I have been craving these Dark Chocolate Coconut Candy Bites for several weeks now, finally this weekend as I was putting together some goodies for teacher, mail carriers, UPS and crossing guards,so I added it to the list.
If you like dark chocolate and coconut, you are going to love these, they are a lot like a Mounds bar, only better.
I'm not one of those crazy chocolate lovers, but every now and then I get a craving for chocolate and coconut, both come with health benefits.
The benefits of dark chocolate are all the rage because it contains a higher concentration of cacao seeds than milk chocolate, and that alone makes dark chocolate healthier. The more cacao, the more flavonoids help reduce cell damage related to heart disease. It's also a good source of antioxidants, but with that being said, dark chocolate comes with calories, which is why it should be consumed in moderation.
Coconuts helps support the immune system because of its anti-viral, bacterial, fungal and parasite properties, and it's also a heart friendly food.
These candies are so beautiful, the people you give them to won't know if you purchased or made them.
I think there will be a lot of happy teachers this week, I know I'm happy!
Dark Chocolate Coconut Candy Bites
- Prep Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 15
- Cuisine: Sweet Treats, Vegan
Ingredients
- 3 cups dried coconut flakes, plus 1 ½ tablespoon for sprinkling
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup (if you like a sweeter candy, add in 2 to 3 tablespoons of natural cane sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- dash of salt
- 4 oz of dark chocolate, I used Scharffen Berger Dark Chocolate
Instructions
- Place 2 cups of dried coconut flakes into food processor and process for ten minutes, scraping down sides as needed.
- Coconut will become soft and moist (you will have coconut butter).
- Scrape down sides and add in maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.
- Process until mixture forms into a ball. Place mixture in a large bowl and add in the final cup of dried coconut, use your hands to incorporate.
- Scoop out one tablespoon at a time and from into balls between the palm your hands.
- Place balls on parchment lined baking pan and place in fridge for 30 minutes to and hour or until balls are firm.
- Melt chocolate slowly in a stainless steel bowl over simmering water, stirring gently until completely melted and smooth.
- Roll balls in melted chocolate until completely covered. Scoop out using a fork and place back on parchment lined baking pan. When all balls are covered, sprinkle with coconut and place back into fridge and chill until chocolate has hardened.
- Share with family and friends or keep them all to yourself. Store what's left in covered container in the fridge.
- Have fun and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 167
- Sugar: 9.6
- Sodium: 18.3
- Fat: 13.2
- Saturated Fat: 11.1
- Carbohydrates: 13.6
- Fiber: 3.2
- Protein: 1.5
- Cholesterol: 0
Shared with Lou Lou Girls Fabulous Party #37, Pint Sized Baker - Two Cup Tuesday No. 102, Cornerstone Confessions - Titus 2 Tuesday #134
New Mrs. Adventures-Tasty Tuesday, Our Three Peas-Wine'd Down Wednesday #66, The NY Melrose Family-Whimsy Wednesday This Silly Girls Life - Project Parade Wednesday Link Party
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Theresa @DearCreatives says
These candies look so amazing! Thanks for sharing your recipe at the party! Hope to see you again this coming week. Happy holidays! Pinned
Celeste says
Thanks you Theresa!
Kaylin @ Enticing Healthy Eating says
You know, for a second there I thought I was tired of seeing sweet treat type recipes because I've just seen an overload from the holidays coming around. But these changed my mind! No joke! They're so simple and actually a healthier sweet treat. I approve!
Celeste says
Thanks Kaylin,
I'm glad you like them. I've reduced the amount of sugar in my diet, but sometimes I just have to have something sweet to eat, but I don't like it too sweet and these do the trick.
Lou Lou Girls says
This is fabulous! I love it. Pinned and tweeted. Thanks for being a part of our party! I hope you stop by on Monday at 7 pm. We love to party with you. Merry Christmas! Lou Lou Girls
Jen says
These look AH-mazing! Oooh and with the right chocolate they are totally vegan! Thanks for sharing - I will most certainly be making these in the near future.
Celeste says
Thanks so much Jen, I hope you like them as much as I do. Once I start eating them it's hard to stop myself.
heather @french press says
ooh, I love a mounds bar! lucky recipients
Celeste says
Hi Heather,
I am in love with all the goodies on your site, yum, yum!
Amanda @ Dwelling in Happiness says
These sound AMAZING! I'm a huge coconut and chocolate fan, especially dark chocolate! Pinned, I will be trying these soon!! 🙂
Celeste says
Thanks, I'm sure you'll love them.