Though I’m from the South of Ireland, I’ve always been fascinated by the regional specialties found across the island. One such treat that caught my attention is the famous Northern Irish Fifteens. These no-bake sweets are a beloved staple at family gatherings, tea times, and community events across the North. And once you try them, it’s easy to see why.
My gluten free version of Fifteens keeps all the charm of the original but makes it accessible to those avoiding gluten. This recipe combines classic ingredients like marshmallows, glacé cherries, and condensed milk, but instead of the usual digestive biscuits, I use gluten free ones that deliver the same crumbly texture without any gluten. The end result is a sweet, slightly chewy, and utterly moreish treat that’s just as delicious as the traditional version.
Fifteens are a wonderfully simple treat that doesn’t require an oven, making them perfect for a quick dessert or a last-minute addition to any occasion. All you need to do is crush the biscuits, mix everything together, and roll the mixture in coconut before slicing it up. The name “Fifteens” comes from the original recipe, which uses 15 of each key ingredient – 15 biscuits, 15 cherries, and 15 marshmallows – a quirky, easy-to-remember detail that adds to their charm.
Whether you’ve grown up with Fifteens or are trying them for the first time, this gluten-free version will be a hit at any table. I hope you enjoy bringing a taste of Northern Irish tradition into your own kitchen, just as I have!
One of the best things about Fifteens is their versatility. While the classic recipe calls for glacé cherries and marshmallows, you can easily customize it to suit your own tastes or what you have on hand. Some people like to add dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries, for a bit of tartness, while others might include a splash of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavour. The gluten free digestive biscuits I use in this recipe provide a great base, but you could also experiment with gluten free shortbread for a richer, buttery bite.
For those who are making Fifteens for a crowd, the fact that they’re no-bake is a real time-saver. Once you’ve mixed everything together and rolled it into a log, the hardest part is waiting for them to chill in the fridge! They need a few hours to firm up before slicing, but that makes them an ideal make-ahead dessert. You can even double the recipe if you’re feeding a larger group, and they’ll keep well for a few days if stored in an airtight container – that is, if they last that long!
What I love most about sharing this Northern Irish delicacy is the nostalgia and warmth that comes with it. It’s a recipe that many people remember from childhood, a comforting reminder of home and tradition. Whether you’re making Fifteens for a special occasion or just for the joy of a sweet treat with your tea, it’s a recipe that brings a smile to anyone who tries it. Even though I didn’t grow up with Fifteens, they’ve certainly become a favorite in my kitchen, and I hope they become one in yours too.
Gluten Free Northern Irish Fifteens
Cuisine: IrishDifficulty: Easy, Beginner15
servings5
minutes4
hours190
kcal4
hours5
minutesIngredients
15 gluten free digestive biscuits
15 marshmallows, quarterd
15 glacé cherries, cut in half
200 ml condensed milk
85g desiccated coconut, to coat
Directions
- Crush the digestive biscuits in a food processor or in a plastic bag with a rolling pin, then add them to a large mixing bowl. Cut each marshmallow into 4 pieces and add them to the bowl with the halved cherries and condensed milk. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and you have a sticky mixture.
- Sprinkle most of the coconut over a large piece of cling film (or wrap). Add the mixture onto the coconut and shape into a long sausage. Sprinkle more coconut over the top of it and wrap the cling film tightly around, twisting the ends together.
- Leave in the fridge to chill overnight or place it in the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours.
- Remove from fridge/ freezer cut into 15 slices and serve.
Notes
- While the classic recipe calls for glacé cherries and marshmallows, you can easily customize it to suit your own tastes or what you have on hand. Some people like to add dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries, for a bit of tartness, while others might include a splash of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavour.
Nutrition Facts
15 servings per container
Serving Size1g
<hr class="nutrition-facts-hr"/>- Amount Per ServingCalories190
- % Daily Value * <li>Total Fat 8g 13%
- Saturated Fat 5g 25%
- Sodium 90mg 4% <li>Total Carbohydrate 30g 10%
- Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
- Sugars 20g
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
