Homemade Raffaello Coconut Balls

Coconut Lovers, this is the recipe for you! While I love anything that is chocolatey, the original Raffaello candies have been my favourite since I was a child. I am sure that we can all remember the original Raffaello balls with that crispy wafer and crunchy hazelnut in the middle. While these do not have the crunchy wafer they definitely have that delicious coconut taste with a crunchy hazelnut middle. My version of the sweet and delicious homemade Raffaello coconut balls are made with only 3 ingredients! These Homemade Raffaello Coconut Balls make for a great quick, no-bake dessert for when you are craving something sweet.

Across the Balkans, most recipes for Raffaello are made with butter, milk, sugar, shredded coconut, white chocolate and even flour. However I really love this simplified version of Raffaello balls because it is quick, easy, requires no baking at all. All you have to do is refrigerate them before eating! These are a great version of the Raffaello candies, and are a breeze to make.

The invention of Raffaello

Raffaello is a coconut–almond confection that an Italian manufacturer Ferrero brought to the market in 1990. The praline is made up of a spherical wafer which is filled with a white milk cream and white blanched almonds. It is surrounded by a coconut layer. This treat originated in Italy and is popular in many European countries.

Making homemade Raffaello

I cannot remember where I got the idea for this specific recipe, but I have been making it this way for a while now! It is the easiest recipe to remember, it takes minimal time to make, and you can store it in the freezer for a later time! You can even decorate it in a box and gift it to a friend.

For this recipe, you do not need to roast the hazelnuts. Simply put them in a bowl, pour boiling water over them and let them sit for five minutes. This will help remove the skin from the hazelnuts easier. Roasting hazelnuts can also be done, however then you would need to be careful not to burn them, hazelnuts can burn quiet quickly. Letting them sit in boiling water takes the stress away.

Putting the rest of the recipe together is super easy! Simply pour condensed milk into a bowl, add in the shredded coconut and combine the two ingredients together. Let this sit in the fridge for 20 minutes. In the mean time, drain the hazelnuts and remove the skin of the hazelnut individually.

Once the condensed milk and shredded coconut has had time to set in the fridge, you are ready to make the Raffaello balls. If you wish to be precise, weigh out 20 g of the mixture roll into a ball and place the hazelnut inside. At last, roll into some extra shredded coconut and refrigerate.

You can also substitute the condensed milk for an equal amount of white chocolate if you prefer a much more chocolatey taste.

Serving Raffaello Coconut Balls

These 3 ingredient – no bake coconut balls are not only delicious, but also just pretty to look at!

Make them to go alongside your afternoon coffee or tea or as a sweet treat after dinner! You can also freeze these Raffaello Coconut Balls for a later time. If you have a big family, I am sure they will disappear from the fridge in no time.

You can also gift these treats away. Wrap them into a nice present box and put a bow on it. It serves as a great additional gift for someone.

HOMEMADE RAFFAELLO RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 390 g sweetened condensed milk
• 250 g desiccated coconut
• 30 g hazelnuts
• + extra desccated coconut for coating

Instructions:

• Place the hazelnuts in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Set aside for five minutes.
• In the mean time, mix the coconut and condensed milk until combined. Let cool in the fridge for twenty minutes.
• In the mean time, peal the skin from each one of the hazelnuts.
• Once the coconut mixture has set in the fridge, weigh out 20 g of the mixture, roll into a ball and place one hazelnut in the middle.
• Repeat the process until you have used up all of the mixture. This recipe can make up to thirty Raffaello balls.
• Finally, roll each Raffaello ball in the remaining desiccated coconut and chill in the fridge before serving.

How to store Raffaello Balls – For best results, refrigerate them in your fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving. I like to store them in an air-tight container. That way they are always firm before serving. They will last for several days this way. You can also freeze them for several months.

These Homemade Raffaello Coconut Balls make for a great quick dessert or even as an edible present. Give these a try, you will love them!  If you give this recipe a go, be sure to leave your thoughts below and don’t forget to tag me over on Instagram with @bitemykitchen___. I would love to see your creation of this recipe! 🙂