No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Treat

This classic no-bake chocolate coconut graham ball recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into irresistible bite-sized treats without ever turning on your oven. Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon snacks, or when you need a sweet indulgence without the fuss of baking.

These treats remind me of my childhood when my grandmother would make these with me. We'd roll the chocolate mixture together, my small hands covered in graham crumbs, creating sweet memories along with sweet treats.

Ingredients

• Chocolate chips: Provide the rich foundation flavor choose semisweet for balanced sweetness or dark for a more intense cocoa flavor
• Sweetened condensed milk: Creates that perfect fudgy texture and binds everything together
• Dried coconut: Adds wonderful texture and tropical flavor use unsweetened if you prefer less sweetness
• Graham cracker crumbs: Bring that honey graham flavor that complements chocolate beautifully
• Melted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors look for pure rather than imitation for best results
• Additional graham crumbs: For coating gives these balls their distinctive finish and makes them less sticky to handle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the wet mixture:

Combine the melted butter with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Stir thoroughly until completely smooth and integrated. The consistency should be thick and glossy. Use a silicone spatula to ensure everything is well incorporated.

Add dry ingredients:

Add the graham cracker crumbs, dried coconut, and chocolate chips to your wet mixture. Use a sturdy wooden spoon to combine everything thoroughly. The mixture will be quite thick and sticky. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.

Chill the mixture:

Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about an hour or in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes. This crucial step firms the mixture making it much easier to handle and shape. The mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape but still pliable.

Shape into balls:

Once chilled, scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll between your palms to form balls approximately 1¼ inches in diameter. Work quickly as the mixture warms and becomes stickier in your hands. Place the extra graham crumbs in a shallow dish and roll each ball until completely coated.

Final chilling:

Arrange the coated balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour until firm. Once set, transfer to an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator.

Pin it

The secret to these balls is the perfect ratio of graham crumbs to chocolate. My family always argues about whether more coconut or more chocolate chips make for a better treat, but the balance in this recipe seems to satisfy everyone. I love watching guests take their first bite and experience that perfect blend of textures.

Storage Tips

These chocolate coconut balls stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-proof container with parchment between layers. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Variation Ideas

While the classic recipe is perfect, you can easily customize these treats. Try adding a tablespoon of orange zest for a chocolate orange version, substitute crushed vanilla wafers for the graham crackers, or mix in chopped nuts for added crunch. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the finished balls for an elegant presentation.

Kid-Friendly Kitchen Project

This recipe is perfect for getting children involved in the kitchen. Kids can help measure ingredients, stir the mixture, and especially love the rolling part. Set up a little assembly line with one bowl for the mixture and another for the graham coating. Just be prepared for chocolate-covered fingers and happy smiles!

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant dessert presentation, place each ball in a small paper candy cup and arrange on a tiered serving platter. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea for afternoon gatherings. During holidays, display them alongside other no-bake treats for a dessert buffet that requires minimal oven time.

Pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate?

Yes, you can use dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference for flavor.

→ How long do these treats keep fresh?

These balls can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge and stay fresh for up to a week.

→ Can I skip the chilling step?

Chilling helps the mixture firm up and makes shaping the balls easier. It's best not to skip this step.

→ What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?

You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits or similar alternatives.

→ Is it possible to make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these balls ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.