Coconut balls (domaći rafaelo), Raffaello-style, bring a creamy, coconut-filled bite with a hidden almond crunch inside. They’re the ideal indulgent treat perfect for gifting, entertaining, and devouring. Shall we?
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If you grew up loving those Raffaello coconut balls with their creamy, almond-filled center, our recipe will bring this classic flavor straight into your kitchen.
Known regionally as domaći rafaelo (homemade Raffaello), this satisfying treat draws its inspiration from the original.
However, our version is laser-focused on the best part - the smooth, coconutty filling, with just a hint of crunch from an almond hidden inside.
Made with a few simple ingredients, coconut balls are rich, flavorful, and so ASMR to make. (Mmm... the sound of sticky batter rolled between oiled palms!)
Did we mention they're fuss-free, a perfect last-minute dessert, and last for up to a week in the fridge?
Why You'll Love Our Coconut Balls
- Irresistibly coconutty and creamy!
- Quick and easy!
- Perfect for any occasion!
- Fresh for a long time!
- Homemade and nostalgic at once!
Ingredients
Below are the ingredients you'll need to make coconut balls (domaći rafaelo, Raffaello).
As (almost) always, these are ingredients you probably already have in your pantry (except for maybe shredded coconut). We like to keep it simple, and we know you do too!
- Milk - regular milk.
- Sugar - granulated sugar.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix.
- Butter.
- Shredded Coconut. Also known as coconut flakes.
- Almonds - blanched and skinned. Substitute with hazelnuts.
Instructions
Here are the easy instructions for making coconut balls (Raffaello balls). Oh, did we mention they're a no-bake dessert?
Step 1. Mix 10 tablespoons of milk with sugar and pudding until integrated.
Step 2. Bring the remaining milk to a boil. Add the pudding mixture from step 1, and stir. Cook until pudding forms. Remove from heat.
Step 3. Add butter and (part of) shredded coconut. Stir until integrated. Transfer to the fridge to cool (at least 30 minutes).
Step 4. Form coconut balls (Raffaello balls). Add almonds inside of each. Roll in remaining shredded coconut.
Handling
Although we doubt you'll be able to stop yourself from eating these in one sitting, here are our suggestions for keeping these coconut balls (domaći rafaelo) fresh and long-lasting!
- Serving: Serve 2-3 Raffaello balls per person along with coffee, or a refreshing drink.
- Storing: After forming hazelnut chocolate balls, let them dry for a few hours, and then transfer them to a cookie box. Keep in a dark, cool place, or the fridge. They will keep for 5-7 days.
More Desserts You'll Like
In addition to Raffaello balls, We love truffles, cookies, and everything in between. You may too:
Recipe FAQs
Here are a few questions most have about Raffaello balls.
Homemade Raffaello balls or coconut balls are made of coconut flakes (shredded coconut), butter, milk vanilla pudding, sugar, and whole almonds.
Yes, although the bulk of sweetness comes from vanilla pudding.
Our homemade balls have approximately 102 calories each.
Thoughts?
If you made our Raffaello-style coconut balls (domaći rafaelo) and liked it, please consider giving it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5-star) rating. This helps others find the recipe more easily!
Also, feel free to leave a comment (I read each one!), and don't forget to tag a photo #balkanlunchbox, or us @balkanlunchbox, on IG.
Prijatno, Dobar Tek, and Bon Appetit!
Coconut Balls (Raffaello Truffles)
Ingredients
- 2.25 cups milk, divided regular
- 15 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2.7 ounces vanilla pudding mix (powder) about two 38g vanilla pudding mix bags
- 7-8 ounces butter room temperature, cut into cubes
- 11 ounces shredded coconut flour, divided coconut flakes; 7 ounces (~200 grams) for the batter, 4 (~100 grams) for dipping
- 1.7-2.6 ounces blanched almonds (without skin) about 40-50 almonds, or 50-75 grams; roasted and peeled almonds are fine too
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, pour 10 tablespoons (~150 milliliters) of milk. Add the pudding mix (powder) and sugar. Mix well until integrated. (Alternatively, do this step in a pot over a low temperature.)
- Pour the remaining milk into a large pot and bring to a boil on medium. Then, bring the temperature down to the lowest setting, and slowly add in the pudding mixture, mixing it as you go. Mix thoroughly and frequently until the pudding forms (about 7-10 minutes). Remove off heat and let cool.
- When the pudding is lukewarm, add butter, and 7 ounces (200 grams) of shredded coconut (coconut flakes). Continue stirring everything until you get one smooth, thick, sticky mass. Transfer to fridge and cool down completely (30-60 minutes).
- Pour the remaining shredded coconut on a plate. Take the batter out of the fridge and form balls. (The size of each bowl should be between a large marble and a ping pong ball; the smaller the better.) Push an almond into each ball, close it up, and then dip each coconut ball in shredded coconut.
- Serving: Serve 2-3 Raffaello balls per person along with coffee, or a refreshing drink.Storing: After the coconut balls firm up, transfer them to an airtight box. Keep in a dark, cool place, or the fridge for up to 5-7 days.
Video
Notes
- Volume and Serving Size
Maren says
These look like little bunny tails! I'll have to try and make these next Easter 🙂
Aida says
They kind of do, don't they?
Thanks for stopping by Maren 🙂
Lera says
Hello! What's shredded coconut flour is? Can I use usual coconut flour? Also I want to use cornstarch instead of pudding mix, how much should I use? Thanks!
Aida says
Shredded coconut flakes. Look for it in the international aisle at your grocery store. Not sure about cornstarch, never used it. Good luck Lera.
Alexis says
Is this sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes?
Aida says
Unsweetened.
Karen says
Yummy! Does it matter whether or not I use instant pudding mix or the cooked version?
Aida says
Thanks Karen. You'll have to use the instant pudding mix. However if you experiment with the other kind let us know how it turns out.
Remy udehn says
It states coconut flour, but i don't see any coconut flour in the other recipe?
Aida says
What other recipe?
Tatjana Ilich says
Mine came out very liquidy still. It did not thicken up into that dough ball and I’m not sure why. What can I do to make it thicken up
Aida says
Tatjana,
Not sure why that happened. If anything the mass is supposed to be on the thick side.
How much butter did you use? (For batch of this size it's about 4/5 of a cup, or 7-8 ounces).
Adelisa says
Can we use instant pudding ?
Aida says
It should work! We haven't tried, but let us know how it turns out.
Mia says
Sounds delish! What is coconut flour flakes? I've heard of coconut flour and of course I know coconut flakes (flaked cicony) so is this a combination of the two together?
Aida says
Mia,
It's shredded coconuts. See here: https://www.amazon.com/Anthonys-Organic-Shredded-Unsweetened-Friendly/dp/B00LNURL94/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1PTR2EARYSYKA&keywords=coconut+flakes&qid=1679042646&sprefix=coconut+flak%2Caps%2C440&sr=8-5