Fifteens are a classic no-bake traybake from Northern Ireland, named after their super simple recipe: 15 marshmallows, 15 digestive biscuits, and 15 glacé cherries. Mixed together with condensed milk and rolled in coconut, they’re a fun and tasty way for kids to practice measuring, counting, and stirring.
This is a great intro-to-cooking activity for younger children—there’s no heat involved, and kids love squishing the sticky mixture together. It’s a sensory delight, a cultural tradition, and a sweet treat all in one.
Materials Needed
• 15 digestive biscuits (or graham crackers)
• 15 glacé cherries (halved)
• 15 mini marshmallows
• ~½ tin of sweetened condensed milk (adjust as needed)
• Desiccated coconut (for rolling)
Tools Needed
• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin (or something to crush the biscuits)
• Spoon or spatula
• Greaseproof paper/cling film/plastic wrap
• Refrigerator
Steps
1. Crush the Biscuits: Place biscuits in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin or your hands.
2. Chop the Cherries: Halve or quarter the glacé cherries for easier mixing.
3. Mix Everything: In a large bowl, combine crushed biscuits, marshmallows, and cherries. Add enough condensed milk to bind everything together into a sticky dough.
4. Shape the Roll: Lay out greaseproof paper, sprinkle it with desiccated coconut, and shape the mixture into a log. Roll it up tightly in the coconut and wrap in the cling film.
5. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until firm.
6. Slice & Serve: Cut into—yep—15 slices, and enjoy!