This classic coconut ice is one of the best coconut filled sweet treats around. It’s one of those sweets that just takes you right back to your childhood.

This recipe is so much easier than the traditional version that involves boiling milk and sugar. You simply need five ingredients, and there is absolutely no cooking involved. These make the perfect homemade edible gifts, or even make ahead sweet to leave in the fridge for those times you crave something sweet.

More slice dessert recipes

If you love making classic desserts like this coconut slice, try our vanilla slice, jelly slice and caramel slice.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Pure icing sugar – This is different to soft icing sugar. Pure icing sugar will help the coconut ice set firmer. You could use icing soft icing sugar (icing mixture), however the coconut ice may not set quite as well.
• Cream of tartar – This can be omitted if you don’t have any on hand, it’s purpose is simply to help firm up the coconut ice, making it easier to cut.
• Desiccated coconut – Desiccated coconut has a much finer texture than shredded coconut, so be sure to use desiccated rather than shredded.
• Sweetened condensed milk – It’s best to use a full fat condensed milk in this slice, as the fat content will help the slice set firmly.
• Pink food colouring – The food colouring is completely optional and can be left out if preferred, however it gives the slice that classic pink look.

Storage

This coconut ice is perfect to make ahead for bake sales and fetes. No rushing to make something the night before! This slice will store perfectly in an airtight container in the fridge or at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

Coconut ice can also be frozen. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge, or simply eat as a cool treat straight from the freezer.

Tips and tricks

• Flavourings can be added to coconut ice, such as vanilla extract or essence, or any other flavoured essences.
• This slice contains a decent amount of sugar, but we don’t recommend reducing this amount. The sugar will help give the coconut ice its structure.
• The pink food colouring could be swapped for any other colour. You could colour both layers. Make this a festive treat by colouring one layer red, and the other green.