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The Ultimate Lolly Cake: A Classic New Zealand Delight
Lolly Cake Recipe is a beloved New Zealand treat that combines sweet biscuits, chewy marshmallows, and vibrant crystallized fruit candies. This no-bake dessert is a staple in Kiwi households, delighting taste buds with its perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The Origins of Lolly Cake
Lolly cake dates back to the early 20th century in New Zealand, where it was a way for people to use up leftover pantry items. Over time, the has evolved with each region and family developing their own signature version.
The Essential Ingredients
The key components of a delicious lolly cake include:
- Biscuits (like Marie or Nice) for structure
- Marshmallows for chewiness
- Crystallized fruit “lollies” for fruity sweetness
- Sweetened condensed milk to bind it all together
Making Lolly Cake
- Crush the biscuits and chop the marshmallows and lollies.
- Combine the ingredients in a bowl and mix in the condensed milk.
- Press the mixture into a pan and refrigerate until set.
- Slice and serve the perfectly textured lolly cake.
Customizing Your Lolly Cake
Get creative by trying different biscuit, marshmallow, and lolly combinations. You can also add toppings like coconut or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Lolly cake is a quintessential Kiwi delight that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whip up a batch today and share the joy of this classic New Zealand treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use any type of biscuit for the lolly cake ? Yes, you can use a variety of biscuits, including Marie, Nice, or even plain sweet biscuits. The key is to crush them into small, evenly sized pieces.
2. How long does lolly cake last? Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, lolly cake can last up to 1 week. For optimal quality and freshness, we recommend consuming the cake within 3–5 days.
3. Can I make lolly cake ahead of time? Absolutely! Lolly cake is a wonderful make-ahead dessert. Prepare the cake, press it into the pan, and refrigerate it up to 3 days before serving.
4. Can I freeze lolly cake? Yes, you can freeze lolly cake for up to 3 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag before freezing.
5. What can I do with leftover lolly cake? You can repurpose leftover lolly cake in a variety of ways, like crumbling it over ice cream, using it as a topping for yogurt or oatdish, or even incorporating it into other desserts like trifles or no-bake cheesecake.
Conclusion
Lolly cake is a beloved New Zealand classic that has the power to evoke nostalgia, bring people together, and satisfy even the sweetest of cravings. By mastering the art of making this delightful treat, you’ll be able to share the joy of lolly cake with your family and friends, creating memories and traditions that will last a lifetime.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake up a batch of irresistible lolly cake that will have everyone coming back for more. Happy baking!
Lolly Cake Recipe

Ingredients
- - 250g Marie biscuits crushed
- - 200g marshmallows chopped
- - 150g crystallized fruit candies "lollies", chopped
- - 1 395g can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed biscuits, chopped marshmallows, and chopped crystallized fruit candies. Stir until well mixed.
- Gradually pour the sweetened condensed milk over the biscuit-marshmallow-lolly mixture, stirring continuously to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Line a 20cm square baking dish or loaf tin with baking paper. Press the lolly cake mixture firmly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
- Refrigerate the lolly cake for at least 2 hours, or until it has set completely.
- Once set, remove the lolly cake from the refrigerator and cut it into 12 even slices.
- Serve the lolly cake chilled and enjoy the delicious combination of crunchy, chewy, and sweet flavors.