If you’re on the hunt for a nostalgic, ridiculously easy sweet treat that your whole family will rave about, then I’ve got just the thing for you. This Lolly Cake Recipe with Coconut Recipe is that iconic Kiwi favourite that’s all about chewy malt biscuits, colorful fruit puffs, luscious condensed milk, and the perfect coconut coating. When I first tried this as a kid, I was hooked, and I promise you’ll fall in love just as fast—plus, it’s so simple to whip up, you’ll be making it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity is Key: Just 5 ingredients and minimal prep make this a breeze to throw together.
- Kid-Approved: The colorful lollies add fun and sweetness that kids adore, making it perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
- No Baking Required: Melt, mix, roll, and chill — easy-peasy with zero oven fuss.
- Classic Kiwi Treat: It brings that perfect chewy texture with coconut crunch, a sweet staple loved across New Zealand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I really love how these ingredients all work together to create that iconic lolly cake taste and texture. When you pick your malt biscuits, choose ones that are crunchy but not too hard, so they blend nicely without turning to dust.
- Butter: Using melted butter gives the cake that rich, tender crumb and helps bind everything together effortlessly.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the magic sweetener that adds chewiness and holds your cake together perfectly.
- Malt Biscuits: Classic malt biscuits add that sweet, malty crunch that’s signature to this recipe.
- Explorers or Fruit Puffs: These chewy, fruity lollies add bursts of color and flavor. Chopped small, they distribute perfectly through the cake.
- Coconut: Desiccated coconut gives the outside a lovely texture and a tropical hint – roll the logs generously for the best coverage.
Variations
I’m all about tweaking classics to fit your vibe or pantry stock. Feel free to play around with this lolly cake recipe with coconut recipe — it adapts really well to different flavors and dietary needs.
- Using Different Lollies: I swapped explorers for jelly beans once and it totally worked — just chop them smaller and watch for overly sticky ones that might melt.
- Gluten-Free Option: Try gluten-free malt biscuits to keep it celiac-safe. Just check your condensed milk and coconut brands for hidden gluten.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Adding a handful of mini chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate over the rolled logs ups the indulgence factor.
- Dairy-Free Version: I’ve used coconut butter and a condensed coconut milk version for a vegan-friendly take — it’s just as delicious!
How to Make Lolly Cake Recipe with Coconut Recipe
Step 1: Melt and Mix the Binding Ingredients
Start by gently melting the butter and sweetened condensed milk together in a large microwave-safe bowl. I usually zap it in 20-second bursts, stirring in between to avoid overheating. This combo forms a sticky, luscious base that holds all your goodies together. Be patient and gentle here — overcooking can change the texture.
Step 2: Add and Combine the Crushed Malt Biscuits
Next, throw in your crushed malt biscuits. I lightly crush mine using the back of a spoon in a sealed bag — no dust, just nice chunks. Mix them into the buttery condensed milk mix until every crumb is coated. You’ll start seeing the texture resemble crumbly dough.
Step 3: Stir Through the Chopped Lollies
This is the fun part! Add your chopped explorers or fruit puffs and fold them in gently so they distribute evenly without melting. These sweet pops bring that chewy, fruity surprise in every bite.
Step 4: Shape and Roll in Coconut
Turn your mixture out onto a clean surface and use your hands to form two firm logs. I find pressing down and rolling between my palms helps compact the mixture so the cake holds together when sliced. Roll them generously in desiccated coconut until well coated — it adds that perfect texture and prevents sticking.
Step 5: Chill and Slice
Wrap those coconut-coated logs tightly in cling film and pop them into the fridge for at least 1 hour. I like to let mine chill a bit longer when I have the time; it really helps slice neat 2 cm thick pieces without crumbling. Trust me — patience pays off here!
Pro Tips for Making Lolly Cake Recipe with Coconut Recipe
- Choose the Right Biscuits: Don’t crush your malt biscuits too finely; little chunks give the best texture and chew.
- Chop Lollies Uniformly: Cutting the explorers or fruit puffs into similar-sized pieces helps them distribute evenly and slice better.
- Coconut Wrap Matters: Fresh desiccated coconut works best—don’t skip the rolling step or the logs will stick and lack that distinct crunch.
- Keep the Logs Tight: Applying pressure while rolling makes slicing easier and keeps the cake from falling apart.
How to Serve Lolly Cake Recipe with Coconut Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it classic by just coating the logs in coconut, but if you want to jazz things up, you can sprinkle a little extra on top before slicing or drizzle some melted chocolate over the slices for a fancier finish. Trust me, the kids go crazy for that chocolate touch!
Side Dishes
This lolly cake is perfect on its own as a sweet snack, but I love serving it alongside a simple cup of tea or coffee, especially when I have guests over. It’s also fantastic as part of a dessert platter with fresh fruit and whipped cream to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthday parties or special occasions, I like forming the cake mixture into mini bite-sized balls instead of logs, rolling them in coconut, and popping them on colorful cupcake liners. It makes the presentation super fun and easy to grab without mess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once chilled, you can store leftover lolly cake wrapped tightly in cling film or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It keeps its chewy texture well but just makes sure to bring it back to room temperature before slicing if it’s super cold.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze lolly cake! Wrap the logs tightly in cling film and foil, then freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge — it holds up great and the texture remains intact.
Reheating
I actually don’t recommend reheating lolly cake since it’s best served chilled or at room temperature. Just bring it out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before eating so it softens slightly for the perfect bite.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of biscuits in this lolly cake recipe with coconut recipe?
Absolutely! While malt biscuits are traditional, you can swap in other plain sweet biscuits like digestives or graham crackers. Just remember the texture may vary slightly, but the cake will still taste great.
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What if I can’t find explorers or fruit puffs?
No worries! You can substitute with other chewy fruit-flavored lollies or even chopped dried fruit like apricots or cranberries, though the taste and texture will be a bit different but still yummy.
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How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and replace sweetened condensed milk with condensed coconut milk or a homemade version made from coconut milk and sugar.
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Can I prepare this lolly cake recipe in advance?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling overnight. Just wrap well and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
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Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
You can reduce the sweetened condensed milk slightly or choose less sugary lollies to cut down the overall sweetness, but remember it will impact the binding and texture a bit.
Final Thoughts
This Lolly Cake Recipe with Coconut Recipe remains a staple in my kitchen because it’s easy, nostalgic, and endlessly crowd-pleasing. Every time I slice into those chilled, coconut-crusted logs, I’m reminded of childhood parties and happy memories. I hope you’ll give it a go—you’ll find it’s equally perfect for quick afternoon treats, school lunches, or festive celebrations. I’m confident this will soon become one of your go-to sweet recipes, just like it did for me!
Print
Lolly Cake Recipe with Coconut Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: New Zealand
Description
Lolly cake is a beloved classic Kiwi treat made with a simple blend of butter, condensed milk, malt biscuits, and colorful explorers or fruit puffs, all rolled in coconut. This no-bake dessert is easy to prepare and perfect for parties or afternoon tea, offering a sweet and nostalgic flavor that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 120g butter, melted
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk (160g)
- 1 packet malt biscuits, crushed (250g)
- 1 packet explorers (150g) or fruit puffs, chopped
- ½ cup coconut
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Condensed Milk: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk. Heat gently if needed to blend them smoothly.
- Add Crushed Biscuits: Mix the crushed malt biscuits into the butter and condensed milk mixture thoroughly to combine the dry and wet ingredients evenly.
- Add Explorers or Fruit Puffs: Stir in the chopped explorers or fruit puffs until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Form Logs: Transfer the mixture onto a clean surface and shape into two logs by hand, pressing tightly to ensure they hold together well.
- Roll in Coconut: Roll each log in the coconut until fully coated all over, creating a delicious and attractive outer layer.
- Chill: Wrap the logs tightly in cling film and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow them to set properly.
- Slice and Serve: Once firm, cut the logs into 2 cm thick slices and serve as a sweet snack or dessert.
Notes
- This recipe uses only five ingredients, making it super easy and quick to prepare.
- Lolly cake is a classic party treat popular in New Zealand and perfect for sharing.
- Ensure the logs are tightly packed before chilling to prevent them from crumbling when sliced.
- Substitute explorers with any similar colorful chewy candy if unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 64 milligrams
- Fat: 6 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Cholesterol: 13 milligrams