No Bake Coconut Balls with Condensed Milk

Why you’ll love this recipe

This easy recipe will soon become one of your go-to recipes. Here are just a few reasons why:

• this is a no bake dessert recipe that makes delicious treats everyone will love
• made from basic ingredients including coconut and sweetened condensed milk
• can be topped with almonds and/or decadent chocolate coating that's made from only two ingredients!

Ingredients & Substitutions

This great recipe only requires two ingredients to make basic coconut balls. Chocolate, however, makes for a great addition to this no bake coconut balls recipe, if you'd like.

Here's a list of the handful of ingredients you may need, depending on your preferences, to make this easy dessert recipe:

• Unsweetened flake coconut: This is also known as desiccated coconut. Do not substitute with sweetened shredded coconut or sweet coconut, as this will not work in this recipe.
• Sweetened condensed milk: This can be found in the baking aisle typically. You'll need one 14 ounce can
• Whole almonds: Be sure to use roasted and unsalted whole almonds for this recipe. This ingredient is optional
• Dark chocolate: To make these delicious coconut balls into coconut chocolate balls, you'll need bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips or chocolate bar
• Coconut oil: Refined or unrefined coconut oil may be used. Unrefined coconut oil has a stronger coconut flavor than does refined. The coconut oil helps make the chocolate thinner for a smoother finish when drizzled on the coconut balls

How to make No Bake Coconut Balls

Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper and set aside. This will be where you place the coconut balls to set up while the chocolate firms up

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, add the coconut flakes and sweetened condensed milk. Stir together until well combined and the coconut is evenly coated

Step 3: Using a small ice cream scoop, scoop out the coconut mixture and squeeze together in your hands, making sure the mixture forms small balls of coconut that hold together. Roll between your palms until smooth. Roll in extra coconut, if desired. Repeat with remaining mixture, placing the coconut balls on the baking tray lined with waxed paper. Place in the fridge to chill 30-60 minutes. This will help the coconut balls hold together

Step 4: Optional: In a small microwave-safe bowl or heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate and coconut oil together in 30-second increment, stirring well in between, until melted and smooth. A double boiler may be used instead

Step 5: Optional: Place a whole almond on top of each coconut ball, pressing gently into the top. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the coconut balls until evenly coated, if desired. Sprinkle the tops with more coconut, if desired

Step 6: Place the coconut balls in the fridge or leave at room temperature about an hour until the chocolate sets

Pro Tips 

• Store the coconut balls in an airtight container or ziploc bag in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
• The best way to coat the coconut balls in chocolate is to hold a fork over a bowl, placing the coconut ball on the fork. Spoon the melted chocolate over the coconut ball until it's completely covered. Gently tap the fork on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. Carefully place the coconut ball on the prepared baking sheet by nudging it off the fork with another fork or spoon

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