No Bake Coconut Cream Balls

Introduction

There’s something magical about holiday treats that bring joy and warmth to the season. One of our family’s absolute favorites is No Bake Coconut Cream Balls. These creamy, coconut-filled bites covered in smooth chocolate are the perfect little indulgence. I first made them during the holidays a few years ago, and they quickly became a tradition. The best part is that they are no-bake, which means they’re super easy to whip up and don’t require much time in the kitchen.

These Coconut Cream Balls are always a crowd-pleaser, whether we’re serving them at family gatherings, gift exchanges, or just for a cozy treat at home. The combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet powdered sugar, and shredded coconut, all wrapped in a delicious layer of chocolate, is simply irresistible. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve caught family members sneaking one (or five) from the fridge! It’s a treat that seems to disappear quickly, and the best part is, they’re so easy to make and store.

Ingredients

To make these delightful Coconut Cream Balls, gather the following ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 12 oz bag melting chocolate chips (for coating)

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. This will be where you place the coconut balls once they’re shaped and coated.
2. Make the Coconut Cream Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the shredded coconut until the mixture is well combined. At this point, the mixture will be a little thick, but that’s exactly what you want.
3. Refrigerate the Mixture: Once the coconut cream mixture is ready, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for about an hour. This will help firm up the mixture and make it easier to shape the balls.
4. Shape the Coconut Cream Balls: After refrigerating, dust your hands with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Scoop out small portions of the coconut mixture and roll them into balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the rolled balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all the balls are shaped, freeze them for an hour to set them firmly.
5. Prepare the Chocolate Coating: While the coconut balls are freezing, melt the chocolate chips according to the package instructions. You can melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, or melt it on the stove over low heat.
6. Dip the Coconut Balls in Chocolate: Using a fork, dip each coconut ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it is fully coated. Lift the ball out with the fork, allowing excess chocolate to drip off, then place it back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this process until all the balls are coated in chocolate.
7. Set the Chocolate: Once all the coconut balls are dipped in chocolate, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to let the chocolate set completely.
8. Serve and Store: Serve the No Bake Coconut Cream Balls immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, and they’re perfect for holiday snacking, gifting, or as a special treat for yourself!

Nutrition Facts
(Per serving – assuming 24 servings)

• Serving Size: 1 coconut cream ball
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Refrigeration Time: 2 hours (1 hour for the mixture and 1 hour for the shaped balls)
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 24 balls

How to Serve

• Holiday Parties: Serve these Coconut Cream Balls on a dessert tray or as part of a holiday-themed snack table.
• Gift Giving: Package the coconut balls in decorative gift boxes or treat bags to give as a homemade holiday gift.
• As a Snack: Enjoy them as a sweet treat for yourself or with coffee or tea.
• Buffets and Potlucks: They are easy to make ahead of time and transport, making them an ideal choice for a buffet-style party or potluck.
• With Fruit: Pair these coconut balls with some fresh fruit like berries or slices of pineapple for a tropical-inspired treat.

Additional Tips

1. Dust Your Hands with Powdered Sugar: This will help prevent the coconut mixture from sticking to your hands when shaping the balls.
2. Chill the Balls Well: The balls must be chilled and firm before dipping them in chocolate to avoid melting and keeping the shape intact.
3. Use Quality Chocolate: The chocolate coating makes a big difference in flavor, so choose a good quality melting chocolate for the best results.
4. Customize the Coating: If you want to mix things up, try adding a sprinkle of crushed nuts or holiday sprinkles to the chocolate coating for extra flair.
5. Don’t Skip the Freezing Step: Freezing the balls before dipping in chocolate helps them keep their shape and makes the chocolate coating process much easier.

Recipe Variations

• Dark Chocolate Coating: Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet flavor that pairs well with the creamy coconut filling.
• Add Mint Extract: Add a teaspoon of mint extract to the coconut mixture for a refreshing minty twist that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
• Coconut Flavored Coating: For an extra coconut kick, melt white chocolate chips and add some shredded coconut into the coating for texture and flavor.
• Nut-Coated Coconut Balls: After dipping the balls in chocolate, roll them in chopped nuts (such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts) for added crunch and flavor.
• Mini Coconut Balls: Make smaller versions of the coconut balls for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

• With Hot Drinks: Serve with a warm drink like hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.
• On a Dessert Platter: Place these coconut balls on a platter alongside other holiday treats such as cookies, fudge, or candy.
• As a Party Favor: Package them individually in small treat bags and hand them out as party favors at your holiday celebration.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store the No Bake Coconut Cream Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: These coconut balls can be frozen! After dipping them in chocolate, place the balls on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
   Yes! You can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even candy melts for the coating.
2. How do I keep the coconut balls from sticking to my hands when rolling them?
   Dusting your hands with powdered sugar will prevent the coconut mixture from sticking and help shape the balls easily.
3. Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?
   Yes, you can use sweetened shredded coconut, but keep in mind that the balls will be sweeter.
4. Do I have to refrigerate the coconut balls?
   Yes, refrigerating the coconut balls helps set the mixture and chocolate coating.
5. How can I make the coconut balls less sweet?
   You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly or use unsweetened coconut for a less sweet version.
6. Can I make the coconut balls without cream cheese?
   Cream cheese gives these coconut balls their rich, creamy texture, so I wouldn’t recommend omitting it. You could try using a non-dairy cream cheese alternative.
7. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and follow the same instructions.
8. Can I freeze these coconut balls?
   Yes, these coconut balls freeze well. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container and allow them to thaw in the fridge before serving.
9. How long does it take for the chocolate to set?
   The chocolate will set in about 5-10 minutes in the refrigerator.
10. Can I add flavoring to the coconut mixture?
    Yes, you can add extracts such as vanilla or almond to enhance the flavor of the coconut mixture.

Conclusion

No Bake Coconut Cream Balls are the ultimate holiday treat! Their creamy, coconut center and smooth chocolate coating make them irresistible and perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, gifting them to friends, or just enjoying them as a sweet snack, these coconut balls are sure to become a beloved tradition in your home as they have in ours. Simple, delicious, and totally customizable, these little treats are the perfect way to add a bit of sweetness to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful coconut balls, and watch them disappear in no time!

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