Pin it
I stumbled upon these Choco Coconut Bites a while back when hunting for a no-fuss holiday sweet, and they've turned into my go-to no-bake treat! The way the sweet coconut and rich chocolate blend creates something truly amazing with each mouthful. What gets me most is how quick they are to whip up, yet they look fancy enough to be from an upscale candy shop.
Delightful for Coconut Fans
Having made these goodies for so long now, I can promise they're downright addictive to anyone who loves coconut. The middles have this wonderfully damp sweet coconut mixture that goes so well with the chocolate outer layer. I get such joy seeing folks' expressions when they taste one – it's like they've found a tiny slice of heaven!
What You'll Need for Coconut Bites
- Desiccated Coconut: 1 ¾ cups (you can swap in shredded if you want). For smoother texture, try buzzing regular shredded coconut in your blender.
- Powdered Sugar: 1 ¾ cups. This adds sweetness to your coconut mix and helps everything stick together.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: ½ cup. This adds wetness and depth to your coconut blend.
- Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 2 cups. These make the yummy chocolate shell for your coconut bites.
- Shortening: 2 tablespoons. This helps your chocolate melt smoothly for easier dipping.
How to Coat Your Treats
- Create Coconut Mixture and Form Balls
- Throw powdered sugar, desiccated coconut, and sweetened condensed milk into a big bowl. Mix until fully combined. Roll this mix into 1-inch balls and set them on wax paper-lined tray. Chill until solid, roughly 30 minutes.
- Get Chocolate Ready
- Put chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe dish, then heat them together. Mix now and then until silky smooth. This makes the dipping chocolate for your coconut balls.
- Coat the Coconut Balls
- When your coconut balls feel firm, dunk each one in melted chocolate, letting extra drip away. Put the coated balls back onto wax paper and let them harden in the fridge until the chocolate sets up.
Lighter Take on Coconut Bites
When pals want something not so rich, I always mention my version with honey. That natural sweetness really clicks with dark chocolate, and using coconut oil gives the coating this amazing gloss. Just goes to show you can have treats that aren't so heavy but still taste fantastic!
More Ways to Jazz Them Up
My top trick is sticking a roasted almond in the middle – it's like making your own Almond Joy at home! Sometimes I'll toss crushed almonds straight into the coconut mix for some crunch. You can try so many different things with these treats, and playing around with new ideas is half the fun.
Keeping Your Choco Coconut Bites Fresh
These little guys stay great in the fridge! I keep mine in my grandma's old tin with wax paper between each row. They actually taste way better a day or two later when all the flavors have gotten cozy with each other.
Ways to Switch Things Up
What makes this so fun is how many ways you can change it! My little ones go crazy for white chocolate coating while my guy loves dark chocolate with a bit of sea salt on top. During Christmas and other holidays I'll add fun sprinkles or edible shimmer for a festive look.
Keeping Your Choco Coconut Bites Good
If you somehow don't eat them all right away (which hardly ever happens at my place!), these treats will stay tasty for a couple weeks when kept cold. I usually make twice as many and pop some in the freezer for surprise visitors. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight and they're good as new!
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh coconut to make these?
- Fresh coconut is too wet and won't stay together properly. Dry, shredded coconut is the way to go.
- → What does the shortening do?
- It makes the chocolate thinner so it’s easier to coat. It also keeps the finish sleek and avoids chalky streaks.
- → How long do they stay good?
- If kept in a sealed container in the fridge, they’ll last up to 2 weeks. Just let them warm up a bit before eating.
- → Is freezing these an option?
- Sure is! Freeze them up to 3 months with wax paper in between so they don’t stick, and pop them out whenever you need.
- → Why isn’t the mix holding together?
- If it’s falling apart, try a splash more condensed milk. If it’s overly sticky, sprinkle in powdered sugar or extra coconut. Just make sure it keeps its shape when rolled.