No-Bake Lolly Cake Slice

The ultimate retro New Zealand treat, made easy.

by Samantha Tulett

Published Jan 21, 2026

RECIPE ↓

10 MINS PREP

EASY

16 SLICES

About the Recipe

This no-bake lolly cake slice is a true New Zealand favourite. Think every Kiwi child’s birthday party growing up. Crunchy malt biscuits, sweet condensed milk, and a rainbow of Explorer lollies come together in a dreamy, sliceable log that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

It’s ridiculously quick and easy, with zero baking required, and a perfect treat for afternoon tea, lunchboxes, or just sneaky snacking straight from the fridge. Kids love getting hands-on, folding in the lollies and rolling the log in coconut is half the fun, and they’ll happily taste-test along the way.

RECIPE

No-Bake Lolly Cake Slice

by Samantha Tulett | City Slicker

CHILL TIME

2 HOURS

TOTAL TIME

2 HOURS 10 MINS

INGREDIENTS

1 packet malt biscuits

100g butter, softened

1 tsp vanilla esssence

½ tin (200g) sweetened condensed milk

Pinch of salt

1 packet Explorer lollies, chopped into bite-sized pieces

Desiccated coconut, for rolling

METHOD

Crush the malt biscuits into fine, uniform crumbs. Use a food processor on pulse or pop them in a sealed bag and bash with a rolling pin.

In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.

Stir the biscuit crumbs into the wet mixture until every crumb is coated. Then gently fold in the chopped Explorer lollies, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

Lay the mixture onto a piece of baking paper and shape it into a log. Once formed, roll the log in desiccated coconut until fully coated.

Chill the lolly cake slice in the fridge for 2–3 hours, or until firm. When ready to slice, trim the ends for clean edges (bonus: snack on the ends first!). Cut the log into even slices - 16 works perfectly.

Tips

If you’re making this outside New Zealand, tracking down Explorer lollies can be a bit of a mission, but trust me, it’s worth it. In Australia, check the international aisle at Coles in select stores. No luck? A quick online search will usually reveal suitable substitutes.

Make sure to roll the log firmly. This helps everything stay together when you slice it. Don’t skip the chilling step either; the fridge is your best friend here for clean, neat slices.

Coconut optional: Desiccated coconut is the classic finish, but if it’s not your thing, you can leave it off. The slice still tastes amazing without it.

Lolly cake is pefect for gifting. Slice it up, wrap a few pieces in cellophane, and tie with a ribbon. I actually made some for my nephew’s preschool graduation - it went down a treat!