• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
theveganlunchbox.co.uk
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Meet Jac
  • Packing Lunch
  • Privacy
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Packing Lunch
  • Meet Jac
  • Privacy
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Easy Vegan Cakes, Bakes & Desserts » Easy Vegan Coconut Ice

    Easy Vegan Coconut Ice

    Published: Apr 10, 2021 · Modified: Apr 10, 2022 by Jacqueline Meldrum · 17 Comments

     An easy recipe for coconut ice. A sweet coconut fridge cake cut into bite-sized pieces.

    Vegan coconut ice

    EASY VEGAN COCONUT ICE

     

    This is a super simple recipe for coconut ice.

    I was reminded of it when I came across some photos of my son making it when he was just a wee toot.

    It's a super sweet coconut snack, but cut it into small, bite-sized pieces and it's the perfect treat for lunch boxes, afternoon snacks or at any time really.

    It also makes a really pretty gift to give in a glass jar with ribbon or as a treat for parties, especially birthday parties.

     

    WHAT IS COCONUT ICE?

     

    Coconut ice is a British confectionary that is thought to have been created in the 1950s.

    The Second World War had ended and rationing was coming to an end in Britain, so sugar was more available.

    Coconut ice was a treat made by home cooks in squares or bars. Sugar, condensed milk and coconut were the main ingredients.

    So many new desserts and cakes were created during this more affluent period.

     

    RATIONING DURING THE WAR

     

    Condensed milk was available during the war, but as the war continued it was also rationed.

    My mum tells me my gran always had some in her cupboard for sweet treats during the war and I remember as a child my late aunt telling me that she would eat condensed milk sandwiches as a child.

    Coconut was available during the war too, but like all sweet treats, it was also rationed. It was available in cans shredded in syrup.

    It was definitely easier to bake after restrictions ended.

    And of course, vegan condensed milk is a relatively new thing.

     

    EASY RECIPE FOR KIDS

     

    As you can see from the video this is such an easy recipe, even a little one can make it.

    It's actually a really good recipe for kids to make, as there is no oven and they can really get stuck in pulling it together with their (clean) hands, then pressing it into the tin.

    Unless your children are older, I would weigh out the ingredients in separate bowls and leave them to do the rest of it.

    They will have great fun.

    Did I say, it's also good fun for adults to make too?

     

    squares of coconut ice on baking paper

    WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE COCONUT ICE

     

    Coconut ice is a super simple recipe with just a few simple ingredients.

     

    1. DESSICATED COCONUT - dried coconut flakes
    2. VEGAN CONDENSED MILK - widely available now
    3. ICING SUGAR - also known as confectioners sugar
    4. FOOD COLOURING - gel colouring in pink or red is the best option, you only need a little
     

    VEGAN CONDENSED MILK

     
     
    I've found vegan condensed milk can vary in consistency from brand to brand.
     
    Some are a bit thinner, so you can add some more coconut and icing sugar if you feel the mixture isn't thick enough.
     
    As you can see from the photos, the texture is a bit like soft playdoh (plasticine) and can be handled and molded into the shape of the tin.
     
    It forms into a bit of a dough like consistency when you pull it together. However, it shouldn't  be wet. A little sticky is OK.
     

     

    STORING COCONUT ICE

     

    Coconut ice is traditionally left out to dry overnight, then dusted with icing sugar and cut into squares.

    It's then kept in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

    I prefer to pop it into the fridge to set for a couple of hours, then dust it with icing sugar and cut into small squares.

    Then keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of weeks, if it lasts that long!

    I'll leave it to you to decide which way you leave it to set and which way you store it.

     

    pin it for later

    Easy vegan coconut ice. A traditional British post-war treat made with coconut and condensed milk
     
    Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 
     
    Then join my Facebook group Living on the Veg. It's a very friendly community with lots of recipes and chat. I'm in there every day chatting.

     

    MORE EASY VEGAN LUNCH BOX TREATS TO TRY

    Here are a few more easy vegan treats for you to make.

     

    • Chocolate Chip Oat Cookies
    • Chocolate Pretzel Tiffin
    • Easter Mini Egg Fudge
    • Easy Vegan Lemon Muffins
    • Fudgy Pineapple Chocolate Brownies
    • Raspberry & White Chocolate Cupcakes

     

    WANT NEW RECIPES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX?

     
    Sign up for my Vegan Lunch Box newsletter for lunch ideas and recipes straight to your inbox when they are published.
     
    Sign up for my Tinned Tomatoes newsletter and my new recipes will be delivered as soon as I publish them on the Tinned Tomatoes blog.
     
     
     

    HOW TO MAKE EASTER RASPBERRY & WHITE CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

    Scroll down for step-by-step photos followed by a full printable recipe. If you don't have a printer, hit the print button on the recipe card & save as a PDF.
     
     
    Making Coconut Ice - Step 1 - Lining the tin and preparing the white layer

    STEP 1

     
    1. Weigh out your ingredients.
    2. You need to split each ingredient (the icing sugar, coconut and condensed milk) in half, so you have two portions of each.
    3. Group one set together for the white layer and another set for the pink layer.
    4. Line your brownie tin.
    5. Colour half your coconut. Adding it to a freezer bag with a little food colouring, sealing and shaking is the best way to do it. Once it's coloured lay it aside for the second pink layer.
    6. Now start by adding the white coconut and icing sugar to a mixing bowl.
     
     
    Making Coconut Ice - Step 2 - adding condensed milk to the mixture and mixing

    STEP 2

     
    1. Pour the condensed milk into the icing sugar and coconut.
    2. Mix well.
    3. If some gets on your finger, you better taste it (optional).
    4. Bring it together with clean hands

     

     
    Making Coconut Ice - Step 3 - first layer pressed into lined tin

    STEP 3

     
    1. Place the first layer or coconut ice in the tin and press down.
    2. The mixture will fill about half of a brownie tin.
    3. Use the back of a spoon to rub a smooth finish.

     

     
    Making Coconut Ice - Step 4 - pink mixture mixed in same way

    STEP 4

     
    1. Now make the pink layer. First pour the icing sugar into a clean bowl.
    2. Add the coloured coconut and the rest of the condensed milk.
    3. Mix well.

     

     
    Making Coconut Ice - Step 5 - add the pink layer

    STEP 5

     
    1. Pull the mixture together and press into the tin over the white layer.
    2. Press down into an even layer, then smooth with the back of a spoon.
    3. Either leave in the fridge to set or leave out overnight to set.
    4. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
    5. Scroll down for the full recipe.
     

    Vegan coconut ice cut into squares

    Easy Vegan Coconut Ice

    Jacqueline Meldrum
    An easy recipe for coconut ice. A sweet coconut fridge cake cut into bite-sized pieces.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Easy Vegan Cakes, Bakes & Desserts
    Cuisine British
    Servings 40 bites
    Calories 71 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 200 g desiccated coconut
    • 200 g vegan condensed milk
    • 250 g icing sugar (plus extra for dusting)
    • 4 drops pink or red food colouring

    Instructions
     

    • Line a brownie tin.
    • Divide the coconut, condensed milk and icing sugar. Two bowls of each ingredient, each containing half the mixture.
    • Pop half the coconut in a freezer bag with a few drops of food colouring, seal securely and shake well to colour. pour back into
      the bowl and set aside, we are making the white layer first.
    • Add the white coconut, half the icing sugar and half the condensed milk to a mixing bowl. Mix well with a spoon or spatula, then bring together with clean hands.
    • Press this into the lined brownie tin. It will fill about half of the tin, maybe a little more.
    • Use the back of the spoon to smooth the surface.
    • Add the pink coconut into a clean mixing bowl with the other half of the icing sugar and condensed milk.
    • Mix, bring together and press in an even layer on top of the white layer. Use the back of a spoon again to smooth it.
    • Leave to set, see notes below for options.
    • Once set dust with icing sugar and cut into small squares. I cut it into 5 lengths then cut into 8 pieces for each length, but you can cut it as big as you like.
    • See notes below for storing info.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    1. Gel is the best food colouring for bakes and no-bakes as the colour is strong, you only need a little and it doesn't alter the flavour. Just check it is suitable for vegans.
    2. Coconut ice can be left out to set overnight or set in the fridge in a couple of hours.
    3. Once it is cut it can be kept for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
    4. If you cut it into 40 pieces like I did, each piece is 63 calories.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 40gCalories: 71kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 27mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword coconut ice, retro sweets, vegan candy, vegan coconut ice, vegan sweets, war recipes, war time recipes
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    « Easter Raspberry & White Chocolate Cupcakes - Vegan & Dairy-Free
    Vegan Cheese & Chive Beer Bread (no knead, no yeast recipe) »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anonymous

      April 11, 2021 at 12:11 pm

      Oh no this will be dangerous for me. I have not had coconut ice for years. Oh dear. Jill

      Reply
    2. Michelle

      April 11, 2021 at 5:36 pm

      This is such an easy recipe! Thanks for the backstory on the name too, very interesting! 🙂

      Reply
    3. Julie

      April 11, 2021 at 5:36 pm

      My family is going to go crazy for this coconut ice. It is so easy to make and the kids can help too.

      Reply
    4. Jenn

      April 11, 2021 at 5:36 pm

      So pretty! How did I not know that this was a thing? Not only am I always on the hunt for vegan recipes, but sweets! Oh my - making this today!

      Reply
    5. Whats Cookin Italian Style Cuisine

      April 11, 2021 at 5:36 pm

      I am making this as soon as I do the conversion table on ingredients, I love coconut and that little cutie in the photo has my heart to try it immediately .. looks fabulous!

      Reply
    6. Anonymous

      April 11, 2021 at 5:53 pm

      I made these today with my daughter and she had great fun. I would not say it looks as neat as yours but it is good.

      Reply
    7. Anonymous

      April 11, 2021 at 5:53 pm

      I am going to try these once I get hold of some condensed milk. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
    8. Jacqueline Meldrum

      April 11, 2021 at 6:00 pm

      Oh that's lovely. I'm glad you enjoyed them and had fun. Thanks for taking the time to let me know.

      Reply
    9. Jacqueline Meldrum

      April 11, 2021 at 6:00 pm

      You are so welcome. Enjoy them

      Reply
    10. Lilly

      April 11, 2021 at 6:00 pm

      So pretty and looks so much fun to make! Definitely going to make this tomorrow! Looks so yummy!

      Reply
    11. Jacqueline Meldrum

      April 11, 2021 at 6:00 pm

      So easy and yes it is interesting and totally makes sense.

      Reply
    12. Jacqueline Meldrum

      April 11, 2021 at 6:00 pm

      oh yes it's fine for kids to make and you can let them use a different colour with a smaller batch each.

      Reply
    13. Jacqueline Meldrum

      April 11, 2021 at 6:00 pm

      Enjoy it and have fun making it.

      Reply
    14. Jacqueline Meldrum

      April 11, 2021 at 6:00 pm

      oh sugar, I forgot to put them in. I'm glad you noticed.

      Reply
    15. Jacqueline Meldrum

      April 11, 2021 at 6:00 pm

      Haha sorry about that! You're going to make it aren't you?

      Reply
    16. Jacqueline Meldrum

      April 11, 2021 at 6:01 pm

      Thanks and hope you enjoy it.

      Reply
    17. Beth

      April 12, 2021 at 12:06 pm

      These are party perfect and they sound so incredibly easy to make. I can't wait to try them in different colors. Have you tried them in other colors?

      Reply

    Leave a comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    JACQUELINE MELDRUM

    Welcome to The Vegan Lunchbox.

    If you need tasty lunch inspiration, you've come to the right place. Easy recipes and ideas from my Scottish kitchen. Jac x

    Read more -

    Featured Recipes

    • Dill Potato Salad
    • Vegan Pesto Cheese Swirls
    • Vegan Cheese & Red Pepper Filo Hand Pies
    • Vegan Sesame Bagel Pizza

    Copyright © 2022 theveganlunchbox.co.uk on the Foodie Pro Theme