Mounds Coconut Copycat Chocolate Balls

Let me start off by telling you, these Mounds Coconut Copycat Chocolate Balls are Dangerously Delicious! They taste better then any store-bought candy bar & make great gifts too! They would make such perfect additions to any get-together, party or Holiday! If you love coconut and chocolate together, these Copycat Mounds Coconut Balls are about to become one of your favorite homemade candies. They are rich, sweet, and perfectly chewy on the inside with a smooth chocolate coating on the outside. This recipe brings that classic candy bar flavor into an easy no bake treat that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make at home.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

These Copycat Mounds Coconut Balls are incredibly easy to make and require no baking at all, which makes them perfect for busy days or warm weather when you do not want to turn on the oven. The coconut filling is soft, sweet, and packed with flavor, while the chocolate coating adds the perfect rich finish.

Another reason this recipe is so loved is how flexible it is. You can keep them nut free, add chopped nuts for texture, or even mix up the chocolate coating using milk, dark, or white chocolate. They store well, freeze beautifully, and make an excellent make ahead dessert for parties or holiday trays.

If you enjoy classic candy bar flavors but want a homemade version that tastes just as good if not better, this recipe delivers every single time.

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Mounds Balls or Almond Joy Balls Easily Both

These coconut balls are inspired by classic Mounds candy bars, which means they are rich, chocolatey, and coconut forward. To keep them true Mounds style, simply leave the nuts out completely and enjoy the smooth coconut filling coated in chocolate.

If you prefer Almond Joy style candy, it is just as easy to turn these into Almond Joy Balls. Simply add chopped almonds to the coconut mixture or press a whole almond into the center of each ball before dipping them in chocolate. Both versions work beautifully, and you can even make half of the batch each way to please everyone.

This flexibility makes the recipe perfect for different tastes, allergies, or preferences without needing a completely separate recipe.

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These coconut balls are perfect for holidays, gifting, or just keeping a stash in the fridge for when a sweet craving hits. I love how customizable they are and how they come together with pantry friendly ingredients. Whether you roll them into bite sized balls or shape a few into mini candy bars, they have that nostalgic candy shop feel that everyone loves.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are these coconut balls the same as Mounds candy bars?
These are a homemade copycat version inspired by Mounds candy bars. They have the same coconut and chocolate flavor combination but with a softer, fresher texture that comes from making them at home.

Can I make these into Almond Joy balls instead?
Yes, absolutely. You can add chopped almonds or press a whole almond into the center of each ball before dipping them in chocolate to make Almond Joy style coconut balls.

Do I have to use melting chocolate?
Melting chocolate is strongly recommended because it melts smoother and coats more evenly. Regular chocolate chips can work, but they are more likely to seize or clump if overheated.

Why do I need to chill the coconut mixture before rolling?
Chilling the mixture makes it much easier to handle and shape. Warm coconut filling can be sticky and messy, while a quick chill helps the balls hold their shape.

Can I freeze coconut balls before dipping them in chocolate?
Yes. Freezing the balls briefly helps them stay firm while dipping and prevents them from melting into the warm chocolate.

How long do homemade coconut balls last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Sweetened coconut is recommended for best flavor and texture. Unsweetened coconut can make the filling too dry and less flavorful.

Why is my chocolate coating thick or clumpy?
This usually happens when chocolate overheats or comes into contact with moisture. If the chocolate becomes grainy, it is best to start over with fresh chocolate.

Can I make these into mini candy bars instead of balls?
Yes. You can shape the coconut mixture into small logs instead of balls to create a candy bar style version.

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Storage, Make Ahead, and Freezing Tips

These Copycat Mounds Coconut Balls store beautifully, which makes them a great make ahead dessert for holidays, parties, or gifting. Once the chocolate has fully set, place the coconut balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to one week and actually taste even better when chilled.

If you want to make them ahead of time, you can prepare the coconut mixture and roll the balls a day or two in advance. Keep the rolled balls covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to dip them in chocolate. This helps save time and keeps the process stress free, especially when making large batches.

These coconut balls also freeze very well. You can freeze them before dipping or after they are fully coated in chocolate. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer safe container. They will keep in the freezer for up to two months.

When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature. This helps maintain the texture of the coconut filling and keeps the chocolate coating smooth and glossy.

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Budget Breakdown

This homemade candy recipe is surprisingly affordable, especially compared to buying packaged candy bars.

Sweetened condensed milk approximately $1.75
Sweetened coconut approximately $2.50
Powdered sugar approximately $0.25
Melting chocolate approximately $4.00
Optional nuts approximately $1.50

Estimated total cost approximately $10.00

This batch makes about 30 to 36 coconut balls depending on size, bringing the cost to roughly $0.30 to $0.35 per piece. That is a fraction of the price of store bought candy and perfect for gifting or holiday trays without breaking the budget.

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Nutrition Information

These Copycat Mounds Coconut Balls are a rich, indulgent treat, so they are best enjoyed in moderation. Nutrition will vary slightly depending on the type of chocolate used and whether nuts are included.

Estimated nutrition per 1 coconut ball
Calories approximately 140 to 160
Fat approximately 9g
Carbohydrates approximately 16g
Sugar approximately 13g
Protein approximately 1g

Using white chocolate or adding nuts will slightly increase the calorie and fat content. For a lighter option, you can make smaller balls or enjoy them straight from the fridge where they feel extra satisfying.

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Final Thoughts

These Copycat Mounds Coconut Balls are one of those recipes that feel nostalgic, indulgent, and comforting all at once. They are easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for everything from holiday dessert trays to everyday treats kept in the fridge.

Whether you make them as classic Mounds style or turn them into Almond Joy balls with added nuts, they are guaranteed to be a hit. Once you try them, you will see just how fun and rewarding homemade candy can be. This is definitely a recipe worth saving and sharing.

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Copycat Mounds Coconut Balls!

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Ingredients

  

• ▢ 1 can of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk no substitutes
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped/crushed pecans or almonds optional Any crushed nut would work as well
• ▢ 1 Pound sweetened Coconut
• ▢ 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
• ▢ 12 Oz of ghirardelli melting Chocolate I used half white and half milk chocolate

Instructions

• In a Large Bowl combine the Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut, Crushed pecans & powdered sugar and mix well, set inside the freezer for 10 minutes. Trust me, it makes it easier.
• Once they are cold-ish, start rolling them into 1-1 1/2 inch balls and set on a baking sheet lined with wax paper..

Note If you get tired of rolling into small balls, you can make a few of them into small logs, like little candy bars!

• While rolling them into balls if they start to become too sticky, coat the balls in a little more coconut on the outsides and put them back in the freezer, I put them in the freezer on & off numerous times!
• I used a double broiler and it works amazing! It keeps the chocolate hot longer and you have more control over not burning or seizing the chocolate because of the indirect heat, perfect.
• Melt the chocolate and stir frequently. Exact temperature is not TOO important, just a good Medium-Low heat should be fine, the key is not to allow it to burn. You can tell its burning by the chocolate starting to clump together and losing its smoothness, if that happens, START OVER with a new batch of melting chocolate. I advise using melting chocolate like the brand I mention above because, from experience, it melts quicker,smoother and just overall works so much better!
• Once the chocolate is melted, you can begin your dipping! I used a toothpick at first, then switched to a fork for most of them, I personally found it easier, you can try both and decide whats easier for you though!
• The double boiler keeps the chocolate warm and smooth so you can turn the heat off once its completely melted.
• Only dip ONE at a time, I can’t stress this enough, if you try to do more then on at a time, the hot chocolate can ‘melt’ the balls and thats a whole new level of MESS that you won’t want!
• Dip each one and place each on a fresh sheet of wax paper, one at a time.
• Your first ones may not be the prettiest, but the more you do, you’ll get the hang of it!
• I stuck mine in the freezer for an hour after, which cooled them & I may have eaten a ‘few’ too! Gotta love the cold candy, YUM!
• I recommend storing them in an air-tight container & in the fridge.
• ENJOY!

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