Learn how to make melt-in-mouth coconut ladoo (nariyal ladoo) without condensed milk in just 10 minutes. Using desiccated coconut, milk and sugar, this easy traditional sweet is juicy, soft and perfect for Diwali and Holi celebrations.

Coconut ladoo, called as Nariyal Ka ladoo in Hindi and Thengai Ladoo in Tamil. I have made this coconut laddu without condensed milk.
When it comes to easy festival sweets recipes, my priority goes to ladoo recipes. This coconut laddu was in my try list for years I should say. I thought of trying this for last Diwali but I couldn’t. As Holi festival is nearing, I took this as a chance to try this easy sweet recipe.
I know most of you make it in less than 5 minutes using condensed milk. As I didn’t have milkmaid/condensed milk in hand, I used milk and it came out perfect! You don’t need any expertise to try this recipe. Even beginners can attempt this. It won’t disappoint you for sure. Do try this simple and easy laddu recipe for this Holi/Diwali and get appreciations from your family members.

Quick Notes for US & Abroad Kitchens
- Desiccated Coconut Selection: Unsweetened fine desiccated coconut flakes (available at Bob’s Red Mill, Trader Joe’s, Baker’s or Indian grocery stores) work best. Avoid sweetened shredded coconut as it makes the laddus overly sticky.
- Fresh vs Frozen Coconut: If using frozen grated coconut (like Daily Delight or Vadilal), thaw completely and pulse once in a food processor, then dry-roast on low heat for 4 to 5 minutes to remove excess moisture before adding milk.
- Milk Choice: Whole homogenized milk (Vitamin D milk) gives the richest texture without needing heavy cream or condensed milk.
- Storage: Since this recipe uses milk without heavy preservatives, store these coconut ladoos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.

Coconut Ladoo Recipe Without Condensed Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cup Desiccated coconut or freshly scraped coconut (approx. 80g / 2.8 oz)
- ¾ cup Boiled milk (approx. 180 ml / 6 fl oz, at room temperature)
- ⅓ cup Sugar (approx. 70g / 2.5 oz)
- 2 nos Cardamom seeds (powdered)
- 2 tsp Ghee
- ¼ cup Desiccated coconut (for coating)
Instructions
- Heat 2 tsp of ghee in a kadai. Add the desiccated coconut and roast for 2 to 3 minutes on low flame till you get a nice fragrant aroma without changing color.
- Now add the boiled milk and stir well on medium flame till all the milk is absorbed by the coconut.
- After the mixture thickens, add sugar and cardamom powder. Mix well. The sugar will melt and turn into a semi-solid paste. Keep stirring on medium flame till the mixture leaves the sides of the pan and forms a non-sticky mass.
- Transfer the mixture to a plate. When warm, grease your hands with a drop of ghee and roll into smooth round balls. Immediately roll each ball in the desiccated coconut so it coats evenly. Arrange on a plate and enjoy!
Notes
- If you want to make a quicker version, use condensed milk in place of milk and sugar. The ratio of desiccated coconut and condensed milk is 1:1.
- If using fresh coconut, scrape only the white part and roast for a few more minutes until all moisture evaporates completely.
- Do not keep the mixture on flame for too long as it will change the white color of the ladoos.
- Stay nearby and stir constantly. You can finish this sweet in just 10 to 12 minutes.
- Roll the shaped balls in desiccated coconut immediately while warm so the coating sticks evenly.
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Yummy, quick coconut ladoo after a bite by my daughter Raksha !





Akka, I was thinking what to prepare with the coconut I have in home.. Good time, that you have posted this recipe :) Thanks very much ka :)
Thanks DA. Try n let me know ur feedback DA :)
lovely ladoos and cute raksha.. hope she enjoyed :)
looks absolutely delicious… would love to grab a couple of them…
yummy dessert.. Super tempting clicks
Looks so yummy! Inviting clicks!
Awesome ladoos …Beautifully done dear :)
Happy holi…drooling
Lovely ladoos ! Great clicks :-)
Quick and easy..looks very delicious
quick n easy.. awesome it has turned out..
wow yummy ladoos your pictures are getting better and better looks superb!
Thanks dear :)
yummy ladoo and made with easily available ingredients..looks lovely
so juicy and delicious looking coconut ladoos…you have shaped it perfectly and evenly :) lovely clicks da!
Laddoos looks so yummy ……. Lovely clicks!!
looks absolutely delicious… would love to grab a couple of them…
delicious looking ladoos
Looks yummy…will try it someday
Delicious and tempting ladoos, I am drooling here…
Very superb ladoos… Great clicks…
Lovely ladoos I like the way u got a perfect shape nice pa
Beautiful clicks, the ladoos look so pretty and inviting..
looks so yumm.. Lovely ladoos..
love those cute laddoos.. looks so tempting.. u have rolled the laddoos v nice and they have come out perfectly.. :)
wow looks so good love coconut and easy to make
Just made these with sweetened condensed milk..YUMMY and so easy
Thank u :)
hi chitra ji just made the ladoo it came awesome. But i missed the taste of coconut ladoos(fresh coconut) which my grand mother used to make in my child hood days.Is there a difference in taste of ladoos when made with fresh coconut,i made with desiccated coconut powder.
Thanks for the feedback Uma. Ofcourse Yes, there would be difference in texture and flavor :) Try it with fresh coconut when you make it next time.But it takes more time to prepare :)
Made it love it. Thanks for the receipe.
Thank you so much Sneha for your feedback :)
Made it with condensed milk and added cocoa powder to it , just love it
How do I add my picture
Hi, thank you so much for your feedback. Please mail me to chitra.ganapathy@gmail.com. Eager to see it 😊