3-Ingredient Raffaello Recipe

These homemade Raffaello coconut balls are creamy, sweet, and rich in coconut flavor! Freeze them and you will get no-bake coconut bites to enjoy in the summer heat or served as a snack at a tailgate party.

These delicious coconut balls are a perfect treat for people with gluten allergies since almonds, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk are all gluten-free.

This recipe is also a perfect cookie for summer since you don't need to start the oven! It can be served after a fresh side of Caprese salad. If you love coconut, check out these coconut flour macarons as well.

How is store-bought Raffello made?

The Raffaello candy you buy in a store is made with milk cream, blanched almond, a round wafer that contains the cream, and a layer of coconut flakes on the outside. It is indeed a delicious snack and is one of a kind.

Ingredients

- I used my homemade condensed milk;

- I like using finer desiccated coconut for the candy itself and the coarser one for covering the outside of the balls.

- You can buy already roasted almonds or roast them yourself.

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Step by Step Recipe

STEP 1 - roast your almonds

If you bought already roasted almonds, then just skip this step! However, if your almonds are raw, it is best to roast them so that they don’t get wet quickly inside the candy. Another benefit of roasting your almonds is the easy bite and a delicious crunch you get out of them!

To roast your almonds just place them onto a sheet pan and into a preheated oven at 350F/170C for 10-15 minutes. Stir them occasionally to prevent burning.

STEP 2 - mix the ingredients

Mix your coconut flakes (saving a part for rolling your candy in) with condensed milk (you can make your own condensed milk at home!).

Sometimes, depending on the thickness of your condensed milk, you will need to add more coconut flakes. Since I make my condensed milk at home, I cannot always get the same consistency, so I have to adjust the amount of coconut flakes as well.

STEP 3 - roll the coconut balls

Try forming a Raffaello coconut ball from your mixture. If it holds the shape, then you are good to go!

TIP: press your ball with your fingers first, then roll. This will allow for the ball to hold together better!

Place one almond into your coconut ball and roll the ball in coconut flakes. This will add extra coconut flavor and prevent your candy from sticking to the surface (or other candies on the plate).

STEP 4 - storing

Place your homemade Raffaello into the fridge for 15 minutes before serving, or even keep them in the freezer to get Raffaello Ice Cream Bites. I prefer keeping mine in the freezer as it takes these homemade Raffaello candies to the next level!

Expert tips

- Get finer flakes for forming the inside of the Raffaello and more coarse ones for rolling at the end as it will allow for a smoother texture of the candy and more coconut flavor on the outside.

- Press each ball with your fingers first, then roll. This will ensure your candy doesn’t fall apart!

- Coat your hands in coconut flakes to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands too much!

- Get paper candy wraps to create a Raffaello gift box for your loved ones! For more sweet gift ideas check out my dulce de leche macarons recipe!

- If you are making your own condensed milk, you will need to adjust the amount of coconut flakes you are using as it is hard to get the same consistency of the milk every single time you make it!

- Have leftover condensed milk? Try this 2 ingredient ice cream recipe that doesn’t require an ice cream maker and takes about 15 minutes to make!