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No Bake Coconut Balls

Condensed Milk Recipe

Coconut balls are perfect for any special occasion … or simply when you want something sweet and yummy. I like the as dessert or with a cup of coffee. These no-bake coconut balls with condensed milk have a deep, rich flavor that is so satisfying! If you want to add color, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the coconut. I prefer to leave them as-is, but it’s always nice to have options.

bowl of coconut balls

I make them with just a couple of simple ingredients, and then wind up with a sweet treat that’s worthy of any special occasion. This is a delicious recipe that you can pull out any time of the year that you need a special treat.

Coconut Balls AKA Coconut Truffles

Another name for these delicious coconut balls is coconut truffles. Add almonds and chocolate, and each one is a little Almond Joy candy bar. But more on that later. I love no bake desserts, especially when I have to use my oven for other things. This is a great addition to any dessert table, and no one has to know how easy they are to make.

Simple Ingredients

This is not only a delicious treat, but it’s also budget friendly using a couple of simple ingredients that you can find on the baking aisle at any grocery store. And when I say a couple, I mean that literally! There are only 2 ingredients!

bowl of coconut flakes

Here they are:

  • Desiccated coconut (also shredded coconut or coconut flakes) 
  • Sweetened condensed milk
can of sweetened condensed milk

However, if you would like to make these even better or offer a variety of flavors, here are some add-ons you might want to try:

  • Dark chocolate (using semi-sweet chocolate chips)
  • White chocolate
  • Milk chocolate
  • Almonds
  • Vanilla extract
  • Almond extract

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

*Note: You can make the holidays or any special occasion even more festive by adding a few drops of food coloring to the coconut. I like these any time of year, and it’s fun to add color to brighten the day.

bowl of red, green, and white coconut balls

For Christmas time, add a few green and red coconut balls to the ones without the food coloring. For Halloween or even Thanksgiving, use yellow and orange. If you want to serve these for a baby shower, you can do a gender reveal by coloring them pink or blue.

Directions

Before you begin mixing any of the ingredients, put about 1/2 cup of coconut flakes in a small bowl and set it aside to roll the coconut balls in later. If you want more coconut on them, you can add more flakes to this bowl.

coconut flakes in a bowl

Just remember that a little coconut goes a long way when you’re just coating the balls. Pour the remaining coconut flakes and the entire can of sweetened condensed milk into a large mixing bowl. 

pouring sweetened condensed milk into bowl with coconut

Stir them together until well mixed. It’s hard to stir, but you can do it.

mixing the ingredients for coconut balls

You can use either a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out the coconut mixture. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls. In order to keep the coconut mixture from sticking to your hands, lightly coat your hands with oil.

Roll each ball into the coconut flakes that you set aside. Place them on a baking pan or cookie sheet in a single layer. Cover the pan with waxed paper, parchment paper, aluminum foil … or don’t cover it at all.

coconut balls in a single layer on a pan

Put the pan of coconut balls in the refrigerator and chill for at least an hour. I prefer to leave them longer so they have a chance to dry out a bit and get really firm.

More Tips for Making the Best Coconut Balls

Follow the instructions to make delicious coconut balls, and they’ll turn out great! Here are some extra tips:

  • Start with the freshest and best ingredients you can afford.
  • Mix the ingredients well for even distribution. But don’t over-mix because that may cause the coconut balls to be too dense.
  • Add some of your favorite flavors to vary the taste. A small amount of lemon extract will delight people who enjoy the balance of sweet and tart.
  • Make sure the mixture is well chilled to help roll it into balls.
  • Use a scoop or measuring spoon to get consistency in the size of the coconut balls.
  • For an elegant presentation, place each coconut ball in a small cupcake liner. Foil liners add a festive touch.
  • Drizzle a little bit of chocolate or fruit sauce over the coconut balls.
  • Add cocoa powder to the mixture.
  • Toss a few mini chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or sprinkles into the mixture.

How to Keep Coconut Balls

These coconut balls will be good for at least a week if you refrigerate them. You can either put them in an airtight container or seal them in plastic. I usually use a ziplock bag. If you want to keep them longer, put them in an airtight container and freeze them for up to a couple of months. If you freeze them, thaw before serving. 

Make these ahead of the holiday season and freeze them. That way, if you need an extra dessert or treat, you’ll have one at the ready. All you have to do is set them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour, and they’re ready to enjoy!

Are No Bake Coconut Balls Vegan?

When made with sweetened condensed milk, these coconut balls are not vegan. However, if you substitute a mixture of coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla, they are.

bowl of white coconut balls and another bowl of red and green coconut balls

More Delicious Treats

I love making yummy desserts, especially those that require very little effort. Here are some that we enjoy:

Coconut Macaroons – Coconut lovers won’t be able to resist these super easy-to-make macaroons! They make excellent gifts for any special occasion!

2 macaroon cookies with cherries on top

Lemon Bars – With only 3 ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up these lemon bars in a flash! Serve them to your family for dessert or bring them to your next potluck!

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies – There’s a reason the chocolate and peanut butter combination is so popular. These brownies are rich and wonderful!

No Bake Peanut Butter Marshmallow Bars – Here is a favorite treat for anyone who loves peanut butter desserts! It’s a fun snack for both kids and adults!

peanut butter marshmallow bar on a plate

Microwave Scotcheroos – Make this traditional treat by using your microwave to keep the process super simple! And then watch everyone’s face light up when they take their first bite!

Chocolate Covered Pecans – Bet you can’t eat just one! And you don’t have to because you can make as many as you want!

Cherry Coconut Pecan Bars – These delightful bars from Southern Bite add lots of color and flavor to your dessert table!

Easy Pumpkin Bars – These pumpkin bars are a delicious treat during the holidays … or any time of year! I usually stock up on canned pumpkin when it goes on sale, so they’re budget-friendly.

Mini Pumpkin Pies – These little pumpkin pies are so delicious, and in my opinion, much easier to make than a single large pie. Better stock up on pumpkin because these mini pumpkin pies are addictive. 

mini pumpkin pie on a plate

Chewy Pumpkin Cookies – You won’t believe how easy these cookies are to make. And they are absolutely delicious!

Pineapple Dump Cake – When you need a quick and easy dessert that everyone will love, make this pineapple dump cake. It’s good with whipped cream, ice cream, or all by itself.

bowl of pineapple dump cake with vanilla ice cream on top

Lemon Lush Pie – This delicious layered zesty lemon lush pie satisfies the most ardent sweets lovers. Serve it and watch how quickly it disappears!

Easy but Delicious Coconut Balls

coconut balls in a bowl and one on the table

Yummy desserts and sweet treats don’t have to be complicated to taste good. Try these amazing coconut balls, and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about!

Yield: 20 pieces

No Bake Coconut Balls with Condensed Milk

coconut balls on a plate

Next time you host a party or bring a treat, make these yummy coconut balls!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 14 ounces unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)

Instructions

  1. Set aside about 1/2 cup of the coconut flakes in a small bowl. If you want more coconut on them, you can add more flakes to this bowl.
  2. In a large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and the rest of the coconut flakes.
  3. Stir until well mixed.
  4. Form tablespoon-sized balls and roll in the coconut flakes that you set aside.
  5. Place the balls on a flat surface in a single layer.
  6. Refrigerate for at least an hour or until they’re chilled before serving.

Notes

You can dress these coconut balls up according to taste. Here are some ideas:

  • Form each ball around an almond and dip in melted chocolate chips. After the chocolate sets, they taste like Almond Joy candy bars.
  • Add mini chocolate chips to the mixture.
  • Toast the coconut that you roll the balls into.
  • Make them festive for any holiday or special occasion by adding a few drops of food coloring to the coconut.

Nutrition Information

Yield

10

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 274Total Fat 26gSaturated Fat 23gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 1mgSodium 20mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 6gSugar 5gProtein 3g

The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.

Did you make this recipe?

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Esme Slabbert

Friday 13th of October 2023

Perfect for the sweet tooth and I love coconut, so this is perfect. I visited you via SLOW COOKER – WEEKEND POTLUCK #603 I linked up this week with = Roasted Butternut Salad Vegan Pearl Couscous and Vegan Caesar Dressing in 5 minutes Come and join us at SeniorSalonPitStop. You will find the linkup information under BLOGGING.

MelRem

Thursday 13th of April 2023

Vegans/Dairy Free people can use evaporated coconut milk, works exactly the same and adds even more coconut flavor.

southernhomeexpress

Friday 14th of April 2023

Thank you for the information!

tdchinges

Thursday 8th of December 2022

I like to eat coconut chicken, coconut meat. https://www.tdchinges.com/

Tammy

Thursday 17th of November 2022

I love coconut and these sound so yummy! I love how simple it is too..perfect when you want something sweet in a pinch.

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