No-Bake Cherry Coconut Slice Inspired by Australian Sweets
A luscious no-bake dessert bar combining sweet condensed milk, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, and crushed cookies for a delightful Australian treat. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, chopped maraschino cherries 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) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup, chopped maraschino cherries
- 1 1/2 cups crushed digestive biscuits
- 4 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8x8 inch square pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk with 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 cups shredded coconut, 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, and 1 1/2 cups crushed digestive biscuits until the mixture is well combined and sticky.
- Step 3: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press firmly with the back of a spoon or spatula to create an even layer.
- Step 4: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until firm enough to cut into squares.
- Step 5: Remove from the pan using the parchment paper and slice into 12 bars. Keep refrigerated until serving for best texture.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Cherry Coconut Slice Inspired by Australian Sweets 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 Sweets?
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 Sweets?
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 Sweets 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 Sweets?
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.
