Chocolate Coconut Almond Snack Bites
Highlighted under: Modern Kitchen
I absolutely love making these Chocolate Coconut Almond Snack Bites whenever I need a quick and satisfying treat. They’re effortless to whip up and combine the delightful flavors of rich chocolate, nutty almonds, and sweet coconut. Each bite is a perfect blend of textures—soft and chewy yet slightly crunchy. Not only are they guilt-free and healthy, but they also keep well in the fridge, making them a go-to snack for any time of the day. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
When I first experimented with these Chocolate Coconut Almond Snack Bites, I was looking for an alternative to sugary snacks that wouldn’t compromise on flavor. The combination of almond butter, dates, and cocoa powder creates a surprisingly rich and decadent treat. I found that chilling them for a short time helps to firm them up, making them easier to handle and bite into.
After making them a few times, I realized that adding a pinch of sea salt really enhances the chocolate flavor. It balances the sweetness of the dates and complements the almonds beautifully. These bites have since become a staple in my snack rotation!
Why You'll Love These Bites
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty almond and sweet coconut
- No-bake simplicity makes preparation a breeze
- Perfectly portioned, ideal for on-the-go snacking
Making the Perfect Mixture
When blending the ingredients in your food processor, it's essential to ensure that the dates are soft enough to incorporate into the mixture smoothly. If your dates are hard or dry, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before blending. This will not only soften them but also make it easier to achieve that sticky texture, which is crucial for forming the bites. Blend until the mixture looks cohesive and starts to clump together, usually around 1 to 2 minutes.
Another critical component is achieving the right consistency. If the mixture feels too dry and crumbly after blending, add a splash more almond butter or a teaspoon of water to help it bind together. Conversely, if it's too wet, sprinkle in additional almond flour or cocoa powder until you reach that ideal sticky, moldable consistency. Remember, this snack is meant to be both chewy and slightly crunchy, so the balance is key.
Rolling and Chilling Tips
When rolling the mixture into balls, using slightly damp hands can make a significant difference in handling the sticky mixture. Lightly wetting your hands prevents the mixture from sticking excessively, allowing you to shape the bites effortlessly. Aim for uniformity; each ball should be about 1 inch in diameter for consistent texture and bite. This not only improves appearance but also ensures a uniform snack experience in terms of flavor and texture in every bite.
After forming the bites, chilling can enhance their flavor and texture. Aim to refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes; this allows the chocolate notes to come forward while helping them firm up. This step is vital; skipping it may result in a too-soft texture that can lead to messy snacking. If you're in a rush, freezing them for about 15 minutes can work in a pinch, but keep a close eye to ensure they don’t freeze too hard.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious snack bites:
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup pitted dates
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
Once you have these ingredients, you're ready to start making your bites!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to whip up your snack bites:
Blend Ingredients
In a food processor, combine almond flour, pitted dates, almond butter, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, maple syrup, vanilla, and sea salt. Blend until the mixture is well combined and sticky.
Form the Bites
Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
Chill
Refrigerate the formed bites for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, enjoy your Chocolate Coconut Almond Snack Bites immediately or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Your snack bites are ready to be enjoyed!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to customize these snack bites by adding other nuts or seeds, or even a scoop of protein powder for an added boost!
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
These Chocolate Coconut Almond Snack Bites are perfect for meal prep. Once chilled and set, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This means you can make a double batch on the weekend and snack on them throughout the week, which I find especially handy during busy days. Just ensure to layer parchment paper between the bites if stacking them to prevent sticking.
If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. You can chill them first and then transfer the individual bites to a freezer-safe bag. These will last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, and they'll soften slightly but retain their delicious texture.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
Feel free to customize these snack bites with a variety of mix-ins for added texture and flavor. Chopped nuts like walnuts or cashews can introduce a delightful crunch, while dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries provide a sweet and tart contrast to the rich chocolate. Just keep in mind that any additional ingredients may slightly change the final mixture consistency, so adjust the almond flour to help balance it out.
You could also substitute the almond butter with other nut or seed butters like cashew or sunflower seed, depending on your dietary needs or taste preference. Simply ensure that the alternative has a similar texture to maintain the binding properties of the mixture. For a fun twist, try using flavored extracts like almond or coconut extract, adding a unique layer of flavor that complements the overall profile beautifully.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute the almond butter?
Yes, you can use any nut or seed butter of your choice, such as peanut butter or sunflower seed butter.
→ How long do these bites last in the fridge?
They can last up to a week in the refrigerator stored in an airtight container.
→ Can I make these vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients are plant-based, making these bites a great vegan snack option!
→ What if I don't have a food processor?
You can crush the dates manually and mix all ingredients in a bowl, though a food processor will yield a smoother consistency.
Chocolate Coconut Almond Snack Bites
I absolutely love making these Chocolate Coconut Almond Snack Bites whenever I need a quick and satisfying treat. They’re effortless to whip up and combine the delightful flavors of rich chocolate, nutty almonds, and sweet coconut. Each bite is a perfect blend of textures—soft and chewy yet slightly crunchy. Not only are they guilt-free and healthy, but they also keep well in the fridge, making them a go-to snack for any time of the day. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
Created by: Primrose Cavendish
Recipe Type: Modern Kitchen
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 bites
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup pitted dates
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
How-To Steps
In a food processor, combine almond flour, pitted dates, almond butter, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, maple syrup, vanilla, and sea salt. Blend until the mixture is well combined and sticky.
Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
Refrigerate the formed bites for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
Once chilled, enjoy your Chocolate Coconut Almond Snack Bites immediately or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to customize these snack bites by adding other nuts or seeds, or even a scoop of protein powder for an added boost!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 3g