Healthy chocolate coconut truffles are dairy-free and refined sugar-free, but have all the chocolatey richness that you'd want from a truffle. Easy no-bake coconut balls are perfect as a homemade gift, an after-dinner treat, or as energy balls at any time of day.
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I've been making these healthy coconut truffles for years, and have even taken them to swimming galas as energy balls to keep the swimmers going. (Our school won that year, so they obviously worked, and now they are my lucky snack!)
I also like to make them over Christmas. I always associate truffles with Christmas, so these are a regular festive treat!
What you'll love about the recipe
- Dairy-free coconut truffles with no condensed milk and no cream. However, thanks to the coconut oil, they are still rich, creamy and very satisfying
- Sugar-free coconut balls are made without refined sugar, and no dates in the recipe.
- Allergy-friendly: chocolate coconut truffles are naturally gluten-free and nut-free. You can easily make vegan truffles by switching the honey to maple syrup
- No-bake coconut truffle balls are quick and easy to make with just a few pantry ingredients
(If you are looking for a chocolate date truffle ball, these are delicious, and you can roll them in coconut if you prefer.)
Ingredients for healthy chocolate coconut balls
Coconut oil. The secret ingredient in these dairy-free coconut truffle balls is coconut oil, which takes the place of butter or cream in a traditional recipe.
Coconut oil is still high in fat (hence the name!). However, there is some evidence that it's a type of fat that is better for you, and can even help to protect your heart. (If you want to read more about this evidence, the Michael Mosley TV programme Trust Me I'm a Doctor did an experiment on the subject.)
Note that coconut oil is not the same as coconut cream. Coconut oil is usually found in jars alongside ingredients such as olive oil in the supermarket. It's solid at room temperature, but melts easily.
Honey adds some sweetness to these healthy coconut truffles. Since honey is sweeter than sugar, it means these truffles are lower in sugar, and of course refined sugar free. Honey combines well with the cocoa to make a lovely, rich chocolatey flavour. As the truffle mixture is warmed in a pan, use either a runny or set honey.
To make vegan coconut truffle balls, switch in maple syrup as an alternative to honey.
Unsweetened desiccated coconut. This is coconut which has been dried and shredded. Desiccated coconut is high in fibre and contains a number of important minerals. It gives these healthy coconut balls have a lovely, slightly chewy texture, and makes them very satisfying.
If you like coconut, try these healthy flapjacks with desiccated coconut or healthy coconut macaroons.
Cocoa. Use unsweetened cocoa to make chocolate coconut truffles.
Cocoa is made from cocoa beans without any added sugar, and has also has proven health benefits. Cocoa adds a lovely, rich flavour to these healthy chocolate truffles.
Drinking chocolate and cocoa are different, as drinking chocolate contains a high proportion of powdered sugar.
Vanilla extract works well with the flavour of cocoa and coconut. But if you're not a fan, it's completely optional.
How to make healthy chocolate coconut truffles
No-bake healthy chocolate coconut truffles are quick and easy to make, and there's no food processor or special equipment required.
Gently heat the coconut oil, honey and vanilla in a pan until melted. Then stir in the cocoa and desiccated coconut. At this point the mixture will look quite wet and oily, but it will transform into something delicious very quickly.
You'll need to chill the mixture in the fridge for about 30 minutes before you can shape it. After just half an hour, it will be quite firm. Scrape it up with a spoon and portion it out. Then, roll it into about 10 coconut balls.
If you've over-chilled the mixture and it's too hard to roll, leave it on the counter to soften for a few minutes.
I tend to leave these chocolate coconut truffles naked. I have tried rolling them in cocoa, but in my experience the cocoa sinks in and disappears quickly as they are so moist. (The truffles themselves also disappear very quickly!)
If you like, you could coat them in melted dark chocolate to give them a hard chocolate shell.
Recipe tip
If you don't want to roll the mixture into balls, you can also set it in a small lined baking tin or plastic box. Leave to harden in the fridge and cut into squares or mini rectangles.
Storage and serving suggestions
Coconut truffle balls need to be kept cold to keep their shape, so store them in the fridge in an airtight box. They'll keep well for up to a month, although they'll be difficult to resist. They are ideal for the wintry festive season.
If you are taking chocolate coconut truffles on a journey, pop them in the freezer first so that they stay cool.
I'm sure you won't need too many excuses to enjoy these coconut truffles! But here are a few serving suggestions:
- After dinner mini dessert. Sometimes, a full dessert is too much after dinner. But these little chocolate bites are just right. You finish your meal on a sweet note, but aren't totally blown out
- Afternoon pick-me-up when you need an energy boost. Need I say more...healthy coconut energy balls!
- Accompaniment to coffee. Just remember not to put them on the saucer next to the cup as they'll melt...
- Gifting. Healthy coconut truffles make a perfect homemade edible gift. Pop them into little cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon. Or use individual paper cases and arrange the truffles in a box. You might even get to share them:)
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. The only ingredient which is not vegan-friendly is honey, and this can be replaced with maple syrup or agave.
To make this recipe keto-friendly, replace the honey with a low-carb liquid sweetener such as stevia liquid. Desiccated coconut and cocoa are naturally low-carb.
They are healthier than traditional truffles as they are made without refined sugar or cream. Additionally, cocoa and coconut both contain fibre and antioxidants. However, these healthy chocolate coconut truffles are still treats to be enjoyed in moderation.
Other chocolate mini desserts you might enjoy
I love making little chocolate mini desserts that don't need baking! You could make a few different types and set out a selection on a board, along with some berries or other fruit.
You might also like to try this healthy avocado chocolate mousse. This no-bake chocolate dessert is ready in just 10 minutes with a few ingredients. It's also dairy-free and vegan.
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Recipe
Healthy Chocolate Coconut Truffles (Dairy Free and No Refined Sugar)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoon cocoa
- 6 tablespoon desiccated coconut approx 40 g
- few drops vanilla essence
Instructions
- Gently warm the coconut oil, vanilla essence and honey in a pan until melted.2 tablespoon coconut oil, few drops vanilla essence, 2 tablespoon honey
- Add the cocoa and desiccated coconut to the pan and stir until well mixed.2 tablespoon cocoa, 6 tablespoon desiccated coconut
- Chill for about 30 minutes until firm and roll into balls.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can use maple syrup rather than honey to make vegan truffles
- If you don't want to roll the mixture into balls, you can also set it in a small lined baking tin or plastic box. Leave to harden in the fridge and cut into squares or mini rectangles.
- Store coconut truffle balls in the fridge as they need to be kept cool. If you need to transport them, pop them in the freezer first so that they stay cool.
Nutrition
Please note nutritional information is per serving and is provided for guidance only.
Eva says
So many sweet, healthy treats👍Have a lovely Easter bank holiday weekend 🐣