Mary Berry’s Fifteens recipe captures everything we love about British teatime treats: easy to make, charmingly simple, and full of sweet, chewy comfort. Growing up, this no-bake classic was a staple at family gatherings and bake sales, and it always disappeared faster than any cake on the table.
Today, this beloved “Mary Berry Fifteens” recipe feels more relevant than ever: quick to whip up, nostalgic without being fussy, and perfect for sharing. Whether you know it as an easy Fifteens traybake or a special no-bake Mary Berry dessert, this version brings pure joy with every slice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare: ready in just 15 minutes
- No baking required: perfect for warm days or last-minute treats
- Nostalgic, comforting flavors with chewy, crunchy textures
- Customizable: swap in mini marshmallows or add your favorite nuts
- Ideal for sharing: makes 15 perfect slices for parties or afternoon tea
Ingredients for Mary Berry’s Fifteens
- 15 digestive biscuits: create the classic sweet, crumbly base
- 15 glacé cherries, rinsed and halved: add bursts of fruity sweetness
- 15 marshmallows or 100g mini marshmallows: provide soft, chewy texture
- 180–200 ml sweetened condensed milk (not light): binds the mixture deliciously
- 50g desiccated coconut: adds a delicate, tropical coating
How to Make Mary Berry’s Fifteens
- Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs, leaving a few larger pieces for texture.
- Rinse and halve the glacé cherries, then mix them into the biscuit crumbs.
- Snip the marshmallows into smaller pieces and add them to the mixture.
- Gradually pour in the condensed milk, stirring until the mixture clumps together.
- Sprinkle two-thirds of the coconut onto a sheet of baking paper.
- Shape the mixture into a firm log and roll it over the coconut to coat.
- Chill in the fridge for 3 hours until set.
- Slice into 15 equal pieces and enjoy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crushing biscuits too coarsely or too finely: aim for mostly crumbs with a few larger bits.
- Adding all the condensed milk at once: add gradually to avoid overly sticky dough.
- Skipping the chill time: chilling ensures clean, neat slices.
- Using wet cherries: always rinse and pat dry to prevent soggy texture.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- In the freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating: Not recommended. Fifteens are best enjoyed cold.
FAQs
Q: Can you freeze Mary Berry’s Fifteens? A: Yes. Wrap tightly in clingfilm or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Q: Why are my Fifteens too sticky or too dry? A: Adjust the condensed milk amount: use less if sticky, slightly more if too dry.
Q: Can I add nuts to this Fifteens recipe? A: Absolutely. Finely chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts blend beautifully with the classic ingredients.
Q: How do I transport Fifteens without squishing them? A: Layer slices between sheets of parchment paper in a firm, airtight container.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 176 kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Saturates: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Sugars: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 0.3g
More Recipe:
Mary Berry Fifteen Recipe
Description
A classic no-bake British treat with biscuits, cherries, marshmallows, and coconut: perfect for quick, sweet moments.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs, leaving a few larger pieces for texture.
- Rinse and halve the glacé cherries, then mix them into the biscuit crumbs.
- Snip the marshmallows into smaller pieces and add them to the mixture.
- Gradually mix in the condensed milk until the mixture clumps together.
- Sprinkle two-thirds of the coconut on a sheet of baking paper, shape the mixture into a log, and roll in the remaining coconut.
- Chill for 3 hours, then slice into 15 pieces.
Notes
- Crushing biscuits too coarsely or too finely: aim for mostly crumbs with a few larger bits.
- Adding all the condensed milk at once: add gradually to avoid overly sticky dough.
- Skipping the chill time: chilling ensures clean, neat slices.
- Using wet cherries: always rinse and pat dry to prevent soggy texture.