Easy 5-Min Coconut Balls

Make these coconut balls Raffaello style with this quick and easy recipe made with only 3 ingredients and 5 minutes. These coconut truffles are perfect to give as gifts during the holidays or just to enjoy.

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe
• Ingredients You Need
• How to Make Coconut Balls
• Tips for this recipe
• Storage instructions
• Variations & Substitutions
• Recipe Questions
• More Truffles and Ball Recipes
• Coconut balls

For all those who love coconut flavor and Raffaello candies, then you will not resist this delicious sweet treat of homemade coconut balls truffles.

These little homemade Raffaello-style coconut truffles are absolutely delicious and have a melting texture in the mouth and the good taste and texture of coconut flakes.

For this very easy dessert recipe to make at home, you will only need one bowl, 3 simple ingredients and 5 minutes of time to make this recipe perfect for a holiday or special occasion.

Made with shredded coconut, and sweetened condensed milk, and filled with a crunchy heart of hazelnut that you can replace with almond or simply remove from the recipe.

These delicious coconut balls are no-bake, with no need for equipment or a food processor, and no added sugar because the sweetened condensed milk gives a perfectly smooth taste in the mouth.

Craving for more coconut recipes? Give these a try, coconut layer cake, coconut cupcakes, coconut milk ganache frosting.

Ingredients You Need

You need these ingredients to make this 3 ingredients coconut ball recipe:

• Coconut: Use unsweetened coconut, which you can substitute with toasted coconut or desiccated coconut. No need to use sweetened coconut flakes or add powdered sugar in the recipe as the sweetened condensed milk is enough to sweeten these coconut balls.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Use sweetened condensed skim milk instead of unsweetened evaporated milk which has a more liquid texture. For a vegan version use sweetened condensed coconut milk.
• Dried fruits: whole hazelnuts, almonds, or other nuts, previously roasted in the oven for more flavor.

Substitutions

• Chocolate chips: Add mini dark chocolate chips to add crunch and chocolate taste. To make the chocolate coconut balls version with melted chocolate added you can see my recipe for white chocolate coconut truffles.
• Flavor: add vanilla extract, coconut extract, almond extract or lemon juice.
• Nut ground: You can replace some of the coconut flakes with almond flour, hazelnut, or coconut flour instead.
• Cookie crumbs: Replace some of the shredded coconuts with cookie crumbs, such as oreo cookies, feuillantine flakes, Biscoff crumbs etc.
• Cocoa: For a chocolate flavor add some unsweetened cocoa powder into the recipe.

How to Make Coconut Balls

Here are some quick visual instructions. Don't forget that full recipe instructions with exact ingredients can be found in the recipe card below!

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, place all ingredients, shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk and mix with a tablespoon until the mixture is smooth and the coconut flakes are well moistened by the condensed milk.

Step 2: Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 3: Using your hands, scoop out a small amount of coconut mixture and compact it in the palm of your hand and add a whole hazelnut or almond and press it into the center of the coconut ball.

Step 4: Roll the ball between your hands until you have a smooth dough ball and place them on a plate or on a sheet of parchment paper.

Step 5: Place shredded coconut flakes in a small bowl and roll the coconut balls in the coconut flakes until they are completely covered.

Enjoy! Place the coconut truffle balls in small white cases and enjoy!

Storage instructions

Room temperature: Coconut balls can be stored for up to a week or two, at room temperature and placed in an airtight container box to prevent them from drying out.

Freeze: You can also keep them for up to 3 months in the freezer, placed them in preservation bags or in a box, and let them slowly come back to room temperature.

Recipe Questions

Can I use fresh coconut instead of dried shredded coconut?

It's best to use dried shredded coconut for the right texture, but fresh coconut can be used if you dry it out slightly before using it.

How do I make the mixture easier to handle?

Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.

What’s the best way to shape coconut balls?

Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to ensure even-sized balls, then roll them in your hands to form a smooth shape.

More Truffles and Ball Recipes

I hope you love these easy coconut balls. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Happy Baking!

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