Introduction

These Coconut Balls, inspired by the popular Raffaello sweets, are a delightful no-bake treat combining creamy coconut, crunchy almonds, and a smooth white chocolate coating. Perfect for a quick dessert or a special homemade gift, they are simple to make and irresistibly delicious.

Coconut Balls - Raffaello Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

135 g desiccated coconut (1½ cup, unsweetened)
160 ml condensed milk (½ cup)
50 g digestive biscuits (1.76 oz)
40 g cornflakes (1.4 oz, unsweetened)
15 almonds (peeled)
150 g white chocolate (5.3 oz)
1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for melting chocolate)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the digestive biscuits and cornflakes in a food processor. Pulse several times until you get small, even crumbs. Pour the crumbs onto a plate and set aside.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the desiccated coconut with the condensed milk, mixing well to form a sticky mixture.
Step 3: With slightly wet hands, take about one teaspoon of the coconut mixture and flatten it gently. Place an almond in the center and roll the mixture into a ball around the almond. Adjust the mixture by adding more condensed milk if it feels too dry, or more coconut if it’s too wet. Test by rolling one ball first.
Step 4: Roll each ball in the biscuit and cornflake crumbs until evenly coated. Place the coated balls on a tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Once all balls are formed and coated, place the tray in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 6: While the balls chill, melt the white chocolate together with a teaspoon of coconut oil in a bain-marie (a hot water bath) until smooth.
Step 7: Dip each chilled ball into the melted white chocolate, coating it thoroughly. Allow excess chocolate to drip off, then place the coated balls back onto the parchment-lined tray.
Step 8: For best results, refrigerate the coated balls for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the chocolate set.

Tips & Variations

Use slightly wet hands when rolling the mixture to prevent sticking and ensure smooth balls.
If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try substituting almonds with hazelnuts or adding a touch of almond extract to the coconut mixture.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut condensed milk and vegan white chocolate.
Store extras in an airtight container and enjoy chilled for the best texture.

Storage

Keep the coconut balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just thaw them in the fridge before serving. When reheating, allow them to come to room temperature to enjoy the perfect texture without melting the chocolate coating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these coconut balls without a food processor?

Yes, you can crush the digestive biscuits and cornflakes by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and gently crushing them with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form.

What if I don’t have condensed milk?

Condensed milk is key for binding and sweetness, but you can try mixing coconut cream with a bit of sugar and reduce it over low heat as a substitute, though the texture may vary slightly.

Coconut Balls – Raffaello Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 126 reviews

Deliciously creamy and crunchy Coconut Balls, also known as Raffaello balls, combine desiccated coconut, condensed milk, and crunchy digestive biscuits coated in smooth white chocolate. These no-bake treats are perfect as a sweet snack or dessert, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors with a satisfying almond center.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 15 balls 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: International
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

135 g Desiccated coconut (1½ cup) (unsweetened)
160 ml Condensed milk (½ cup)
50 g Digestive biscuits (1.76 oz)
40 g Cornflakes (1.4 oz) (unsweetened)
15 Almonds (peeled)
150 g White chocolate (5.3 oz)
1 teaspoon Coconut oil (for melting chocolate)

Instructions

Process the Dry Ingredients: Place the digestive biscuits and cornflakes into a food processor. Pulse several times until you achieve small, even crumbs. Pour the crumbs onto a plate and set aside for later coating.
Mix Coconut and Condensed Milk: In a separate bowl, combine the desiccated coconut with the sweetened condensed milk to form a sticky mixture suitable for rolling into balls.
Shape the Balls: With slightly wet hands, take about one teaspoon of the coconut mixture and flatten it gently. Place one peeled almond in the center, then carefully roll the mixture around it into a smooth ball. Adjust the mixture by adding more condensed milk if too dry or more coconut if too wet, testing the consistency as you go.
Coat with Crumbs: Roll each formed coconut ball in the reserved biscuit and cornflake crumbs until fully coated. Place the coated balls on a tray lined with parchment paper.
Chill the Balls: Once all balls are prepared, place the tray in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture before coating with chocolate.
Melt White Chocolate: Set up a bain-marie (double boiler) by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Melt the white chocolate with a teaspoon of coconut oil, stirring gently until smooth and glossy.
Coat the Balls in Chocolate: Drop a few chilled coconut balls into the melted white chocolate. Using a fork or skewer, coat each ball evenly, allowing excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back on the parchment-lined tray.
Final Chill: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated coconut balls for at least 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely before serving.

Notes

If the coconut mixture feels too dry, gently add more condensed milk for better binding.
Use slightly wet hands when rolling to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers.
Peeling almonds is recommended for a smoother texture and better presentation.
Store finished coconut balls in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and chocolate coating.
For a richer chocolate coating, ensure the coconut oil is added to the white chocolate to enhance shine and smoothness.

Keywords: coconut balls, raffaello balls, no-bake dessert, white chocolate coconut treats, easy sweet snack