These squidgy healthy chocolate coconut truffles are an absolute gem. They are dairy free but have all the chocolatey richness that you’d want from a truffle. As a gift for a chocoholic or an after dinner treat, healthy coconut balls won’t disappoint!
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What you'll love about the recipe
- Rich and delicious dairy-free truffles with no condensed milk and no dates (if you do want a chocolate date truffle, these are delicious)
- Healthy coconut balls are made without refined sugar and are naturally gluten free
- A satisfying, energising snack
- No-bake chocolate truffle balls are very quick and easy to make with just a few pantry ingredients
Ingredients
Coconut oil
Healthy chocolate coconut truffles are dairy free. Many truffle recipes are made with condensed milk, which is very high in sugar. Other recipes use a lot of cream. The secret ingredient in these coconut truffle balls is coconut oil, which takes the place of butter or cream.
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
Honey adds some sweetness to these healthy coconut truffles. Since honey is sweeter than sugar, it means these truffles can be a little lower in sugar. Honey also works really well with the cocoa to make a lovely, rich chocolatey flavour. As the truffle mixture will be warmed in a pan, you can use either a runny or set honey.
If you'd like to make vegan coconut truffle balls then switch in maple syrup instead of honey.
Desiccated coconut
This chocolate coconut truffle recipe contains 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. These healthy coconut balls have a lovely, slightly chewy texture, and are very satisfying.
You might also like these healthy flapjacks with desiccated coconut.
Cocoa
Make sure that you use unsweetened cocoa to make chocolate coconut truffles. Cocoa and drinking chocolate are very different.
Drinking chocolate contains a high proportion of powdered sugar.
Cocoa is made from cocoa beans without any added sugar, and has also has proven health benefits. Cocoa will add a lovely rich chocolate flavour to these healthy truffles whilst keeping them lower in sugar.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla works well with the flavour of chocolate and coconut. But if you've not a fan, free free to leave it out.
How to make healthy chocolate coconut truffles
Making these no-bake healthy chocolate coconut truffles is a very quick and simple process, and there's no food processor 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.
I tend to leave these chocolate coconut truffles naked. I have tried rolling them in cocoa, but in my experience the cocoa disappears very quickly as they are so moist. The truffles themselves also disappear very quickly!
Coconut truffle balls do need to be kept cold to keep their shape, so store them in the fridge. They'll keep well for up to a month, although they'll be difficult to resist. They are ideal for the wintry festive season.
Serving suggestions
I'm sure you won't need too many excuses to enjoy these coconut truffles! But here's a few thoughts:
- After dinner mini dessert. Sometimes, a full dessert is too much after dinner. But these little chocolate bites are just right. You've made something delicious, finished 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 or a box and tie them with a ribbon. You might even get to share them:)
Other chocolate mini desserts you might enjoy
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
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.
- Add the cocoa and desiccated coconut to the pan and stir until well mixed.
- Chill for about 30 minutes until firm and roll into balls.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can use maple syrup rather than honey if you'd like vegan truffles
- Store coconut truffle balls in the fridge as they need to be kept 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 🐣