A Sweet Slice Of Kiwi Nostalgia

In honour of our editor Amanda and her proud Kiwi roots, we're serving up a treat that's as New Zealand as jandals and buzzy bees. Enter the lolly cake—a no-bake wonder found in nearly every café across Aotearoa, bringing joy to Kiwis young and old with its colourful, chewy goodness.

This isn't your average cake—there’s no baking, no fuss, and it’s almost too easy to make. Crunchy biscuits, sweetened condensed milk, and brightly coloured lollies all get squished together, rolled in coconut, and chilled to perfection. The result? A slice of nostalgia that’s dangerously addictive.

Sourcing Ingredients in Australia

If you’re trying to whip up a lolly cake on this side of the Tasman, a few clever swaps might be needed. Malt biscuits—the backbone of this recipe—can be tricky to find, but a mix of Milk Arrowroot and Biscoff will do the trick. Want to add a spicy kick? Try Milk Arrowroot and Gingernuts for an extra layer of flavour.

The real stars, however, are the fruit puffs or Explorer lollies (traditionally Eskimos, but you take what you can get). If you’re lucky, you might find Explorers at Coles or IGA, but if not, fruit puffs are your best bet.

Classic Kiwi Lolly Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

250g malt biscuits (or a mix of Milk Arrowroot and Biscoff/Gingernuts)
100g butter, melted
½ can (approximately 200g) sweetened condensed milk
180g fruit puffs or Explorer lollies, chopped
1 cup desiccated coconut

Method:

Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin.
Chop the fruit puffs or Explorers into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, mix the crushed biscuits and chopped lollies.
Stir in the melted butter and condensed milk until everything sticks together.
Shape the mixture into a log or press it into a lined tin.
Roll the log in coconut (or sprinkle it on top if using a tin).
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.

Slice, serve, and enjoy—preferably with a cup of tea and a chat about the last time the All Blacks won the World Cup.

Whether you're a Kiwi craving a taste of home or an Aussie looking to embrace the sweet side of New Zealand, lolly cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for a sugar rush of delicious proportions!

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