Irish Fifteens
Irish Fifteens are a nostalgic, no-bake treat originating from Northern Ireland that has been loved for generations. With just five simple ingredients, these chewy, coconut-rolled slices are quick to make and are perfect for any occasion. Whether served at tea time, during family gatherings, or as a sweet dessert, Irish Fifteens are sure to bring joy and a bit of Irish charm to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Irish Fifteens are a delightfully easy and fun treat to make with minimal effort. The combination of soft marshmallows, sweet glacé cherries, and crunchy digestive biscuits, all bound together with creamy condensed milk and coated with coconut, creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. This no-bake recipe makes it an ideal choice for busy days when you crave something sweet without the need for turning on the oven. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, these slices evoke warm memories and are perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 15 digestive biscuits, crushed
- 15 glacé cherries, halved
- 15 large marshmallows, quartered
- 200 ml sweetened condensed milk
- 100 g desiccated coconut (for rolling)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the crushed digestive biscuits, halved cherries, and quartered marshmallows. Mix well until combined.
- Pour in the condensed milk and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive.
- Place a large sheet of cling film on your work surface and sprinkle it generously with desiccated coconut.
- Spoon the mixture onto the cling film and shape it into a log, approximately 2 inches thick.
- Roll the log in the desiccated coconut to coat it evenly on all sides.
- Wrap the log tightly in the cling film and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Once set, slice into 15 equal pieces and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 15 pieces
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes + chilling time (4 hours)
Variations
- For a different flavor, you can add chopped dried fruits like apricots or raisins to the mixture.
- Swap out the glacé cherries for maraschino cherries for a sweeter taste.
- For a more tropical twist, add some shredded dried pineapple along with the coconut.
- Use plain or milk chocolate chips for a little chocolatey richness in the mix.
- If you prefer a lighter texture, try using graham crackers in place of digestive biscuits.
Storage/Reheating
- Store Irish Fifteens in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- These treats freeze well too. Wrap them in cling film and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Irish Fifteens ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a day or two ahead of time. They need at least 4 hours in the fridge to firm up, but the flavors get better as they sit!
Can I use a different type of biscuit?
Yes, you can substitute digestive biscuits with any other plain, crisp biscuit, such as graham crackers or even shortbread cookies.
Can I use a sugar substitute in place of condensed milk?
Condensed milk gives these treats their sweetness and sticky texture, so it’s best to use the original version. If you need to use a substitute, try sweetened coconut milk, though the texture might differ slightly.
How do I know when Irish Fifteens are ready?
They are ready once they’ve chilled for at least 4 hours and are firm to the touch. If they feel soft, let them chill a bit longer.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add chopped dried fruits like raisins, currants, or chopped apricots to enhance the flavor.
Can I use a different coating than coconut?
Yes, you could use crushed nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, for a different texture and flavor. Cocoa powder is also a great option for a chocolatey twist.
How can I make Irish Fifteens more decadent?
You can drizzle melted chocolate over the slices for an extra indulgent touch.
Can I make these without marshmallows?
If you don’t have marshmallows, you can use mini marshmallows or simply omit them if you prefer a firmer texture.
What is the best way to slice Irish Fifteens?
Once they’re chilled and firm, slice them into equal pieces with a sharp knife for neat slices.
Can I use non-dairy alternatives for this recipe?
Yes, you can use dairy-free condensed milk, non-dairy yogurt, and coconut oil if you want a vegan version of Irish Fifteens.
Conclusion
Irish Fifteens are a charming and simple treat that brings together the classic flavors of Northern Ireland in a no-bake dessert. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these coconut-covered slices are nostalgic, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make, deliciously sweet, and full of texture, they’re a must-try for anyone looking to experience a taste of Irish tradition.
Irish Fifteens
“Irish Fifteens are a delicious no-bake treat from Northern Ireland, perfect for any occasion. With just five simple ingredients—digestive biscuits, marshmallows, glacé cherries, condensed milk, and coconut—this nostalgic dessert is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. Quick to make and full of flavor, Irish Fifteens are a must-try for any fan of sweet, chewy, coconut-covered treats!”
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes + 4 hours chilling time
- Yield: 15 pieces
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake Treat
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: Irish, Northern Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
15 digestive biscuits, crushed
15 glacé cherries, halved
15 large marshmallows, quartered
200 ml sweetened condensed milk
100 g desiccated coconut (for rolling)
Instructions
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits, halved glacé cherries, and quartered marshmallows. Mix well.
-
Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir until the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive.
-
Place a large sheet of cling film on your work surface and sprinkle it generously with desiccated coconut.
-
Spoon the mixture onto the cling film and shape it into a log (about 2 inches thick).
-
Roll the log in the desiccated coconut to coat it evenly on all sides.
-
Wrap the log tightly in cling film and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
-
Once firm, slice into 15 equal pieces and serve.
Notes
You can swap glacé cherries for maraschino cherries for a sweeter taste.
Add chopped dried fruits like raisins or apricots for extra flavor.
For a tropical twist, try adding dried pineapple along with the coconut.
Substitute plain biscuits with graham crackers for a lighter texture.
