How to make… Coconut ice
This was one of the first recipes I learned how to make and over the years, I’ve made various tweaks to make it my own. My family and friends all rave about it and are happy when we include it with our Christmas cookies each year. Sandy doesn’t particularly like the texture of coconut which means more for me, too.
Ingredients
500 | grams | Icing sugar | Sifted. (About 4¼ cups) |
600 | grams | Desiccated coconut | (About 8 cups) |
2 | cans | Sweetened condensed milk | |
1 | tsp | Vanilla extract | |
Food colouring | Optional. Traditionally coconut ice in the UK is pink & white, but I use seasonal colours. | ||
500 | grams | Milk or dark chocolate | Optional. About 4 cups. See note below. |
Almonds | Optional. See note below. |
For an extra special treat, after you’ve cut (or rolled) the mixture into pieces, dip them in melted chocolate to make coconut truffles. They taste exactly like Bounty bars. And, if you add an almond on top, you have homemade Almond Joy bars.
Preparation
- Make sure you’ve washed your hands before you start.
- Combine the icing sugar and sweetened condensed milk and vanilla in a large bowl and stir it together using a sturdy spoon.
- Then add the coconut. Stir until it’s too stiff, then get your hands in and knead the mixture making sure it’s all combined.
- The mixture will be sticky, but use additional coconut if you feel you need a dryer mixture.
- When you’re happy with the consistency, divide the mixture in half, then add your food colourings to each half, using your hands to make sure it’s evenly distributed.
- To make traditional coconut ice bars, line a square or rectangular pan with baking parchment and spread each layer into the pan, making sure to get to the edges.
- If you’re making coconut truffles, roll the mixture into 1 inch balls.
- Refrigerate the pan or balls for a few hours to firm up.
- Remove the pan from the fridge and cut into pieces carefully with a sharp knife.
- f coating in chocolate, melt your chocolate and dip the pieces before laying on paper to set.
- Store in an airtight container.
Watch us make it
Check out our YouTube video by clicking the image below to see how I make my Coconut ice, and don’t forget to like, and subscribe to our channel while you’re there.

What about you?
Coconut ice is a very traditional UK candy that is simple to make and tastes sweet and decadent. Even if you’re not very confident in the kitchen, you can make this and delight your friends and family.
Download our free recipe card and add this recipe to your collection today.
And, if you do make them, please tell us about your experience using #candy and tagging @parkerlings on your social media. If you have any questions, just ask, using the form below.
Shop the ingredients




* Affiliate Links