Moose Farts Recipe: A No-Bake Canadian Treat That Will Steal the Show
A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
Picture this: It’s a snowy winter evening in a cozy cabin, a fire crackling in the fireplace, and a plate of irresistible sweet treats sitting on the coffee table. Or maybe it’s a sunny summer day at the cottage, and you’re looking for a no-fuss dessert to share with family and friends after a barbecue. No matter the setting, Moose Farts are a playful, no-bake treat that brings smiles and laughter before you even take a bite.
Yes, you read that right — Moose Farts. While the name may raise eyebrows or spark giggles, these rich, coconutty, chocolatey cookie balls are nothing short of delicious. A well-loved Canadian classic often made during the holidays or for family gatherings, Moose Farts are an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that even beginner bakers can master. And once you’ve tried them, we promise you’ll be coming back for more.
In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know to make your own batch of Moose Farts — from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips, storage ideas, and even fun variations to make the recipe your own.
What Are Moose Farts, Exactly?
If you’ve never heard of Moose Farts before, you’re not alone — this sweet treat tends to be more of a hidden gem in Canadian households than a worldwide phenomenon. But once you try them, you’ll wonder how they haven’t gone global yet.
Moose Farts are no-bake dessert balls made from a combination of sweetened condensed milk, graham cracker crumbs, coconut, chocolate chips, and vanilla. They’re rich, chewy, slightly crunchy, and utterly indulgent — with a whimsical name that makes them the ultimate conversation starter.
They’re similar in texture to cookie dough truffles or energy balls, but make no mistake: these are a decadent dessert, not a health food. And that’s exactly what makes them perfect for special occasions — from holiday cookie trays and potlucks to birthday parties and late-night snacks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ No baking required — Perfect for hot days or quick desserts
- ✅ Easy to make — Minimal ingredients and no special equipment needed
- ✅ Fun for kids and adults alike — A family-friendly activity
- ✅ Perfect for parties or gift-giving — Great conversation starter
- ✅ Customizable — Endless ways to adapt the flavors
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 40 cookie balls:
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
(300 ml in Canada or 14 oz in the US) - 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups dried coconut
(fine or medium cut — avoid large flakes for best texture) - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, plus extra for rolling
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
(semi-sweet works best, but you can use milk or dark chocolate)
Pro Tip: If you’re in the U.S., you can crush graham crackers in a food processor to make your own crumbs.
How to Make Moose Farts (Step-by-Step Instructions)
This is one of those recipes that looks and tastes like you put in a lot of effort — but in reality, it’s super simple and quick to make. Here’s how:
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the graham cracker crumbs, dried coconut, and chocolate chips. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are fully combined and evenly distributed. The mixture will be sticky — that’s what you want.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour. This will help the mixture firm up, making it easier to roll into balls.
Time-saving tip: If you’re in a hurry, pop the bowl in the freezer for 20–30 minutes instead.
Step 4: Roll into Balls
Once the mixture is chilled, scoop out about 1 to 1 1/4 inches of the mixture and roll it between your palms into a ball. These treats are quite rich, so keep the balls on the small side.
Step 5: Coat in Graham Cracker Crumbs
Roll each ball in the additional graham cracker crumbs to give them a lightly textured coating. This step also prevents them from sticking together when stored.
Step 6: Chill Again
Place the finished balls on a baking sheet or tray and chill in the fridge until firm. Once fully set, transfer them to an airtight container.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store Moose Farts in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: They also freeze well! Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Make-ahead magic: Moose Farts are ideal for batch-making ahead of the holidays or special events. You can even gift them in festive tins or jars.
Creative Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Want to make it your own? Here are a few fun variations:
🥜 Peanut Butter Moose Farts
Swap 1/4 cup of the sweetened condensed milk with peanut butter for a nuttier, slightly savory twist.
🌰 Nutty Delight
Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch and flavor depth.
🍒 Cherry Bombs
Stir in 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries or dried cherries for a fruity pop.
🥥 Double Coconut
Toast the coconut beforehand or use sweetened coconut flakes for an extra coconut hit.
🍫 Dark Chocolate Dream
Use dark chocolate chips or even coat the balls in melted chocolate for an ultra-rich finish.
Fun Fact: Why Are They Called “Moose Farts”?
Let’s face it — part of the charm is the name. The origins of the term Moose Farts are a little murky, but it’s believed to be a tongue-in-cheek Canadianism, meant to bring a smile and a little bit of whimsy to the dessert table.
Much like “Nanaimo Bars” or “Butter Tarts,” Moose Farts are part of that uniquely Canadian tradition of naming delicious treats with colorful, unforgettable names. Kids love it, adults laugh at it, and everyone remembers it. After all, who could forget a dessert called a Moose Fart?
Serving Suggestions
Moose Farts are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them:
- As part of a holiday cookie platter
- Alongside coffee or tea for a sweet mid-afternoon treat
- On a dessert buffet at a potluck or party
- As edible gifts in jars or decorative tins
- Chopped and sprinkled over ice cream or yogurt
They’re bite-sized, shareable, and always a hit at gatherings.
Make It a Family Tradition
Part of what makes Moose Farts so special is how fun they are to make with kids. From rolling the balls to coating them in crumbs, it’s a hands-on kitchen activity that even little ones can participate in. They’ll love the silly name, and you’ll love making memories together.
Why not make it a tradition every winter or every summer at the cottage? These kinds of simple, repeatable recipes are often the ones that get passed down for generations — and with a name like this, how could anyone forget?
Final Thoughts: Sweet, Silly, and Seriously Good
Moose Farts may have a silly name, but don’t let that fool you — this is a seriously delicious no-bake dessert that deserves a spot in your recipe box. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for the holidays, or just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, these little cookie balls deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
With just a few pantry staples and less than 30 minutes of hands-on work, you can whip up a batch of this classic Canadian treat that everyone will love. So the next time someone asks what’s for dessert, smile and say, “Moose Farts” — and then watch them come back for seconds.