If your sweet tooth had a wishlist, this recipe would be item number one. Minimal effort, maximal payoff, zero baking—what are we even doing still reading? These chewy, chocolatey, coconutty bites are the kind of snack that makes people ask for the recipe before they’ve swallowed.
And yes, they’re called Moose Farts—blame Canada, thank me later. You’ll make a batch “for the week” and somehow they’ll be gone by tonight. Oops.
The Secret Behind This Recipe
Moose Farts are a classic no-bake Canadian treat built on pantry heroes: graham crumbs, shredded coconut, chocolate, and sweetened condensed milk.
The magic is in the texture—soft, fudgy centers with a delicate outer shell of cocoa or coconut. A pinch of salt and a splash of vanilla turn “sweet” into balanced and “sticky” into silky. They set in the fridge fast, but the flavors deepen overnight if you can resist.
Spoiler: you probably can’t.
Shopping List – Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (plus extra for dusting, optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Optional add-ins: 1 tablespoon maple syrup or espresso powder; chopped toasted nuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep your station. Line a sheet pan with parchment. Set out two shallow bowls: one with extra coconut, one with cocoa powder (optional).
- Mix the base. In a large bowl, combine graham crumbs, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until evenly blended.
- Make it luscious. Add sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
Mix with a spatula until a thick, sticky dough forms. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Chill for control. Pop the bowl into the fridge for 10–15 minutes so it firms up and rolls easier. Trust me—it’s worth the wait.
- Roll ‘em. Scoop heaping tablespoons and roll into 1-inch balls.
If the mix sticks, lightly oil your hands or dust them with cocoa.
- Coat and conquer. Roll each ball in shredded coconut or cocoa powder for a clean finish and extra texture. Mix coatings for variety.
- Set and serve. Refrigerate for 30–45 minutes until set. Serve chilled or at cool room temp for maximum fudgy vibes.
Keeping It Fresh
Store Moose Farts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a bag—good for 2–3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge for best texture. Pro tip: stash a “do not touch” bag behind the frozen peas.
For science.
Health Benefits
Look, this is dessert—not kale. But there are a few wins. Coconut adds fiber and some healthy fats, and cocoa brings antioxidants.
Portion control is baked in (well, not baked, but you get it) with bite-sized servings. Want to level up? Swap mini chips for 70% dark chocolate and use unsweetened coconut to trim sugar without losing flavor.
What Not to Do
- Don’t skip the salt. It’s the difference between “sweet” and “wow.”
- Don’t use sweetened coconut unless you like cloying sweetness.
Unsweetened balances the condensed milk.
- Don’t over-wet the mix. If it’s too soft, add more graham crumbs 1 tablespoon at a time until rollable.
- Don’t store at room temp in warm climates—melty mess incoming.
- Don’t make them giant. Bigger balls don’t set as well and the texture suffers. Keep them bite-sized.
Mix It Up
- Maple Espresso: Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 1 teaspoon espresso powder. Coat in cocoa.
- Almond Joy Vibes: Swap vanilla for almond extract; add chopped toasted almonds; dip tops in melted dark chocolate.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Replace 2 tablespoons butter with creamy peanut butter; roll in crushed peanuts.
- Holiday Spice: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg; coat in a cinnamon-cocoa blend.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified GF graham crumbs or almond flour (start with 1 1/2 cups; adjust to texture).
- Protein Boost (FYI): Replace 1/4 cup crumbs with vanilla whey or collagen; you may need a splash more condensed milk.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes.
Use a dairy-free sweetened condensed coconut milk and plant-based butter. Texture stays chewy; flavor leans coconutty in a great way.
Why are my Moose Farts too sticky to roll?
They’re likely too warm or too wet. Chill the mixture for 15 more minutes and add 1–2 tablespoons of graham crumbs until it holds shape.
Do I have to use cocoa powder?
No.
You can skip cocoa and rely on chocolate chips for richness, or coat in coconut only. Crushed freeze-dried berries also slap, IMO.
Can kids help make these?
Absolutely. No heat, no knives—just mixing, rolling, and making a mess you’ll totally forgive after the first bite.
How many does this make?
About 24–28 1-inch bites, depending on how generous your scoops are and how many “quality control” samples you take.
My Take
Moose Farts are the ultimate ROI dessert: 10 minutes of effort for a tray of dangerously snackable bites.
The salt-vanilla-cocoa triad makes them taste far more sophisticated than their name. Keep a batch in the fridge for coffee breaks, bribes, and late-night “I deserve this” moments. They’re playful, low-stress, and weirdly elegant—like tuxedo pants with sneakers.
Now go make them before someone talks you into baking a whole cake.