Chocolate Almond Coconut Bites
Highlighted under: Sweet Recipes
I recently whipped up these Chocolate Almond Coconut Bites, and let me tell you, they are a delightful combination of rich chocolate, crunchy almonds, and chewy coconut. This treat is perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth while keeping things simple and healthy. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, I find myself making these bites over and over again. They are great for snacking or as a dessert to share with friends and family, and I love knowing that they pack a nutritious punch as well.
When I first thought of making these bites, I wanted to create something that felt indulgent yet healthy. I experimented with different ratios of chocolate to coconut, and finally found the perfect balance that gives a satisfying crunch without overwhelming sweetness. Using almond butter instead of traditional chocolate allows the natural flavors to shine through.
These bites are not just tasty; they also provide a wonderful energy boost. I love having them as a quick snack on busy days. The combination of healthy fats from the almonds and the fiber from coconut keeps me feeling full and satisfied for hours. Plus, they’re a hit with my friends!
Why You'll Love These Bites
- Rich chocolate flavor with a crunchy texture
- Nutty almond goodness balanced with chewy coconut
- Quick and easy to prepare with no baking required
The Role of Ingredients
Each ingredient in the Chocolate Almond Coconut Bites plays a vital role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. Almond flour provides the base, offering a nutty taste while keeping this treat gluten-free. The unsweetened shredded coconut adds chewiness and a hint of tropical sweetness, balancing the richness of almond butter and dark chocolate. Using maple syrup as a sweetener contributes a depth of flavor that enhances the overall experience, making these bites both satisfying and wholesome.
The dark chocolate chips are not just for sweetness; they create a glossy finish and melt into a delightful burst of flavor with each bite. Opting for high-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) not only enhances the taste but also adds health benefits from antioxidants. If you're looking to tweak the recipe, consider using coconut oil instead of almond butter for a slightly different texture or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Perfecting the Process
Combining the ingredients correctly is crucial for the right consistency. Mix thoroughly to ensure that the almond flour and coconut are evenly moistened by the almond butter and maple syrup. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more almond butter; if it's too wet, a sprinkle of almond flour can help. This will ensure that your bites hold together well when formed and don’t crumble during chilling or storage.
Shaping the bites is another key step. I recommend using a cookie scoop or your hands to form uniform balls, roughly the size of a tablespoon. This not only ensures even sizing for consistent chilling but also helps with portion control. Once they’re on the parchment-lined baking sheet, they should be placed with some space in between to prevent sticking, as they may slightly expand while chilling.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your own Chocolate Almond Coconut Bites:
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix all the ingredients well before shaping them into bites.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Chocolate Almond Coconut Bites:
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix almond flour, shredded coconut, almond butter, maple syrup, dark chocolate chips, sea salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Shape Bites
Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a tablespoon. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chill
Refrigerate the bites for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. You can also store them in the freezer for a future treat.
Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Almond Coconut Bites as a healthy snack or dessert!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, you can roll the bites in additional shredded coconut or crushed nuts before chilling. Feel free to customize with different nut butters or sweeteners to suit your taste.
Make-Ahead and Storage
These Chocolate Almond Coconut Bites are perfect for make-ahead snacks. Once shaped and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, they freeze beautifully for up to three months. If freezing, layer the bites between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Simply grab a few from the freezer whenever cravings hit; they thaw quickly at room temperature.
If you're planning to serve these bites for a gathering, consider rolling them in a coating before chilling. Chopped nuts, cacao powder, or even additional coconut can add a nice finishing touch and variations in flavor and texture. This is a simple way to impress without adding significant effort!
Variations and Troubleshooting
Feel free to get creative with mix-ins! Chopped dried fruits like apricots or cranberries can bring a different texture and a hint of sweetness. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of almond extract can elevate the flavor profile as well. Just remember to keep the balance of wet and dry ingredients in mind; adjustments to maple syrup or almond flour may be necessary depending on what you add.
If your bites don’t hold together or are too crumbly, it's likely due to either too much almond flour or not enough binding ingredients like almond butter or maple syrup. Consider adjusting your ratios slightly on your next batch to perfect the texture. Experimentation is part of the fun—I find that each tweak leads to new favorites!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute almond flour with another type of flour?
Yes, you can use coconut flour or oat flour, but be aware that the texture may change.
→ How long do these bites last?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.
→ Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are vegan-friendly.
→ Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped dried fruit, seeds, or spices like cinnamon for a flavor twist.
Chocolate Almond Coconut Bites
I recently whipped up these Chocolate Almond Coconut Bites, and let me tell you, they are a delightful combination of rich chocolate, crunchy almonds, and chewy coconut. This treat is perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth while keeping things simple and healthy. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, I find myself making these bites over and over again. They are great for snacking or as a dessert to share with friends and family, and I love knowing that they pack a nutritious punch as well.
Created by: Cressida Northwood
Recipe Type: Sweet Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 20 bites
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, mix almond flour, shredded coconut, almond butter, maple syrup, dark chocolate chips, sea salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a tablespoon. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Refrigerate the bites for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. You can also store them in the freezer for a future treat.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, you can roll the bites in additional shredded coconut or crushed nuts before chilling. Feel free to customize with different nut butters or sweeteners to suit your taste.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 25mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 4g