Easy No-Bake Coconut Balls (2 Ingredients)

Delicious coconut truffles are ready in minutes with this simple 2-ingredient recipe. Small balls of coconut and sweetened condensed milk come together easily—no baking required. This coconut-coated sweet treat is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, especially coconut lovers.

The rich coconut flavor comes from unsweetened coconut flakes. Most recipes call for desiccated coconut, but pulsing unsweetened flakes provides more moisture and a better-textured truffle.

Pulse coconut flakes in the food processor into a flavorful coconut crumb and combine the crumbs with sweetened condensed milk. Form the mixture into balls and coat them in even more coconut. This delicious coconut confection is a great recipe for the holiday season or anytime.

No-Bake Coconut Balls, a.k.a Coconut Truffles

It doesn't get much easier than a no-bake dessert with only two ingredients. Made with equal parts unsweetened coconut and sweetened condensed milk, these coconut truffles are perfectly sweet with a defined coconut taste. They are a cross between candy and coconut macaroons. The soft, rich texture of this old-fashioned candy melts in your mouth. Here is why you will love this easy no-bake coconut recipe:

• Simple Ingredients - This confection recipe uses only two ingredients. It is easily customizable for additions like flavor extracts or chocolate coating.
• Easy Recipe - This recipe comes together quickly with minimal mixing or prep. The hardest part is waiting for the delicious confection to set in the refrigerator.
• No-Bake Dessert - While this sweet treat is delicious any time of the year, it is especially tasty during the holiday season. Coconut candy balls are delicious {and easy} edible homemade gifts and a great addition to the dessert table for any special occasion or party.

Ingredients

• Unsweetened Coconut Flakes - Pulse unsweetened coconut flakes in the food processor to form a crumb. Only use unsweetened coconut, not sweetened. Sweetened coconut makes these truffles too sweet when paired with the sweetened milk.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk - The thick, sweet milk provides all the sweetness we need for these truffles without adding sugar.

See the recipe card for the ingredient quantities.

Instructions

STEP 1 (PULSE) - Place coconut flakes in a food processor and pulse until a crumb forms.

STEP 2 (MIX) - Transfer the coconut crumbs to a large bowl and pour the sweetened condensed milk over the coconut. Using a rubber spatula, mix until the coconut is coated in the milk and becomes shapable.

STEP 3 (FORM) - Roll about a tablespoon of coconut mixture into balls, then roll the 1-inch balls in additional coconut. Transfer coconut-coated balls to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

STEP 4 (CHILL) - Chill the balls in the refrigerator for 1 hour to set before eating.

Variations

• Vegan - Swap the sweetened condensed milk for condensed coconut milk (this will also amp up the coconut flavor).
• Chocolate Coconut Balls - Dip balls in melted chocolate for added decadence. Melt one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with one tablespoon of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-second increments in the microwave or melt over a double-boiler. Once melted, dip each truffle into the chocolate to coat using a fork. Sprinkle chocolate-coated treats with a pinch of sea salt, if desired.
• Almond Joy - Stir ½ teaspoon of almond extract into the coconut-sweetened condensed milk mixture. When assembling, stuff each coconut ball with a whole almond, then dip it in the decadent chocolate coating as specified above.
• Mix-Ins - Stir ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped macadamia nuts into the coconut mixture before forming the balls. Or add ½ teaspoon of almond, coconut, or vanilla extract for additional flavor.

Suggested Equipment

• Pyrex Mixing Bowl - Glass bowls are great because you can visually see that everything is properly mixed.
• Rubber Spatula
• Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet Baking Trays
• Parchment Paper Sheets
• Gorilla Grip Premium Stainless Steel Small Cookie Scoop (1 TBSP) - A cookie scoop makes scooping and sizing the coconut balls much easier.

Storage

Transfer coconut balls to an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper. Store them in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Other Delicious Treats

• Chocolate-Covered Dates with Peanut Butter
• 2-Ingredient Chocolate Truffles
• Pistachio White Chocolate Cookies
• Coconut Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
• Toasted Coconut Granola

Expert Tips

1. Lightly coat your hands in oil when shaping the balls to prevent sticking.
2. Use a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture into equal-sized balls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you buy unsweetened coconut flakes? You can find unsweetened coconut at the grocery store in the baking aisle.

How long do coconut balls last? The treats last a week in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.

Can you freeze coconut balls? Transfer the tray of coconut balls to the freezer and freeze until frozen. Place frozen coconut balls in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months—thaw the balls completely in the refrigerator before eating.

Is sweetened condensed milk the same as evaporated milk? Both sweetened condensed and evaporated milk are concentrated and shelf-stable milk products. The primary difference between these milk products is that one is sweetened while the other remains unsweetened. Sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk cannot be used interchangeably in recipes. In addition to the added sugar, sweetened condensed milk has 60 percent of its water content removed. Only use sweetened condensed milk for this recipe.

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