that – unless you’re specifically making an orange chocolate ganache or a similar confection!

Here’s why: delicate melted chocolate is incredibly finicky. It requires either a substantial amount of liquid to maintain its smooth texture or absolutely none at all. Introducing just a small splash of alcohol like Grand Marnier caused my beautifully smooth, glossy chocolate to instantly seize up into a thick, gritty, unworkable mess. It was a disheartening sight, and a quick lesson in chocolate chemistry!

The good news is, fresh orange zest provides all the bright, aromatic orange flavor you could ever want, without any risk of ruining your chocolate. Its natural oils are potent and perfectly infuse the chocolate as it melts. So, heed my warning: stick with the zest for a flawless, vibrant orange-chocolate flavor every single time.

Why These Crisps Are Your Holiday Go-To

As the holiday season draws near, these orange infused chocolate crisps are an absolute must-try. Their vibrant flavor profile and delightful crunch make them a standout treat on any festive table. Imagine them artfully arranged on a platter, catching the light, their deep chocolate hues contrasting with the subtle orange flecks – they truly are a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Beyond being a perfect dessert for your own gatherings, these crisps make an exceptional hostess gift. Package them beautifully in a decorative tin or a cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon, and you have a thoughtful, homemade present that’s guaranteed to impress. They’re also ideal for cookie exchanges, school parties, or simply to have on hand for unexpected guests. The balance of sweet chocolate and zesty orange is universally appealing, and the fact that they’re so quick and easy means you can whip up a batch (or two!) without adding stress to your already busy holiday schedule.

Orange Infused Chocolate Crisps

Rated 5 out of 5 by 1 reviewer

By Shinee Davaakhuu

Irresistibly crispy and light, these no-bake orange infused chocolate crisps are easy to make and require only 4 ingredients. Perfect holiday treat!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Additional Chill Time: 2 hrs

Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins

Servings: 12 crisps

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Ingredients

• 2 cups (60gr) corn flakes
• 1 cup (30gr) rice krispies
• 8 oz (225gr) semi-sweet chocolate, broken into pieces
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together corn flakes and rice krispies.
2. In a medium heat-proof bowl, melt the chocolate over simmering water, stirring occasionally. Ensure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Add the orange zest into the melted chocolate and pour the chocolate over the corn flake mixture. Gently mix everything with a rubber spatula until all the cereal is coated with chocolate.
3. Using a large cookie scoop (or 1/4 measuring cup), scoop out the mixture and drop it on a baking sheet, lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Let it dry for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

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Tips & Notes

For step-by-step photos and additional notes, refer to the detailed post above. Always use fresh orange zest for the best flavor! Avoid adding any liquid to melted chocolate unless the recipe specifically calls for it in large quantities, as it can cause the chocolate to seize.

Nutrition

Calories: 135kcal

Carbohydrates: 16g

Protein: 2g

Fat: 7g

Sugar: 8g

Sodium: 48mg

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

These Orange Infused Chocolate Crisps are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of simple pleasures and delightful flavors. They embody everything we love about holiday treats: easy to make, shareable, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for your family, preparing a thoughtful gift, or simply treating yourself, I guarantee these crispy, zesty, chocolatey bites will bring a smile to your face.

So, gather your four simple ingredients, embrace the joy of no-bake, and let the irresistible aroma of orange and chocolate fill your kitchen. I truly hope you give this recipe a try this holiday season and create some wonderful sweet memories. Don’t forget to come back and share your experience in the comments – I’d love to hear how much you enjoyed them!

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