Healthy chocolate coconut truffles

These squidgy healthy chocolate coconut truffles are an absolute gem. They are dairy free. But they have all the chocolatey richness that you’d want from a truffle. As a present for a chocoholic or an after dinner treat, they won’t disappoint.

Ingredients

Coconut oil

These 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 this coconut truffle recipe 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, here the link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1pk5mWmJXvTQLZYWpN431mW/is-coconut-oil-good-or-bad-for-your-cholesterol. )

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 truffles 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. The coconut gives the truffles a lovely, slightly chewy texture, and makes them very satisfying.

Cocoa

Make sure that you use unsweetened cocoa for these yummy 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.

Recipe tips

Making these healthy chocolate coconut truffles is a very quick and simple process. 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 balls.

I tend to leave these 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!

These little treats 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. Need I say more...healthy chocolate 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 gift. Pop them into little cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon. You might even get to share them:)

Other chocolate mini desserts you might enjoy

If you like marzipan, you might also like to take a look at this recipe for healthy honey and almond marzipan potatoes, They made a perfect Christmassy after dinner treat.

And for a wider selection of healthy and delicious Christmas recipes click here

Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a rating and/or comment at the bottom of the page. Your feedback and questions are much appreciated.
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Please note nutritional information is for guidance only