Chocolate Coconut Date Bites

Name: Chocolate Coconut Date Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 bites
Ingredients: 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup shredded coconut; 1/4 cup almond butter; A pinch of sea salt

Highlighted under: Sweet Planning

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Coconut Date Bites as a sweet snack that satisfies my chocolate cravings in a healthier way. Each bite is packed with natural sweetness from dates and rich chocolate flavor, making them perfect for a quick energy boost. Plus, they come together in no time and require just a handful of ingredients. Whether it’s for an afternoon treat or a post-dinner dessert, these bites never fail to impress with their decadent taste and delightful texture!

Created by

Blythe Rowland

Last updated on 2026-01-21T18:46:36.570Z

When we decided to make these Chocolate Coconut Date Bites for the first time, I was surprised by how simple and satisfying they turned out. I started by soaking the dates to make them softer before blending, which brought out their natural caramel-like flavor. This little trick ensures a creamy texture that integrates beautifully with the other ingredients.

After tossing in some dark cocoa powder and rolled oats, the mixture came together quickly. I shaped them into little bites and rolled them in unsweetened coconut, which not only added a lovely texture but also a delightful tropical twist. It’s a great way to make healthy indulgences that taste gourmet!

Why You'll Love These Bites
Rich chocolate flavor combined with chewy dates
Nutty undertones from coconut that provide texture
Perfectly sweet without any processed sugars
Quick and easy to prepare for a guilt-free treat

Ingredient Insights

The Medjool dates in this recipe are crucial for their natural sweetness and chewy texture. They contribute to the overall stickiness of the mixture, helping hold the bites together without any need for added sugars. When selecting dates, opt for fresh, plump ones as they blend better and provide a more pronounced flavor. If you find that your dates are overly dry, soaking them in warm water for a few minutes, as mentioned in the steps, revitalizes them perfectly to ensure a smooth blend.

Cocoa powder is another star ingredient. Using unsweetened cocoa powder enhances the chocolate flavor without the added sugars found in many chocolate products. It’s rich in antioxidants too, making these bites not only delicious but nutritious. If you're looking for a different chocolate experience, you can substitute with raw cacao powder, which adds a slightly fruity note, or even try using dark chocolate chips for a chunkier texture.

Techniques for Success

When blending your ingredients, achieving the right consistency is key. You want the mixture to be smooth yet sticky enough to form balls easily. If the mixture seems too dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of water or extra almond butter a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too wet, adding a few more oats or cocoa powder can help balance it out.

Shaping the bites can be a fun process! If your hands tend to get sticky, consider lightly greasing them with coconut oil or water. This small step can make rolling the bites much easier and cleaner. Be sure to roll them firmly to create a nice ball shape, which helps them keep their form during the chilling process.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup almond butter
A pinch of sea salt

These ingredients come together for a deliciously healthy treat!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Chocolate Coconut Date Bites:

Prepare the Dates

Start by soaking the Medjool dates in warm water for about 5 minutes if they are dry. Once softened, drain them well.

Blend the Mixture

In a food processor, combine the soaked dates, cocoa powder, rolled oats, almond butter, and sea salt. Blend until a smooth and sticky mixture forms.

Shape the Bites

Using your hands, take small portions of the chocolate date mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. This recipe should yield about 12 bites.

Coat with Coconut

Roll each bite in the shredded coconut until fully coated. This adds a lovely sweetness and texture.

Chill and Serve

Place the coconut-coated bites on a plate and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to firm up before enjoying.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate coconut delights!

Pro Tips

For an extra twist, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the bites before chilling. It adds a delicious contrast to the sweetness!

Variations and Add-Ins

Feel free to experiment with add-ins based on your preferences! You can mix in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to enhance the texture and provide a healthy fat boost. Dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots can also be incorporated for additional sweetness and chew. If you're a fan of spices, a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile even further.

For a burst of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of vanilla extract to the mixture. This simple addition can round out the taste, giving the bites an aromatic quality that pairs beautifully with chocolate. Additionally, if you're looking to cater to different dietary needs, swapping almond butter for peanut butter or a seed butter like sunflower seed butter works wonderfully and maintains the bind of the mixture.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Coconut Date Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead snack. If you'd like to extend their shelf life, they can also be frozen for about a month. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together when frozen.

Serving these bites as an energy-boosting snack before a workout or as a healthy dessert option can make them versatile. I recommend pairing them with fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt for a delightful balance of flavors and textures. You might also consider drizzling melted dark chocolate on top for a gourmet touch when serving to guests.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use any other nuts instead of almond butter?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter with peanut butter or cashew butter for different flavors.

→ How long can I store these date bites?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

→ Are these bites suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! All ingredients are plant-based and vegan-friendly.

→ Can I add additional flavors to the mixture?

Yes, you could add vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for added flavor!