No-Bake Cherry Coconut Slice Inspired by Australian Candy Bars
A luscious no-bake treat combining sweetened condensed milk, cherries, and shredded coconut with a crunchy cookie base for a decadent dessert. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers (14 oz/396g) sweetened condensed milk, chopped maraschino cherries, shredded coconut into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz/396g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups crushed digestive biscuits
- 1/4 cup (57g), melted unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups crushed digestive biscuits and 1 cup shredded coconut. Add 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Step 3: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Step 4: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press firmly with the back of a spoon or your hands to create an even layer.
- Step 5: Refrigerate the slice for at least 4 hours or until firm and set. Once chilled, lift the slice out using the parchment overhang and cut into 12 squares to serve.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Cherry Coconut Slice Inspired by Australian Candy Bars take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Cherry Coconut Slice Inspired by Australian Candy Bars?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Cherry Coconut Slice Inspired by Australian Candy Bars?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale No-Bake Cherry Coconut Slice Inspired by Australian Candy Bars for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with No-Bake Cherry Coconut Slice Inspired by Australian Candy Bars?
Australian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
