These little Vintage American Ting-A-Lings are our take on the much-loved candy or sweet from the 1950s. Just a few pantry ingredients make up this no-bake fridge candy - almonds, breakfast cereal, desiccated coconut, vanilla and chocolate - and these can be easily adapted to what you have to hand. Ting-A-Lings can be easily prepared as gluten-free as well as for vegan diets.
Traditionally Ting-A-Lings were prepared during the festive season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, but really these delicious crunchy chocolate snacks can be enjoyed for parties, picnics, buffets, movie nights, game-day nibbles, or for Halloween decorated with little jelly eyes or the Fourth of July with red, white, and blue cake sprinkles.
Ting-A-Lings are a traditional no-bake American candy that is prepared during the festive season most notably Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ting-a-lings are similar to chocolate haystacks or chocolate cornflake cakes, rice crispy treats or squares and the Australian hedgehog treats or slice.
The main ingredients of Ting-A-Lings are breakfast cereal, nuts or raisins, coconut, and chocolate. Vanilla is sometimes used as an additional flavouring, and butterscotch chips are often added.
Although many Ting-A-Ling recipes use breakfast cereal, original recipes actually used uncooked crunchy plain chow mien noodles!
If you can source uncooked chow mien noodles then do give those a try with this recipe although the chow mien noodles are not the same as dried ramen noodles as such, as they are more similar to those deep-fried gram flour noodles found in packets of Bombay mix [snacks].
As we are a plant-based family we choose to use crunchy stick shaped breakfast cereal - bran sticks - for our Ting-A-Lings and this is a valid option as there is a recipe for Wheaties Ting-A-Lings in the Betty Crocker Picture Cookbook General Mills Inc (1950) which features Wheatie's breakfast cereal mixed with chocolate. A variation Peanut Ting-A-Lings adds salted peanuts to the mix. In the UK Wheaties are similar to malted wheat cereal.
Vegan Ting-A-Lings
For our Ting-A-Ling recipe, we use desiccated coconut, whole almonds, high fibre cereal [a vegan All-Bran dupe], vanilla, and dark chocolate [semi-sweet] which was vegan-friendly. For extra flavour salted, roasted ,or toasted nuts of any variety can be used instead of the almonds. We had some plain almonds to use up and we also wanted something less salty. However, salted or roasted peanuts would add more flavour and texture and we plan on using those for our next batch.
Some traditional recipes use butterscotch chips and as a replacement we think that chopped up Scottish tablet or fudge would be ideal and a tasty addition - if you are creating dairy-free Ting-A-Lings there are vegan versions of these sweets in many UK supermarkets.
Our Ting-A-Lings are crunchy, chewy, nutty, chocolatey and pleasantly not too sweet due to the dark chocolate.
Our daughter commented that they tasted like Christmas so we were very happy with that seeing as they are a traditional festive treat! Although they can be adapted for any occasion - such as add some jelly eyes for Halloween and create scary spider shapes.
Or add red, white, and blue cake sprinkles for Fourth of July party snacks. Or stir through some crushed mini chocolate eggs before the chocolate sets for an Easter treat.
And for Christmas a dusting of icing [powdered] sugar or sprinkling over some festive cake sprinkles can give the Ting-A-Lings that extra festive appearance.
How To Prepare
For this recipe we used Tesco's High Fibre Bran cereal as it is inexpensive and vegan-friendly. For the chocolate we went for Co-Op's Fair trade own brand of dark chocolate as it is relatively inexpensive, tastes great, is accidentally vegan, and melts really well.
We have chosen to use plain almonds to keep the salt levels down but for extra flavour, texture, and authenticness, you can use salty or roasted peanuts, or indeed any type of nut can be used instead.
We are experimenting with vanilla powder at the moment, so we have added this instead of vanilla extract, but of course you can add vanilla extract or essence instead. And for a different flavour almond extract would be a nice alternative.
Step 1: Place the chopped almonds [or your choice of nut or dried fruit such as raisins], bran cereal, desiccated coconut and vanilla extract or vanilla powder, into a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Melt the chocolate and pour it into the mixing bowl.
Step 3: Give everything a good mix so that the ingredients are well coated in chocolate.
Step 4: Using a teaspoon, scoop up and drop dollops of chocolate mixture onto a tray lined with baking paper or add to paper cupcake cases.
Step 5: Continue until the mixture is used up. The mix should make around 18-20 little Ting-A-Lings or less if larger ones are made.
Step 6: Place the tray into the refrigerator so that the candy sets firm. Once set they are ready to enjoy.
You can sprinkle extra flavours over your Ting-A-Lings before they are set such as - extra desiccated coconut, cake sprinkles, little sweeties or candies, dried fruits, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, etc,. Or once set firm you can dust each Ting-A-Ling with a little icing [powdered] sugar for a nice festive touch.
Recipe Notes
Storing
Ting-A-Lings are best stored within a covered container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Wrapping in kitchen foil will help keep them fresher for longer.
Freezing
Wrap the chilled and firm Ting-A-Lings in food wrap and place into a freezer proof bag or container. Freezer for up to 2-3 months.
FAQ'S
This recipe uses Tesco High Fibre breakfast cereal as an All-bran replacement, however the high fibre cereal is prepared with wheat so it is not gluten-free. For gluten-free ting-a-lings choose a breakfast cereal that is labelled gluten-free such as rice flakes, corn flakes, or similar. A breakfast cereal such as Freee Supergrain Hoops would also be nice.
Yes we have a few adaptations that you can try - such as replacing the almonds with peanuts. Peanuts are a traditional ingredient for Ting-A-Lings especially salty or roasted peanuts. Or you can use any nut or mixed nuts you have to hand. Alternatively, dried fruit can replace the nuts, such as raisins, sultanas, chopped dried dates or apricots. Slice larger pieces of dried fruit into smaller sizes.
Other ideas include using chopped or coconut shards instead of desiccated coconut. And some sliced marshmallows or whole mini marshmallows are a nice addition - you can easily get vegan and gluten-free marshmallows if necessary.
Also, instead of bran cereal you could use shredded wheat [broken into smaller pieces], crushed malted wheat or bran flakes, rice flakes, cornflakes, etc. A fruit and fibre type cereal [one that includes dried fruits/nuts] can replace both the cereal and nuts.
Or instead of breakfast cereal go the traditional route and use dried fried chow mien noodles. Although do keep in mind that the noodles are those deep fried crispy variety similar to those from packets of Bombay snack mixes and not dried noodles intended for rehydrating.
As for the chocolate, you can use any type you like such as white, milk, or dark. There are vegan varieties of most types of chocolate available including flavoured chocolate such as strawberry and Caramel - for example Strawberry Moo Free chocolate bars which would be nice crumbled up and sprinkled over the Ting-A-Lings before they are set firm.
We have researched this question but can't find any definitive information about why this crunchy candy is called the quirky name Ting-A-Lings. Although according to The Merriam Webster online dictionary, a ting-a-ling is the sound of bells tinkling so as the candy is a festive treat, its not that far of a stretch to imagine the candy represents ringing Christmas bells.
Our kids love Ting-A-Lings for movie night snacks especially along with some home-made popcorn and a few jelly sweets.
More Traditional Homemade Sweets or candies
For more traditional sweet treats made dairy-free and egg-free that are perfect for special occasions, parties, afternoon tea, game-day snacks, movie night nibbles, and just every-day enjoyment check out our collection of Vegan Party Recipes.
We especially love these classic Peppermint Creams candies and these cute chocolate dipped marshmallow Scottish Top Hat Treats.
And for a few more fridge bakes similar to Ting-A-Lings our Chocolate Cornflake Cakes and Rice Crispy Cakes are firm family favourites.
For another recipe to use up some of your high fibre bran breakfast cereal, if you purchased a box for this recipe, then have a look at this delicious All Bran Cinnamon Loaf Cake.
***please note: for US measurements click the 'US customary button' within the recipe and the measurements will switch to tablespoons, cups, and ounces***
📖 Recipe
Vintage American Ting-A-Lings
Equipment
- Baking tray or plate baking paper or paper cupcake cases
- Mixing bowl
- mixing spoon
- heatproof bowl for melting chocolate
- Small saucepan only required if melting chocolate on the stove-top
- teaspoon
Ingredients
- 200 grams dark chocolate [semi sweet] [you can use any type of chocolate that melts]
- 80 grams whole almonds [rough chopped, or replace with salty or roasted peanuts, or any nut, or dried fruit such as raisins]
- 60 grams All-bran cereal [or similar] [we used the vegan friendly All-bran dupe - Tesco High Fibre Bran cereal]
- 45 grams desiccated coconut [or coconut shreds]
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract [or ½-¾ teaspoon vanilla powder, or replace with almond essence]
Instructions
- Prepare a baking tray or large plate by lining it with baking paper.
- Add the nuts, desiccated coconut, vanilla, and breakfast cereal into a mixing bowl.80 grams whole almonds, 60 grams All-bran cereal [or similar], 45 grams desiccated coconut, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Melt the chocolate, either using a microwave or on the stove-top.200 grams dark chocolate [semi sweet]
- Microwave method: break the chocolate into even pieces and place into a microwave safe bowl. Using the high setting, switch the microwave on for 20-30 second bursts, until the chocolate has nearly melted. Remove the bowl and quickly stir the chocolate until it melts completely.
- Stove-top method: break the chocolate into even pieces and place in a heat-proof bowl. Place the bowl into a pan with about an inch of water simmering in the pan. Turn the heat off and the chocolate will melt in the heat. Once the chocolate has nearly melted, remove the bowl from the heat, and stir it quickly to help it along.
- Pour the melted chocolate into the mixing bowl and quickly stir all the ingredients together.
- Using a teaspoon scoop up the mixture and dollop onto the baking tray or fill up paper cupcake cases. Continue until all the mix has been used.
- Place the tray into the refrigerator until the Ting-A-Lings are set firm -usually takes a few hours.
Notes
- Nutritional information is for guidance only and is not a strict calculation as ingredients vary.
- Store Ting-A-Lings within the refrigerator, but if preferred a little softer, remove from the refrigerator few minutes before eating.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Almonds can be replaced with salted, roasted, or toasted peanuts or any nut variety.
- Or sub the nuts for dried fruit such as raisins, sultanas, glace cherries, apricots, pineapple, dates, etc. Chop up larger pieces of dried fruit.
- Instead of vanilla sub for almond extract.
- Bran cereal can be replaced with deep fried and dried chow mien noodles, which is a traditional ingredient.
- For gluten-free Ting-A-Lings use a certified gluten-free breakfast cereal such as rice or corn flakes, or Freee Supergrain hoops, etc.
- For vegan Ting-A-Lings use a vegan-friendly chocolate and a vegan-friendly breakfast cereal such as Tesco High Fibre Bran cereal.
- Any chocolate that melts well, can be used for this recipe including flavoured chocolate.
- For ting-a-lings that are similar to the outside of a chocolate Bounty bar sweet, sprinkle the ting-a-lings with extra desiccated coconut before the chocolate sets.
- For a Halloween treat try adding some jelly eyes to the ting-a-lings before they set, to create scary spider or monster shapes.
- For the Fourth of July scatter over some red, white and blue cake sprinkles.
- For Easter press in a mini chocolate egg on to the unset ting-a-ling.
- For Christmas dust the set ting-a-lings with powdered/icing sugar.
Nutrition
Prepared these vintage American Ting-A-Lings?
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Thanks so much
Jacq x
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