| |

Easy Kiwi Lolly Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever been to a New Zealand party or a gathering, chances are you’ve come across this delightful treat. I absolutely love this because it’s simple, nostalgic, and packed with that chewy, sweet kick that makes everyone ask for more. This Easy Kiwi Lolly Cake Recipe is one of those classic Kiwi party staples that never fails to bring smiles. Whether you’re new to baking or just want a fuss-free dessert that tastes like childhood wrapped in a log, you’re going to have so much fun making (and eating) this one.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simplicity: Just 5 easy ingredients come together in minutes—no baking required!
  • Nostalgia Factor: It’s a beloved classic Kiwi dessert that brings back memories with every bite.
  • Customizable: You can swap in different fruit puffs or biscuits to suit your taste or pantry.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this whenever I bring it to gatherings, and I bet yours will too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Kiwi Lolly Cake Recipe lies in how these simple ingredients come together for an irresistible sweet treat. Keep an eye on quality when shopping—you want fresh malt biscuits and colorful, chewy fruit puffs to get that perfect contrast of textures.

Flat lay of a small pile of golden melted butter in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with thick sweetened condensed milk, a neat mound of crushed malt biscuits with visible biscuit shards, a handful of colorful chopped fruit puff candies, and a small white bowl of fluffy white shredded coconut all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Kiwi Lolly Cake, Kiwi lolly cake flavor, Kiwi party dessert, simple Kiwi lolly log, nostalgic Kiwi sweet treat
  • Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together without baking.
  • Sweetened condensed milk: This thick, sweet milk boosts flavor and holds the cake firmly.
  • Malt biscuits: Crushed malt biscuits give the cake its signature crunch and maltiness—invaluable for that classic taste.
  • Explorers or fruit puffs: These chewy, colorful candy pieces are what make each slice fun and vibrant.
  • Coconut: Fresh or desiccated coconut provides a lovely coating with a tropical note and prevents the logs from sticking.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Easy Kiwi Lolly Cake Recipe, and you’ll find it’s quite forgiving, so feel free to tweak it to your liking. Sometimes I swap explorers for fruit puffs, or add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra crunch. It’s all about making it your own.

  • Fruit Puff swaps: I’ve tried using different colored fruit puffs or even small jelly beans, which add a fun twist and keep the colors popping.
  • Biscuits variation: When malt biscuits aren’t on hand, I use other crunchy biscuits like Marie or digestive; the texture’s different but still delicious.
  • Dairy-free option: Substitute butter and condensed milk with plant-based versions to make it vegan-friendly without losing the charm.
  • Extra coconut layer: I sometimes roll the logs twice in coconut for an even thicker, more tropical coating that my kids adore.

How to Make Easy Kiwi Lolly Cake Recipe

Step 1: Melt and Mix the Binding Magic

Start by melting the butter and condensed milk together in a large microwave-safe bowl. I usually heat it in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, so the mixture melts evenly without overheating. This combo is the key glue that holds everything together, so make sure it’s smooth and well combined before moving on.

Step 2: Add Crunchy Goodness

Next, toss in the crushed malt biscuits. The biscuits provide that delightful crunch everyone loves, and don’t hesitate to crush them to your preferred size—I like to leave some slightly chunkier bits for texture. Stir the crumbs into the melted butter and condensed milk until everything is well coated.

Step 3: Fold in the Colorful Lollies

Now it’s time to add the fun—chop up the explorers or fruit puffs into bite-sized pieces and gently mix them in. This part is what makes each slice colorful and chewy; it’s almost like candy meets cake in the best way. Try to evenly disperse the lollies so every bite has a little surprise.

Step 4: Shape and Roll in Coconut

Turn the mixture out onto a clean surface and shape it into two logs using your hands. This is when you get to flex your packing skills—press everything tightly together so your logs hold their shape well. Then, roll each log in coconut until completely covered. The coconut not only tastes amazing but also keeps the logs from sticking to your hands and wrap.

Step 5: Chill and Slice

Wrap the coconut-covered logs in cling film and pop them into the fridge for at least an hour to set. When it’s time to serve, slice the logs into 2 cm thick pieces. Here’s a tip from me: use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. You’ll find the slices come out neat and ready to wow your guests.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Easy Kiwi Lolly Cake Recipe

  • Melt Butter Slowly: Use short intervals in the microwave to avoid curdling the condensed milk and ensure a smooth mixture.
  • Crush Biscuits by Hand: Crushing biscuits in a zip-lock bag with a rolling pin gives you better control over the crumb size than a food processor.
  • Firm Packing: Press the logs tightly to avoid crumbling and ensure nice, clean slices.
  • Cool Before Slicing: Always chill fully before slicing to keep the cake firm and prevent sticky, messy cuts.

How to Serve Easy Kiwi Lolly Cake Recipe

Three round slices of a dessert are placed on a white plate with a textured rim, lined with a white napkin. Each slice has a rich brown chocolate layer filled with large pieces of pastel-colored marshmallows in white, yellow, pink, and green, scattered unevenly inside. The edges of the slices are coated with shredded white coconut. The plate is on a white marbled surface with small round colorful confetti pieces scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Kiwi Lolly Cake, Kiwi lolly cake flavor, Kiwi party dessert, simple Kiwi lolly log, nostalgic Kiwi sweet treat

Garnishes

I usually stick with the classic coconut coating as my “garnish” because it adds that lovely chewy texture and tropical flavor. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny bit of extra crushed explorers or edible glitter on top for a party-ready sparkle. These little touches make the slices pop on a platter.

Side Dishes

This lolly cake pairs beautifully with a cuppa tea or coffee—you’ll find that the sweetness balances perfectly with your favorite warm beverage. It also works well as part of a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit or simple vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special celebrations, I like to cut the logs into small rounds and arrange them in colorful patterns on a board with other Kiwi treats. Wrapping individual slices in decorative parchment paper makes serving easy and festive. You can even skewer mini slices with toothpicks for a fun party bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover lolly cake logs wrapped tightly in cling film or an airtight container in the fridge. From my experience, they keep their shape and chewiness wonderfully for up to 5 days, making this a great make-ahead treat for the week ahead.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover logs wrapped in cling film and foil without any problem. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge, and they maintain their flavor and texture beautifully—perfect for prepping in advance for a party!

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to soften it slightly, just leave slices out at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving, and they’ll be perfectly chewy and delicious.

FAQs

  1. What are explorers, and can I use something else?

    Explorers are a type of chewy fruit-flavored candy classic in New Zealand. If you can’t find them, fruit puffs or similar chewy, colorful candies work just as well and give the same fun texture and sweetness.

  2. Can I make this dairy-free?

    Absolutely! Swap the butter for a vegan margarine and use a dairy-free condensed milk alternative. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and easy to make.

  3. How long does the lolly cake keep in the fridge?

    Stored properly in an airtight container or wrapped tightly, it stays fresh for up to 5 days. After that, the texture may start to change, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.

  4. Is this recipe suitable for kids?

    Yes! It’s a favorite with kids because it’s sweet, colorful, and easy to handle. Just keep an eye out for any nuts or ingredients your child might be allergic to, and you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Kiwi Lolly Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s more than just a dessert – it’s a reminder of joyful celebrations, family gatherings, and simple pleasures. I love how quickly it comes together and the smiles it brings around the table. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll keep coming back to it for every occasion. So grab those malt biscuits and explorers, and let’s get rolling—your new favorite Kiwi treat awaits!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Kiwi Lolly Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 54 reviews
  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 20 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: New Zealand

Description

Lolly cake is a classic Kiwi no-bake treat featuring a sweet, buttery log packed with crushed malt biscuits, colorful explorers or fruit puffs, and coated in shredded coconut. It’s an easy, nostalgic party snack loved for its chewy texture and burst of sweetness.


Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 120g butter, melted
  • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk (160g)

Mix-ins

  • 1 packet malt biscuits, crushed (250g)
  • 1 packet explorers (150g) or fruit puffs, chopped

Coating

  • ½ cup coconut


Instructions

  1. Melt Butter and Condensed Milk: In a large microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the butter and sweetened condensed milk together until combined and smooth.
  2. Add Crushed Biscuits: Stir in the crushed malt biscuits thoroughly, ensuring the mixture is evenly coated with the butter and condensed milk blend.
  3. Mix in Explorers or Fruit Puffs: Fold in the chopped explorers or fruit puffs carefully to distribute them evenly throughout the biscuit mixture without crushing them too much.
  4. Form Logs: Transfer the mixture onto a clean surface and shape it into two tight logs using your hands, packing the mixture firmly to hold shape.
  5. Roll in Coconut: Pour the shredded coconut onto a plate, then roll each log over the coconut until completely covered for a delicious coconut coating.
  6. Chill: Wrap the logs tightly in cling film and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the lolly cake logs.
  7. Slice and Serve: Once chilled and set, slice the logs into approximately 2 cm thick pieces and serve as a sweet, nostalgic Kiwi treat.

Notes

  • With only five simple ingredients, this lolly cake recipe is incredibly easy to make.
  • This no-bake dessert is a classic party favorite across New Zealand.
  • Using explorers or fruit puffs adds both color and bursts of fruity flavor.
  • Pressing the logs firmly helps them hold shape when sliced.
  • Chilling times may vary but at least 1 hour is recommended for best results.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 75
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 64mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 13mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star