Chocolate Coconut Truffles

Name: Chocolate Coconut Truffles
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 truffles
Ingredients: 1 cup dark chocolate (chopped); ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut; ½ cup sweetened condensed milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut; Optional: cocoa powder or crushed nuts

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I’ve always had a sweet tooth, and these Chocolate Coconut Truffles are a perfect indulgence for any occasion. Combining rich chocolate with the tropical flavor of coconut, each bite is pure bliss. I love how simple they are to make, yet they look stunning on a dessert platter. With just a few ingredients, I can create a treat that feels luxurious. Prepare them in advance for parties, or simply keep them at home for when the craving hits. Trust me, once you try them, you'll understand why they’re a favorite among family and friends!

Created by

Chantel Rivers

Last updated on 2026-01-12T02:10:08.932Z

While making these Chocolate Coconut Truffles, I discovered how essential it is to use high-quality chocolate. The difference in taste is remarkable! The deep, rich flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet coconut, creating a balance that’s simply irresistible.

I also found that chilling the mixture for a bit before rolling it into balls makes the process much easier. The chocolate firms up nicely, leading to perfectly shaped truffles that can be rolled in toasted coconut for that extra crunch.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh coconut flakes
Decadent yet easy to make, perfect for any occasion
A delightful combination of textures that melt in your mouth

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star ingredient of these Chocolate Coconut Truffles is undoubtedly the dark chocolate. Choosing high-quality chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70% not only enhances the flavor but also adds depth to the truffles. The contrast between the richness of the chocolate and the sweetness of the condensed milk creates a balanced flavor profile that melts beautifully in your mouth. Avoid chocolate chips for melting; instead, opt for bars that can be finely chopped for quicker melting.

The shredded coconut plays a dual role in this recipe. It’s not only mixed into the truffle base, providing a chewy texture and tropical flair, but is also used as a coating. Sweetened shredded coconut gives the truffles a delightful sweetness, while unsweetened shredded coconut, used for coating, balances the sweetness without overpowering the chocolate flavor. If you prefer a less sweet truffle, you can substitute the sweetened shredded coconut in the mixture with unsweetened coconut.

Perfecting the Technique

When melting chocolate, using a double boiler is crucial. This gentle heating method prevents the chocolate from scorching, which can result in a grainy texture that ruins your truffles. Keep the water at a simmer, not a boil, and make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir the chocolate frequently until it’s glossy and completely melted. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can use a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water as an alternative.

Once you've mixed all the ingredients together, chilling the mixture is vital. This step allows the truffles to firm up, making them easier to roll into uniform balls. If they are too soft, you may end up with misshaped truffles. After the initial chill, if you find the mixture is still sticking too much to your hands, try lightly greasing your palms with coconut oil. This little tip helps the rolling process while adding a subtle hint of coconut flavor.

Ingredients

For the Truffles

1 cup dark chocolate (chopped)
½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For Coating

1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Optional: cocoa powder or crushed nuts

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate

In a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.

Combine Ingredients

In a bowl, mix the melted chocolate with shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

Chill the Mixture

Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes or until firm enough to handle.

Form the Truffles

Using your hands, take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.

Coat the Truffles

Roll each truffle in shredded coconut until fully covered. Place back on the tray.

Chill Again

Refrigerate the truffles for at least another 15 minutes to set. Enjoy your delicious truffles!

Pro Tips

For an added touch, try incorporating some finely chopped nuts or a splash of rum into the mixture for a unique flavor profile!

Storing and Making Ahead

These Chocolate Coconut Truffles are perfect for make-ahead treats! Once formed and coated, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Arrange the truffles in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a container with parchment paper between layers. Frozen truffles can last up to three months and make for a delightful treat whenever a chocolate craving strikes.

To serve, remove the truffles from the fridge or freezer about 10 minutes before indulging to allow them to soften slightly. This enhances the texture and flavor, making the chocolate even more decadent. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruits like strawberries or mango slices for a beautiful contrast on a dessert platter.

Creative Variations

While the classic Chocolate Coconut Truffles are delicious on their own, you can easily switch things up with flavor variations. For a hint of coffee, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate mixture. Alternatively, mix in a few drops of peppermint extract for a festive touch. You could also roll some truffles in cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, to create a unique flavor and texture combination that suits your palate.

For those who want to experiment with different ingredients, consider using white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter version. Adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk accordingly, as white chocolate is generally sweeter than dark chocolate. You can also add a touch of orange or lemon zest for freshness, making these truffles even more exotic.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute with milk chocolate, but it will result in a sweeter truffle.

→ How should I store these truffles?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these truffles?

Absolutely! Just layer them between parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe container.

→ What can I use to coat the truffles besides coconut?

You can roll them in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or even sprinkle with sea salt for a different flavor.