These elegant chocolate-covered coconut bonbons look like they came from an expensive confectionery, but they require no special equipment or advanced techniques. The secret lies in cooking coconut flakes with milk and sugar to create a rich, concentrated filling that’s then shaped and enveloped in smooth chocolate. Perfect for gift-giving or special occasions, these professional-looking treats can be made entirely at home with basic ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Coconut Filling:
- 210g coconut flakes (7.4 oz / about 2.5 cups)
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (50g / 1.75 oz)
- 400ml whole milk (13.5 fl oz / 1.75 cups)
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 150g milk chocolate, chopped (5.3 oz)
- 70g dark chocolate, chopped (2.5 oz)
- 30ml vegetable oil (2 tablespoons)
For the Hot Chocolate Drink (Optional):
- 70ml water (2.4 fl oz)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
- 200ml milk (6.8 fl oz)
- 50ml heavy cream (1.7 fl oz)
Instructions
Make the Coconut Filling
- In a large non-stick pan, combine coconut flakes, sugar, and milk over medium-low heat.
- Cook while stirring constantly for 15-20 minutes until the liquid has almost completely evaporated and the mixture becomes thick and paste-like.
- The coconut should hold together when pressed but not be dry.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely cool.
Shape the Bonbons
- Once chilled, take portions of the coconut mixture and roll into walnut-sized balls using your hands.
- Place the shaped balls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 5 minutes to firm up.
Prepare the Chocolate Coating
- Melt the milk chocolate and dark chocolate together using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
- Once smooth, stir in the vegetable oil to create a glossy, workable coating.
- Allow the chocolate to cool slightly but remain liquid.
Coat the Bonbons
- Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each coconut ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring complete coverage.
- Tap gently to remove excess chocolate and place on a parchment-lined tray.
- For decoration, melt 20g of additional dark chocolate and drizzle decorative lines over the coated bonbons using a fork or piping bag.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes until the chocolate is completely set.
Prepare Hot Chocolate (Optional)
- In a small saucepan, whisk together water, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Gradually add milk and cream while whisking.
- Heat while stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Serve hot as an accompaniment to the coconut bonbons.
Time, Servings & Nutrition
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2.5 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12-15 bonbons
Nutrition (per bonbon): Approximately 145 calories, 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, 10g fat, 2g fiber
Why These Bonbons Are Worth Making
These homemade bonbons offer a healthier alternative to store-bought confections by using real coconut, quality chocolate, and no artificial preservatives or additives. Coconut provides healthy medium-chain fatty acids that support metabolism and brain function, plus fiber for digestive health. The combination of milk and dark chocolate delivers antioxidants, particularly flavonoids that support cardiovascular health.
Unlike commercial candies loaded with corn syrup and artificial flavors, these treats use minimal added sugar since the coconut’s natural sweetness is concentrated during cooking. The milk adds protein and calcium, making these bonbons more nutritionally balanced than typical sweets. By controlling the ingredients, you avoid unnecessary additives while creating an impressive dessert that satisfies chocolate cravings with quality ingredients your body can recognize and process effectively.