Peggy Washing Line: Easy No-Bake Treat

Peggy Washing Line is a classic British no-bake treat that combines rich digestive biscuits, sweet glacé cherries, and a glossy chocolate coating. It is a nostalgic favorite, often made for children’s parties or afternoon tea, and is surprisingly simple to assemble. The combination of crunchy biscuit, chewy cherries, and smooth chocolate makes it a delightful, crowd-pleasing snack.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (225 g) digestive biscuits (about 12 biscuits)
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (30 g) cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (80 g) glacé cherries, halved
• 1 1/2 cups (255 g) milk chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil (optional, for smoother coating)

Instructions

1. Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Place the digestive biscuits in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you have coarse crumbs with some small chunks. Alternatively, pulse them in a food processor a few times.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the sugar, milk, and cocoa powder, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Remove from heat.
4. Add the crushed biscuits and halved glacé cherries to the saucepan. Stir until everything is well coated with the chocolate mixture.
5. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to compact it firmly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
6. Once chilled, lift the slab out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into bars or squares (about 12 pieces).
7. Melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, or use a double boiler. If using, stir in the vegetable oil for a smoother finish.
8. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, or drizzle it over the top. Place the coated bars on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature, or refrigerate for 10 minutes to speed up the process.

Tips

• For a less sweet version, use dark chocolate for the coating instead of milk chocolate.
• If the mixture feels too dry when pressing into the pan, add an extra tablespoon of milk to the saucepan before adding the biscuits.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the bars before dipping; this prevents the chocolate from cracking.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, but they are best enjoyed within 3-4 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Peggy Washing Line as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a fun addition to a children’s party platter or a lunchbox treat. For a more indulgent dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Variations

• Nutty Version: Add 1/2 cup (60 g) of chopped toasted almonds or walnuts to the biscuit mixture.
• Fruity Twist: Replace the glacé cherries with dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots.
• White Chocolate Coating: Use white chocolate for the coating and add a few drops of peppermint extract for a festive flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use a plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate. Ensure your biscuits are vegan-friendly (most digestives are).

Storage and Reheating

Store the Peggy Washing Line in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. These treats are best served chilled or at room temperature; no reheating is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of biscuit? Yes, graham crackers or rich tea biscuits can be used as a substitute for digestives. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still work well.

Do I have to use glacé cherries? No, you can omit them or replace them with other dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates. The cherries add a pop of color and sweetness, but they are not essential.

Why is my mixture too crumbly? This can happen if the biscuits are crushed too finely or if the mixture isn’t pressed firmly enough. Make sure to press the mixture down firmly into the pan, and if it seems too dry, add a little extra milk to the saucepan before combining.

Can I make this without chocolate coating? Absolutely. The bars are delicious on their own. Simply skip the dipping step and cut into squares after chilling.

How long will they keep? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will keep for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the coating? Yes, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips all work well. Adjust the sweetness of the base mixture accordingly.

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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes

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