Introduction

No-Bake Coconut Cream Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that have quickly become a favorite in our household. I recently made these coconut cream balls for a family gathering, and they were an instant hit. The sweet and creamy coconut filling combined with the slight crunch from the coating made these little bites irresistible. Even the people who weren’t huge coconut fans couldn’t stop reaching for more. The best part? They don’t require any baking, making them an incredibly simple dessert to whip up in no time. Whether for a holiday treat, a quick snack, or a last-minute dessert for a party, these coconut cream balls are sure to satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth!

Why You’ll Love No-Bake Coconut Cream Balls

No Baking Required: As the name suggests, these coconut cream balls are no-bake, so you don’t need to turn on the oven or worry about complicated baking instructions. Just mix, shape, and chill!
Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe is incredibly quick to put together. You can have a batch ready to chill in less than 15 minutes.
Customizable: You can customize these coconut balls to suit your preferences. Add in some chopped nuts, graham cracker crumbs, or dip them in chocolate for an extra special treat.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a summer picnic, or just because, these coconut cream balls are always a hit.
Sweet and Creamy: The combination of sweetened coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla creates a deliciously creamy texture that coconut lovers will adore.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded sweetened coconut, plus extra for coating
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup melted white chocolate (optional, for dipping)

Instructions

Prepare the Coconut Mixture:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded sweetened coconut, sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well-combined and form a sticky mixture. The coconut should be fully coated in the condensed milk and sugar, making it easy to form into balls.
Shape the Balls:
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the coconut mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used. You should end up with around 20-25 coconut cream balls, depending on the size.
Coat the Balls:
Roll each coconut ball in extra shredded coconut to coat it. This gives the balls a nice texture and helps to firm them up as they chill. If desired, you can dip each ball halfway into melted white chocolate for an extra indulgent treat. To melt the chocolate, simply microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
Chill:
Place the coated coconut balls in the refrigerator and let them chill for 1-2 hours until firm and set. The chilling process helps the coconut balls hold their shape and makes them more enjoyable to eat.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, your No-Bake Coconut Cream Balls are ready to serve! They are perfect for snacking, sharing at parties, or enjoying as a dessert with a cup of coffee or tea.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 20-25 coconut balls
Calories per serving (1 ball): Approximately 80-90 kcal
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 10mg
Total carbohydrates: 9g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 1g

These coconut cream balls are a great treat when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to overindulge. While they’re rich and creamy, they’re also a lighter option compared to many other desserts.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1-2 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes

Although the prep time is minimal, you’ll need to let the coconut balls chill for at least an hour to get them to set, so be sure to plan ahead if you’re making them for a special occasion.

How to Serve

As a Sweet Snack: These coconut cream balls are perfect for an afternoon snack. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
For a Party: They make a great addition to a dessert table at any celebration, such as holiday parties, birthdays, or potlucks.
As a Gift: Pack them in a cute box or jar and give them as a thoughtful gift to friends or family.
For Chocolate Lovers: If you’re a fan of chocolate, drizzle the balls with some melted dark chocolate or dip them in chocolate completely for an indulgent twist.
Chilled for Hot Days: These coconut cream balls are perfect for summer, as they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, offering a cool, refreshing bite on a hot day.

Additional Tips

Add Texture: To add some crunch and extra flavor, mix in crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips into the coconut mixture.
Chocolate Coating: For an even richer flavor, you can use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate. The slightly bitter taste of dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the coconut balls.
Use Unsweetened Coconut: If you prefer a less sweet version, use unsweetened shredded coconut and reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk.
Make It Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free chocolate and sweetened condensed coconut milk to make this treat dairy-free.
Make Smaller or Larger Balls: If you prefer bite-sized treats, you can shape the balls smaller, or make them larger if you want a more substantial treat.

FAQ

Can I make these coconut cream balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day or two in advance and refrigerate them until ready to serve.
Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Yes, you can use unsweetened coconut, but you’ll need to adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to make up for the lack of sweetness.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for dipping?
Absolutely! While white chocolate is commonly used, you can also dip them in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even caramel for a fun variation.
How long do these coconut cream balls last?
These coconut balls will last in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Can I freeze these coconut balls?
Yes, you can freeze them! Store the coconut balls in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours.
What can I use if I don’t have shredded coconut?
If you don’t have shredded coconut, you could try using coconut flakes or desiccated coconut. The texture will be different but still delicious.
Can I add other flavorings to these coconut balls?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavorings like almond extract, orange zest, or cinnamon for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
How do I store leftover coconut balls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Can I make these coconut balls without sweetened condensed milk?
While sweetened condensed milk is essential for the creamy texture and sweetness, you could try using evaporated milk and sugar as a substitute, though the flavor and texture may differ.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute powdered sugar with granulated sugar or coconut sugar, though powdered sugar gives the best texture.

Conclusion

No-Bake Coconut Cream Balls are the perfect treat for anyone who loves coconut, and their easy preparation makes them a hit for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a sweet, creamy, and indulgent dessert that is sure to please friends, family, and guests alike. Whether you serve them as a snack, a gift, or a party treat, these coconut balls will become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Try them out today and enjoy a bite-sized piece of coconut heaven!