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Irish Classics – Fifteens
If you’re from Northern Ireland, these need no introduction. Pure nostalgia in every bite.
SERVES
12
DIFFICULTY
simple
What are fifteens?
Fifteens are a traditional Northern Irish no bake traybake made with 15 digestive biscuits, 15 marshmallows and 15 glacé cherries, mixed with condensed milk and rolled in desiccated coconut.
They’re one of the most recognisable Northern Irish desserts and a true classic Irish recipe, especially popular at parties, bake sales and family gatherings.
Why are they called fifteens?
In this traditional Northern Irish recipe, the name comes from using 15 of each main ingredient — 15 biscuits, 15 marshmallows and 15 cherries. It’s a simple, fuss-free no bake method that makes the recipe easy to remember and perfect for beginners.
Are fifteens an Irish or Northern Irish recipe?
Fifteens are specifically a Northern Irish recipe. While they’re sometimes included in wider collections of Irish recipes, they are most strongly associated with Northern Ireland and are rarely found elsewhere in Ireland.
Do you bake fifteens?
No — fifteens are completely no bake. Once the ingredients are mixed with condensed milk, the mixture is rolled into a log, coated in coconut and chilled in the fridge until firm. That’s what makes them such an easy and reliable treat.
How long do fifteens need to set?
Fifteens usually need at least 2–3 hours in the fridge to firm up properly. For best results, leave them overnight before slicing — this helps them hold their shape and gives cleaner slices.
Can you freeze fifteens?
Yes, you can freeze this Northern Irish no bake recipe. Wrap the log tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before slicing.
How long do fifteens last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, fifteens will last 4–5 days. Because they contain condensed milk, they’re best kept chilled rather than at room temperature.
Can I change the ingredients in fifteens?
While the classic Irish recipe sticks to the traditional 15-15-15 formula, some people:
- Swap cherries for chocolate chips
- Add crushed Malteasers
- Use pink marshmallows for colour
- Add a splash of orange extract
That said, traditional Northern Irish fifteens are all about simplicity.
Are fifteens suitable for vegetarians?
Most fifteens are vegetarian, but check your marshmallows. Some contain gelatine. You can easily make this no bake Irish recipe vegetarian by using gelatine-free marshmallows.
Are fifteens gluten free?
Traditional fifteens are not gluten free because they use digestive biscuits. However, you can make a gluten free version by swapping in gluten free digestives while keeping the rest of the Northern Irish recipe the same.
Method
Step 1
Add your digestives to a sandwich bag and crush with a rolling pin (or blitz in a blender).
Step 2
Tip into a bowl with the chopped marshmallows, cherries and half a tin of condensed milk. Mix well until everything starts to stick together.
Step 3
Scatter desiccated coconut over a board, then add your mixture and roll into a log (warning: it’s messy). Roll until fully coated in coconut.
Step 4
Wrap tightly in cling film or foil and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Step 5
Slice into 2–3cm pieces and serve with a cuppa.
Ingredients
15 Digestives
15 Marshmallows
15 Glacé cherries
½ x 400ml tin condensed milk
Handful of desiccated coconut
