I love how these homemade Raffaello coconut almond confections bring a taste of Europe right into my kitchen. They taste creamy, nutty, and sweet, and they remind me of the original candies you find in fancy boxes overseas.
I can make them with just a handful of ingredients, and I bet you can too.
These treats look and feel like pralines—elegant, simple, and perfect for sharing.
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What Are Raffaello Coconut Almond Confections
Raffaello Candy is a European dessert, originally made by the Ferrero Rocher company in the ‘90s. They’re usually crispy wafers filled with a creamy center and a blanched almond, all rolled in coconut flakes.
My homemade version skips the wafer shell but keeps the coconut-almond flavor and that soft, rich center. I like that I know exactly what goes in them, and I can tweak the ingredients to my liking.
Why Make Them At Home
I sometimes struggle to find Raffaello candies in local stores, and when I do, they’re not always the freshest or most budget-friendly. Making them at home means I control the quality and flavor.
If you’ve ever had them before and can’t track them down now, this recipe will help you get that taste back.
They’re also great for gifting during the holidays or as a sweet surprise for friends and family.
Key Ingredients
(For full recipe, check the recipe card at the end of the article).
- Roasted almonds: They add crunch and a toasty depth of flavor.
- Coconut flakes: Go for unsweetened medium-shredded flakes since the condensed milk is already sweet.
- Condensed milk: This is where the sweetness and creaminess come from.
Do I Need Butter?
I’ve seen other recipes that call for butter, but I think it’s unnecessary. Butter adds extra fat that, in my experience, makes the candies heavier. The coconut flakes and condensed milk are rich enough on their own.
How To Make Homemade Raffaello Coconut Almond Confections
Step 1. Roast the almonds: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 10-15 minutes, tossing them around halfway. Stay close, because almonds can burn quickly. When they smell nutty and look a bit darker, pull them out and let them cool. Roasting makes them crunchier and keeps them from getting soggy inside the candy.
Step 2. Mix the coconut and condensed milk: Stir the coconut flakes and condensed milk together in a bowl. Let the mixture sit a few minutes so the coconut can absorb the milk. If it feels too wet, add a bit more coconut.
Step 3. Assemble the confections: Wet your hands to keep the mixture from sticking. Scoop up a bit of the coconut mixture and roll it into a ball. Press an almond into the center and cover it up. Roll the ball in extra coconut flakes to coat. Place each finished confection in a candy cup if you like.
How To Store Them
- Keep them in the fridge for up to a week or two in an airtight container.
- Freeze them for a couple of months. They taste amazing straight out of the freezer on a hot day.
- If you plan to give them as a gift, box them up nicely in little candy cups.
Serving Ideas
These make a charming sweet treat for the holidays or a quick dessert for a party. I like to set them out with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They also pack well in pretty boxes for hostess gifts or to send to friends who crave a taste of Europe.
Try More Sweet Treats
- Seven Layer Bars (Hello Dolly Bars)
- Coffee Chocolate Fudge With Pecans
- Pistachio Cranberry Marshmallow Fudge
- Sea Salt Chocolate Fudge
- Triple Layer Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
If you try these homemade Raffaello coconut almond confections, let me know what you think in the comments. Did you add your own twist? Share your experience, and feel free to pass this recipe along to anyone who loves easy, no-bake dessert.
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More recipes to love:
- Seven Layers Bars (Hello Dolly Bars)
- Coffee Chocolate Fudge With Pecans
- Pistachio Cranberry Marshmallow Fudge
- Sea Salt Chocolate Fudge
- Triple layer chocolate peanut butter cookie bars
📖 Recipe
Homemade Raffaello Coconut Almond Confections
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 6 ounces roasted unsalted almonds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, place 2 cups shredded coconut and add the entire can of condensed milk. Also, add the vanilla or the almond extract.
- Mix it and let sit for a few minutes until the coconut absorbs the milk.
- If the mixture seems to be too wet, add a small amount of coconut flakes.
- Using your wet hands, make the mixture's dollops and roll them between your hands to make a ball.
- Insert an almond in the middle of each confection.
- Prepare a plate with shredded coconut for rolling the confections on it.
- Roll each confection in the shredded coconut until covered, then place it on a candy paper.
- Refrigerate for few hours before serving or keep them in the freezer in an airtight container.
- The homemade coconut almond confections are great as holiday gifts.
Angie says
Do these have the same melt in your mouth effect?