No-Bake Chocolate Hedgehog Slice with Desiccated Coconut
A classic Australian no-bake dessert combining rich chocolate, crushed biscuits, and shredded coconut for a nostalgic treat that’s quick to assemble. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers unsweetened cocoa powder, caster sugar, melted unsalted butter 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 280 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
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup caster sugar
- 125 g, melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 200 g, crushed into small pieces plain sweet biscuits
- 1 cup, plus extra for topping desiccated coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, sift together 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 cup caster sugar.
- Step 2: Add 125 g melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, stirring well until fully combined into a glossy chocolate mixture.
- Step 3: Fold in 200 g crushed plain sweet biscuits and 1 cup desiccated coconut until evenly incorporated.
- Step 4: Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper and press the mixture firmly into the pan, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Sprinkle extra desiccated coconut over the top, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until firm.
- Step 6: Once set, cut into squares and serve chilled as a rich, chewy chocolate slice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Hedgehog Slice with Desiccated Coconut 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 Chocolate Hedgehog Slice with Desiccated Coconut?
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 Chocolate Hedgehog Slice with Desiccated Coconut?
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 Chocolate Hedgehog Slice with Desiccated Coconut 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 Chocolate Hedgehog Slice with Desiccated Coconut?
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.
