A easy, no bake dessert for the Irish sweethtooth in us all!
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Northern Irish Fifteens is a delightful and somewhat lesser-known dessert that embodies the simple yet charming spirit of Northern Ireland's culinary traditions. The name "Fifteens" comes from the recipe's straightforward and memorable ingredients list: 15 of this, 15 of that, making it an easy treat to whip up and enjoy.
The origins of Fifteens are somewhat murky, but they have been a beloved treat in Northern Irish households for decades. They are a no-bake dessert, which makes them particularly appealing for their ease of preparation and the minimal ingredients required. The classic recipe involves 15 digestive biscuits, 15 marshmallows, and 15 glacé cherries, all mixed together with condensed milk and desiccated coconut.
To make Fifteens, you start by crushing the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs. Then, you chop the marshmallows and glacé cherries into small pieces. These are mixed with the biscuit crumbs in a large bowl. Next, you add enough condensed milk to bind the ingredients together into a sticky dough. This mixture is then shaped into a log and rolled in desiccated coconut to coat the outside. The log is wrapped in cling film and chilled in the fridge until firm. Once set, it's sliced into – you guessed it – 15 pieces.
Fifteens are often enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a sweet snack at family gatherings and parties. Their charm lies in their simplicity and the nostalgic flavors that remind many Northern Irish people of childhood. Despite their humble ingredients, Fifteens pack a delightful punch of sweetness and texture, with the chewiness of the marshmallows, the crunch of the biscuits, and the subtle fruitiness of the cherries.
While the traditional recipe remains a favorite, some variations have emerged over time. People often experiment by adding different types of dried fruit, using chocolate biscuits instead of plain digestives, or even adding a splash of Irish cream liqueur for a grown-up twist. Despite these variations, the essence of Fifteens – their simplicity and the joy they bring – remains unchanged.
In the end, Northern Irish Fifteens are more than just a dessert. They are a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of home cooks who know how to turn a few simple ingredients into something special. Whether you’re making them for the first time or recreating a cherished family recipe, Fifteens are a sweet reminder of Northern Ireland’s rich culinary heritage and the simple pleasures of home-baked treats.
Fifteens Recipe
Prep time 15 minutes | Set time 2 hours | Serves 10
Ingredients:
15 digestive biscuits
15 marshmallows, cut into small pieces
15 glacé cherries, cut in half
200 ml condensed milk, or as much as you need to tighten it up
Desiccated coconut (for rolling)
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients:
Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs.
Cut the marshmallows and glacé cherries into small pieces.
Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the crushed biscuits, chopped marshmallows, and glacé cherries.
Pour in the condensed milk gradually, mixing until everything is well combined and forms a sticky dough. You might not need to use all the condensed milk; just enough to bind the ingredients together.
Shape and Roll:
Lay a sheet of cling film on a flat surface and cover it with desiccated coconut.
Transfer the mixture onto the cling film and shape it into a log.
Roll the log in the desiccated coconut until it is fully coated.
Chill:
Wrap the log tightly in the cling film and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Slice and Serve:
Once firm, unwrap the log and cut it into pieces
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Enjoy your homemade Northern Irish Fifteens with a cup of tea!
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. Let's explore international cuisine together!
If you want to try to make more flavors of Western Europe, check out the links my recipes below.
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