Easy Coconut Tutti Frutti Recipe – No-Bake Indian Sweet

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Coconut Tutti Frutti Recipe – No-Bake Indian Sweet

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a super simple, utterly delicious Indian sweet that requires absolutely no cooking, you’ve come to the right place. This Coconut Tutti Frutti is a childhood favorite of mine – I first made it with my grandmother when I was little, and it’s been a go-to for potlucks, festivals, or just a sweet craving ever since. It’s wonderfully chewy, packed with coconut goodness, and those little pops of tutti frutti and cranberry just make it so cheerful! Let’s get started, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seriously, what’s not to love? This recipe is:

• No-Bake: Perfect for hot days or when you just don’t feel like turning on the oven.
• Easy: Minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions. Even beginner cooks can nail this!
• Delicious: The combination of coconut, milk powder, and colorful dry fruits is simply irresistible.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to your preferences – more sweetness, different dry fruits, even a vegan version!
• Festive: Looks and tastes amazing for any celebration.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this delightful treat:

• 1 cup desiccated coconut (approx. 100g)
• 0.25 cup milk powder (approx. 30g)
• 0.5 cup rice krispies (approx. 28g)
• 0.5 cup powdered sugar (approx. 60g)
• 0.25 cup dry fruits (tutti frutti & cranberry) (approx. 40g)
• 0.25 cup butter (approx. 57g)
• 0.125 cup coconut oil (approx. 30ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Desiccated Coconut: Types & Quality

You’ll find both sweetened and unsweetened desiccated coconut. I prefer unsweetened because it lets me control the overall sweetness of the recipe. But if you only have sweetened, just reduce the powdered sugar slightly. Look for a good quality desiccated coconut – it should smell fresh and fragrant.

Milk Powder: Full Fat vs. Low Fat Options

Full-fat milk powder will give you a richer, more decadent flavor. However, you can absolutely use low-fat milk powder if you’re watching your calories. It won’t affect the texture too much.

Rice Krispies: Substitutions & Texture

Rice Krispies add a lovely light crunch. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with cornflakes (lightly crushed) or even puffed rice. Just be aware that the texture will be slightly different.

Dry Fruits: Regional Variations & Flavor Profiles (Tutti Frutti & Cranberry)

Traditionally, tutti frutti is the star here! But I love adding a handful of cranberries for a little tartness and extra chewiness. Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like chopped dates, raisins, or even candied orange peel. In some parts of India, you’ll find people adding chopped pistachios or almonds too!

Coconut Oil: Virgin vs. Refined – Which to Use?

Both virgin and refined coconut oil will work. Virgin coconut oil has a more pronounced coconut flavor, while refined is more neutral. I usually use refined so the coconut flavor doesn’t overpower the other ingredients, but it really comes down to personal preference.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking (well, assembling!).

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the desiccated coconut, milk powder, and rice krispies.
2. Add the powdered sugar and dry fruits (remember to reserve about 1 tablespoon of dry fruits for topping!). Give everything a good mix.
3. Now, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the coconut oil.
4. Pour the melted butter and coconut oil mixture over the dry ingredients.
5. Mix everything together really well until it’s all combined. If it seems a little dry, add a tiny bit more coconut oil, a teaspoon at a time.
6. Transfer the mixture to a tray lined with parchment paper.
7. Press the mixture down firmly – this is important for getting nice, neat squares.
8. Sprinkle the reserved dry fruits over the top.
9. Pop the tray into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.

Once it’s chilled and firm, cut into squares and serve!

Expert Tips

A few little secrets to make your Coconut Tutti Frutti perfect every time:

Achieving the Perfect Texture

The key is to press the mixture down firmly. This helps it bind together and creates that lovely chewy texture.

Ensuring Even Mixing

Make sure everything is well combined, especially the melted butter and coconut oil. You don’t want any dry pockets!

Preventing Stickiness

Lining the tray with parchment paper is a lifesaver! It prevents the Tutti Frutti from sticking and makes it super easy to lift out and cut.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Coconut Tutti Frutti

Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use plant-based milk powder. It’s just as delicious! My friend, Priya, swears by using a little cashew cream for extra richness.

Gluten-Free Adaptations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your rice krispies are certified gluten-free. Always double-check the packaging!

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the powdered sugar to 1/3 cup. You can always add a little more if needed.

Festival Adaptations (Diwali, Christmas, etc.)

During Diwali, I like to add a pinch of cardamom powder for a warm, festive flavor. For Christmas, a sprinkle of edible glitter makes it extra special!

Serving Suggestions

These are perfect with a cup of chai or a glass of cold milk. They also make a lovely addition to any Indian sweets platter.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Coconut Tutti Frutti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They actually taste even better the next day!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is the best way to store leftover Coconut Tutti Frutti?

In an airtight container in the fridge! They’ll stay fresh for about a week.

Can I use other types of dry fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! Get creative with dates, raisins, candied orange peel, or even chopped nuts.

Can this recipe be made without rice krispies?

Yes, you can substitute with crushed cornflakes or puffed rice, but the texture will be slightly different.

How can I make the Tutti Frutti more colorful?

Use a variety of colorful dry fruits! Candied cherries, orange peel, and green tutti frutti will all add a vibrant touch.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. It actually tastes better after the flavors have had a chance to meld.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!