Easy Filipino Graham Balls Snack

Graham Balls Snack cravings hit hardest when you want something sweet, quick, and no-bake. Maybe the kids are restless, or you’ve got a sudden guest popping in and the fridge is looking a little too empty. I’ve been there, staring at the pantry like it might magically produce a dessert. That’s when I remember my reliable Easy Filipino Graham Balls Snack. It’s super simple, budget friendly, and honestly, pretty fun to make with the family. If you’ve got Graham crackers and condensed milk, you’re basically set.
Graham Balls Snack

Ingredients

What you need for the base and tasty add-ins

This is why I love this recipe. You only need a handful of pantry staples, and you can tweak it depending on what you’ve got. The star is the Graham crackers, and the rest is just about balancing sweetness and creaminess with fun textures for the coating.

  • 2 cups crushed Graham crackers, very fine for smoother balls
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk, about 300 ml
  • 1/2 cup all purpose cream, optional for extra creaminess
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt to balance the sweetness
  • Optional fillings: mini marshmallows, tiny chocolate chips, or small cubes of ripe mango
  • Coating options: desiccated coconut, powdered milk, cocoa powder, sprinkles, crushed peanuts, or more crushed Grahams

Pro tip: Use very fine crumbs for the base, but keep a little coarse crumb aside for coating if you like texture. The Easy Filipino Graham Balls Snack is forgiving, so play around with what you have.

Quick gear: mixing bowl, spatula, measuring cups, and a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.

Yield: about 22 to 26 bite sized balls, depending on how big you roll them.

Graham Balls Snack

Mixing

Make the dough in minutes

In a bowl, combine the crushed Graham crackers with a pinch of salt. Add the condensed milk and vanilla, then mix with a spatula until evenly moistened. If the mixture is too stiff, add the all purpose cream a spoon at a time until it becomes soft but not sticky. If it gets too wet, sprinkle in more Graham crumbs until it holds.

The right texture should feel like soft cookie dough. It should clump easily when you press it, but not smear on your hands. If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for 10 minutes so shaping is easier.

Want a chocolatey twist for snack time? Try swapping a few tablespoons of Graham crumbs with cocoa powder, or peek at this kid friendly treat for ideas: Milo Energy Balls. Different vibe, same no bake joy.

My niece calls these “yummy snowballs” and she’s not wrong. They’re soft, milky, and disappear faster than I can roll them.

Texture check: If you can pick up a pinch and roll it into a ball that stays round, you’re golden. This is the sweet spot for the Easy Filipino Graham Balls Snack.

Shaping

Roll neat, even balls without the mess

Scoop a tablespoon of dough and roll it between the palms of your hands. If you’re adding a filling like a mini marshmallow or a tiny bit of chocolate, flatten the dough, place the filling in the center, and fold the edges over, then roll into a ball. Keep the balls bite sized, about 1 inch wide, so they chill faster and coat evenly.

Keep hands clean: Lightly oil or dust your hands with powdered milk or dry Graham crumbs. This helps prevent sticking and gives a smoother finish.

Arrange the rolled balls on a tray lined with parchment. If the dough softens as you work, chill for 5 to 8 minutes. Warm dough makes coatings stick weirdly, and we want a clean, tidy layer.

Batch tip: If you’re making these for a party, roll all the balls first, then coat them assembly line style. It’s faster and looks more uniform.

Coating

Choose your finish

Now the fun artsy part. Pour your chosen coatings into separate shallow bowls. Roll each ball in the coating of your choice, pressing very gently to help it stick. Use one hand to roll and the other to keep the coating bowls tidy. Here are some favorite combos:

Creamy classic: powdered milk. It gives that nostalgic, milky flavor that’s so Filipino and so comforting.

Chocolate lover: cocoa powder with a pinch of sugar. Deep cocoa taste, less sweet, a nice balance to the milky center.

Tropical vibe: desiccated coconut. Soft, slightly chewy, and smells amazing.

Crunch moment: finely crushed peanuts or more Graham crumbs. Great for texture fans.

Party time: rainbow sprinkles. Especially if the Easy Filipino Graham Balls Snack is headed to a kids party.

Once coated, chill the tray for at least 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Chilling sets the shape and keeps them from becoming too soft on the table.

Serving

Simple ways to plate and store

These are the kind of treats that make people smile. Serve them on a small wooden board, a cute plate, or in mini paper cups if you want them to look extra neat. If you like building a mini snack spread, pair with iced coffee or cold milk for the kids. You can even pack them in lunch boxes.

  • Party platter: Mix and match coatings so there’s color and texture variety.
  • Chill time: They taste best after at least 20 minutes in the fridge.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to a month and thaw in the fridge.
  • Gifting: Pop two or three in cupcake liners and tuck into a small box or jar with a ribbon.

If you’re building a Filipino snack board, add something creamy and cold like Mango Float on the side for a dreamy, no bake duo. The contrast is a winner.

Make this your go to Easy Filipino Graham Balls Snack for busy weekdays, quick potlucks, or “I need dessert right now” evenings. It’s the little pocket of sweetness that saves the day.

Common Questions

How do I keep the mixture from getting too sticky?

Add a spoonful or two of crushed Graham crackers and mix again. You want a soft, pliable dough that doesn’t smear on your hands. Chilling for 10 minutes also helps.

Can I make these without all purpose cream?

Yes. The condensed milk alone works great. Cream just makes them smoother. If skipping cream, adjust with a little extra condensed milk only if the dough feels dry.

What’s the best coating for kids?

Powdered milk or sprinkles. They’re fun, sweet, and not messy to eat. For a milder taste, mix powdered milk with a bit of fine sugar.

Can I add flavors to the dough?

Absolutely. Try cocoa powder, a bit of instant coffee for mocha, or crushed freeze dried fruit. Start small and taste as you go.

How do I keep them from flattening in the container?

Chill until firm, then store in a single layer or with parchment between layers. A shallow, snug container keeps the shape intact.

Your Turn to Roll

If you’ve been looking for a simple, reliable sweet to make anytime, the Easy Filipino Graham Balls Snack is it. Minimal ingredients, no baking, and lots of room for creativity. If you want more ideas and a different take, check out this helpful guide to Easy No-bake Graham Balls – Kawaling Pinoy and compare notes with what you made here. Roll a small batch first, taste, then adjust the coating and sweetness to your style. I’m excited for you to try it and make it your own. Happy rolling!

Filipino Graham Balls

A quick and no-bake sweet treat made from crushed Graham crackers and sweetened condensed milk, ideal for satisfying snack cravings.
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: Easy Snacking, Graham Balls, Kids Snack, No-bake dessert, Sweet Treat
Servings: 26 pieces
Calories: 75kcal

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 2 cups crushed Graham crackers, very fine for smoother balls Keep some coarse crumbs for coating.
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk, about 300 ml
  • 1/2 cup all purpose cream, optional for extra creaminess
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt To balance the sweetness.
  • optional fillings such as mini marshmallows, tiny chocolate chips, or small cubes of ripe mango Personalize your balls with your favorite fillings.

Coating Options

  • optional desiccated coconut, powdered milk, cocoa powder, sprinkles, crushed peanuts, or more crushed Grahams Choose your finish.

Instructions

Mixing

  • In a bowl, combine the crushed Graham crackers with a pinch of salt.
  • Add the condensed milk and vanilla, then mix with a spatula until evenly moistened.
  • If the mixture is too stiff, add the all purpose cream a spoon at a time until it becomes soft but not sticky.
  • If it gets too wet, sprinkle in more Graham crumbs until it holds.
  • Chill the dough for 10 minutes if your kitchen is warm to make shaping easier.

Shaping

  • Scoop a tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms into a ball.
  • If adding a filling, flatten the dough, place the filling in the center, fold the edges over, and then roll into a ball.
  • Keep the balls about 1 inch wide for even chilling and coating.
  • Lightly oil or dust your hands with powdered milk or dry Graham crumbs to prevent sticking.
  • Arrange the rolled balls on a tray lined with parchment.

Coating

  • Pour your chosen coatings into shallow bowls.
  • Roll each ball in the coating, pressing gently to help it stick.
  • Chill the tray for at least 15 to 20 minutes before serving to set the shape.

Serving

  • Serve the Graham balls on a small wooden board, a cute plate, or in mini paper cups.
  • Mix and match coatings for color and texture variety.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to a month.

Notes

These treat balls can be customized with various fillings and coatings. They are perfect for kids' parties and can be easily stored.

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