No-Bake Ginger Snap Marmalade Slice Recipe

No-Bake Ginger Snap Marmalade Slice Recipe: A Zesty Sweet Treat

Crafting a delightful no-bake ginger snap marmalade slice requires minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Sweet and tangy notes dance together in this simple dessert.

Crisp cookie crumbs form a perfect base for zesty marmalade layers.

Unexpected combinations create a memorable treat that surprises and delights.

Minimal kitchen skills guarantee success with this quick recipe.

Cool refrigeration sets everything into a delectable, creamy texture.

No-Bake Ginger Snap Marmalade Slice Treats

  • Conquer Quick Dessert: No-bake magic means zero oven time and minimal kitchen stress, perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious treats without complex preparation.
  • Craft Crowd-Pleasing Slice: The combination of zesty marmalade and spicy ginger snaps creates a unique flavor profile that surprises and delights guests at any gathering.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible toppings like chocolate shavings or nuts allow personal creativity, making this dessert adaptable to individual taste preferences and special occasions.
  • Chill and Serve Convenience: Minimal ingredients and refrigeration-based setting process mean you can prepare this dessert ahead of time, reducing last-minute cooking pressure.

Ingredients for Zesty Ginger Snap Marmalade

For the Crust:
  • Ginger Snap Cookies: Classic spicy cookies that provide a crunchy and flavorful base for the slice.
  • Butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs together and adds richness to the crust.
For the Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy texture for the slice.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
  • Marmalade: Provides a tangy and citrusy dimension to the creamy filling.
For the Optional Toppings:
  • Chocolate Shavings, Nuts: Add extra texture and decorative element to the finished slice.

How to Prepare No-Bake Marmalade Slices

Step 1: Crush Cookie Crumbs

Transform ginger snap cookies into fine, sandy crumbs using a food processor or place cookies in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin until they become a uniform texture.

Step 2: Create Cookie Base

Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.

The ingredients for this step include:
  • Crushed ginger snap cookie crumbs
  • Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a lined rectangular baking pan, creating a compact and smooth base.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Filling

In a clean mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and marmalade until the mixture becomes silky and completely smooth.

Use an electric mixer on medium speed to achieve a light and fluffy consistency.

Step 4: Layer Filling

Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the prepared cookie base, ensuring an even distribution and smooth top surface.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. The slice needs sufficient time to firm up and develop a solid texture.

Step 6: Slice and Garnish

Remove the chilled slice from the refrigerator and cut into rectangular or square portions. Optional garnishes include chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips for Perfect Ginger Snap Marmalade Slices

  • Use a food processor or rolling pin to create ultra-fine cookie crumbs for a smoother, more cohesive crust.
  • Add melted butter gradually to ensure the crust binds perfectly without becoming too greasy or falling apart.
  • Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, uniform layer of cream cheese mixture across the base.
  • Allow minimum 4 hours of refrigeration to let flavors meld and slice set completely for clean, precise cutting.
  • Experiment with different marmalade varieties like orange, lemon, or grapefruit to create unique taste profiles.

Creative Twists on Ginger Snap Marmalade

  • Zesty Citrus Slice: Replace marmalade with lemon curd for a tangy, bright flavor profile that complements the ginger snap base.
  • Tropical Paradise: Swap marmalade for passion fruit puree and add shredded coconut to the cream cheese mixture for a vacation-inspired dessert.
  • Berry Blast: Use raspberry jam instead of marmalade and sprinkle crushed freeze-dried raspberries on top for an extra fruity punch.
  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Mix crushed pecans into the cream cheese layer and drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving for a rich, indulgent version.

Pairings That Match Ginger Snap Marmalade

  • Pair with Zesty Citrus Cocktail: Create a bright, tangy gin-based cocktail with orange liqueur and fresh ginger to complement the slice's marmalade and spicy ginger snap notes.
  • Enhance with Creamy Earl Grey Tea: Brew a smooth, bergamot-infused Earl Grey tea to balance the dessert's richness and highlight its sweet-tart marmalade undertones.
  • Match with Spiced Vanilla Latte: Craft a warm latte with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, providing a comforting counterpoint to the slice's cool, creamy texture.
  • Serve alongside Candied Ginger Garnish: Sprinkle small pieces of candied ginger on top or beside the slice to intensify the dessert's warming spice profile and add delightful textural contrast.

Best Ways to Store Marmalade Slices

Transfer the remaining slices into an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep the dessert chilled for up to 5 days, maintaining its creamy texture and preventing moisture absorption.

Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the original consistency.

Let the slice sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This gentle warming helps soften the cream cheese layer and enhances the marmalade’s flavor without compromising the dessert’s structure.

Cut the remaining slice into smaller segments before storing. This approach prevents repeated thawing and refreezing, which can degrade the quality and taste of the dessert.

FAQs

  • How do I ensure the crust holds together properly?

Use melted butter and press the cookie crumbs firmly into the pan. Make sure to compact the mixture evenly with the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed glass to create a solid base.

  • Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! Graham crackers or digestive biscuits work great as alternatives to ginger snap cookies. Just maintain the same ratio of cookie crumbs to melted butter.

  • What if my cream cheese filling is lumpy?

Always use room temperature cream cheese and beat it thoroughly before adding other ingredients. Use an electric mixer to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency.

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No-Bake Ginger Snap Marmalade Slice Recipe

No-Bake Ginger Snap Marmalade Slice Recipe


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4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Ginger snap marmalade slice delivers a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy flavors with crumbly biscuit base and zesty orange spread. Minimal effort yields maximum pleasure, making this chilled dessert a perfect treat for casual gatherings or quiet afternoon indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

  • 200 grams (7.05 ounces) ginger snap cookies
  • 100 grams (3.53 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

  • 200 grams (7.05 ounces) marmalade
  • 200 grams (7.05 ounces) cream cheese
  • 100 grams (3.53 ounces) powdered sugar

Topping and Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Chocolate shavings or nuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Crush ginger snap cookies into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin, ensuring no large chunks remain.
  2. Melt butter and thoroughly combine with cookie crumbs, creating a cohesive, slightly damp mixture that will hold together when pressed.
  3. Transfer the crumb mixture into a lined rectangular pan, pressing firmly and evenly across the entire base to create a compact, smooth foundation.
  4. Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps.
  5. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and marmalade into the cream cheese, mixing until the filling achieves a consistent, silky texture with no streaks.
  6. Carefully spread the marmalade cream cheese mixture over the cookie base, ensuring an even layer that reaches all corners of the pan.
  7. Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for minimum 4 hours, or preferably overnight, allowing the filling to set completely and flavors to meld.
  8. Remove from refrigerator, slice into neat squares or rectangles using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
  9. Optional: Garnish with delicate chocolate shavings or chopped nuts for added texture and visual appeal before serving.

Notes

  • Crush ginger snaps thoroughly for a uniform, compact base that holds together perfectly.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a silky-smooth filling without lumps.
  • Experiment with different marmalade flavors like orange, lemon, or grapefruit for unique taste variations.
  • Consider gluten-free ginger snap alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, using gluten-free cookie options.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Refrigerating
  • Cuisine: Australian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 316 kcal
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 98 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 46 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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