Are you craving a quick, delightful dessert that doesn’t require baking? These no-bake coconut cream balls are the perfect solution! Made with only a handful of ingredients, they’re creamy, indulgent, and ideal for coconut lovers. Plus, they’re quick to make and freezer-friendly, making them a fantastic option for parties, holiday gatherings, or just a little treat at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Baking Required: Save time and skip the oven with this easy, no-bake dessert.
- Simple Ingredients: Only a few ingredients are needed, and they’re likely already in your pantry.
- Coconut Lovers’ Dream: With the rich taste of coconut in every bite, these are perfect for coconut enthusiasts.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These treats store well in the fridge or freezer, so you can prepare them in advance.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened or sweetened, based on your preference)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup coconut cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup white chocolate (melted, for dipping)
- Extra shredded coconut (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, coconut cream, and vanilla extract.
- Stir until everything is well incorporated and forms a sticky dough-like consistency.
- Shape the Balls:
- Use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to scoop out a portion of the mixture and roll it into a small ball with your hands.
- Repeat until all the mixture is used up. You should get about 12-15 coconut balls, depending on the size.
- Coat with Coconut:
- Roll each ball in shredded coconut until it’s fully covered. This gives the balls a lovely, snowy appearance.
- Chill the Balls:
- Place the coconut balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- Optional Chocolate Dip:
- If you’d like a chocolate twist, dip each coconut ball halfway into melted white chocolate. Let them set on the parchment paper again until the chocolate hardens.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once chilled and set, your coconut cream balls are ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Success
- Consistency: If the mixture feels too sticky to roll, add a bit more shredded coconut until it reaches a rollable texture.
- Storage: Store these coconut cream balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months.
- Add-ins: Add a touch of chopped nuts or dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 110
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
Final Thoughts
These no-bake coconut cream balls are a delightful treat, perfect for coconut lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Whether you make them for a special occasion or as a sweet snack to enjoy with your coffee, these little coconut balls are sure to be a hit. Plus, their easy, no-bake nature makes them an ideal recipe to make with kids or as a quick last-minute dessert. Enjoy your coconut cream indulgence!
Serving and Storage Tips for No-Bake Coconut Cream Balls
Serving Tips:
- Presentation: For a beautiful display, arrange the coconut balls on a serving platter and garnish with a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top. You could also drizzle with extra melted chocolate for a fancy finish.
- Temperature: Serve them slightly chilled for the best texture. The coconut balls hold up well at room temperature for short periods but may soften if left out too long, especially if you’ve dipped them in chocolate.
- Pairing Suggestions: These coconut cream balls are wonderful served with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a refreshing glass of cold milk. Their creamy texture and coconut flavor also make them a great after-dinner dessert.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerator: Place the coconut balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days. This keeps them fresh and maintains their firm, creamy texture.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Freezing can slightly alter the texture, but they remain delicious.
- Layering: If you’re stacking the coconut balls in a container, separate layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
These tips will ensure your no-bake coconut cream balls stay fresh, delicious, and ready for any occasion!
Q1: Can I make these coconut balls without sweetened condensed milk?
A: Yes! If you prefer a less sweet version, you can substitute the sweetened condensed milk with full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. Just note that the texture might be softer, so you may need to add extra shredded coconut for a firmer consistency.
Q2: Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?
A: Absolutely. Sweetened shredded coconut will make the balls a bit sweeter, so you can adjust the recipe by reducing the amount of sweetened condensed milk or adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Q3: Can I add other flavors to these coconut balls?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with flavors! Add a splash of almond extract for a nutty flavor, or mix in some crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for texture and variety.
Q4: How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands when rolling the balls?
A: Lightly grease your hands with coconut oil or butter before rolling each ball. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the mixture for about 15–20 minutes before rolling to make it firmer and easier to handle.
No Bake Coconut Cream Balls
These No-Bake Coconut Cream Balls are a sweet, creamy treat made with shredded coconut and powdered sugar, then dipped in chocolate. Perfect for holidays or as a bite-sized dessert, they’re easy to make and a delight for coconut lovers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 coconut balls 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened or sweetened, as desired)
- 12 oz melting chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white chocolate)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coconut Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fully combined and the mixture is thick.
- Stir in the shredded coconut until well distributed.
- Chill the Mixture:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 1 hour to firm up the mixture, making it easier to shape.
- Shape the Coconut Balls:
- Dust your hands lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the coconut mixture and roll it into a ball. Place each ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Once all balls are shaped, place them in the freezer for 1 hour to set.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth.
- Dip the Coconut Balls:
- Using a fork, dip each coconut ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Let any excess chocolate drip off, then transfer it back to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Optional: Sprinkle a bit of extra shredded coconut or sea salt on top while the chocolate is still wet for added texture.
- Set the Chocolate:
- Place the tray in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
- Serve:
- Serve the coconut balls chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Variations: Try adding a drop of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor, or sprinkle with chopped nuts before the chocolate hardens.
- Storage: These treats will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.