Australian Busters Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a treat that is delicious, nostalgic, and almost irresistibly easy to make, look no further than these Australian Busters. This classic Aussie favorite blends chewy coconut, chocolate, and creamy condensed milk into perfect bite-sized balls that you can whip up in minutes— no oven required! Whether you need a crowd-pleasing party dessert or an afternoon snack, the texture and flavor of Australian Busters deliver pure delight with every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups desiccated coconut
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers or Arnott’s Marie biscuits
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional for Rolling:
- Extra desiccated coconut for rolling
How to Make Australian Busters
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl— you’ll want plenty of space here. Add your desiccated coconut, crushed graham crackers (or Arnott’s Marie biscuits if you can find them), and cocoa powder. This is the foundation of your Australian Busters, so give it a gentle stir to combine evenly and break up any clumps, ensuring every bite will have the perfect mix of coconut, biscuit, and chocolate.
Step 2: Add Condensed Milk and Vanilla
Pour over the sweetened condensed milk and add the vanilla extract. Now comes the fun part— mix everything together with a sturdy spoon or even your clean hands. You’re looking for a sticky, cohesive mixture that’s not too wet or dry. If it feels a little too loose, let it rest for a minute to allow the biscuits to soak up the moisture.
Step 3: Shape Into Balls
Scoop out a generous tablespoon of the mixture and roll it gently between your palms to form a ball. You’ll feel the coconut and biscuits coming together as you shape each one. Place finished balls on a parchment-lined tray as you go; Australian Busters are surprisingly forgiving and don’t need to be perfect— rustic is part of their charm!
Step 4: Roll in Coconut
Pour extra desiccated coconut into a shallow bowl. Take each ball and roll it until coated on all sides. This not only looks lovely but adds an extra layer of coconut flavor and just the right amount of texture on the outside.
Step 5: Chill
Once all your Australian Busters are rolled and coated, transfer the tray to your refrigerator and let them chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up, making them even more enjoyable to eat and easier to handle.
How to Serve Australian Busters
Garnishes
For a classic touch, nothing beats a generous dusting of extra desiccated coconut as a garnish. But if you want to go above and beyond, drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top or add festive sprinkles to suit the occasion—each Australian Buster becomes that much more eye-catching.
Side Dishes
Pair your Australian Busters with a big mug of hot coffee or a tall glass of cold milk if you want to keep things traditional. For a dessert platter, surround them with fresh berries or a bowl of vanilla ice cream to balance their sweet, chocolatey coconut notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation by stacking Australian Busters on a tiered cake stand for afternoon tea, tucking them into mini paper cases for parties, or packing them into pretty tins as edible gifts. Try skewering them on lollipop sticks for a fun, grab-and-go treat that’s always a hit with kids!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Australian Busters are perfect for preparing in advance! Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. If you plan to stack them, pop a square of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
Want to make a big batch and enjoy them later? These busters freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe box. They’ll keep for up to three months, ready whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
Australian Busters are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to heat them. Simply let frozen busters defrost in the fridge for a few hours or on the countertop for about 30 minutes—then dive right in!
FAQs
Can I use other types of biscuits instead of graham crackers or Marie biscuits?
Absolutely! Digestives or any plain, crisp biscuit work well in Australian Busters. Just make sure they aren’t too sweet or too strongly flavored, so the coconut and cocoa can shine.
Are Australian Busters suitable for kids?
Yes, these are a family-friendly treat! Because they contain no added alcohol and use familiar pantry ingredients, Australian Busters are a fantastic recipe for kids to help make—just mind any coconut allergies.
Can I make Australian Busters dairy-free?
You can swap the sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free version, which is available at many grocery stores or online. The result stays creamy and delicious, so everyone can enjoy this treat.
How can I make them extra chocolaty?
For chocolate lovers, add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the mix, or drizzle your finished Australian Busters with melted dark chocolate. You can even dust them with cocoa for a bittersweet kick.
Do I have to chill them before serving?
Chilling isn’t strictly necessary, but it helps the busters set and makes them easier to handle. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 10-minute stint in the freezer does the trick just as well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a treat that’s comforting, classic, and effortlessly impressive, you can’t go past Australian Busters. With their no-fuss ingredients and simple steps, these coconut chocolate balls have a way of making any moment feel a little more special. Go ahead and give Australian Busters a try—trust me, you’ll be reaching for a second (and third) bite in no time!
Print
Australian Busters Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Australian Busters are delightful no-bake coconut balls made with a mix of desiccated coconut, crushed graham crackers, cocoa powder, and sweetened condensed milk. They are easy to prepare and make for a perfect sweet treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups desiccated coconut
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers or Arnott’s Marie biscuits
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional for Rolling:
- Extra desiccated coconut for rolling
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine desiccated coconut, crushed biscuits or graham crackers, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
- Add Condensed Milk: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir until a sticky mixture forms.
- Form Balls: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture into balls and coat each in extra desiccated coconut.
- Chill: Place the balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- These treats are a non-alcoholic version of Australian rum balls.
- For added chocolate flavor, consider mixing in mini chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
