Coconut Date Bites are my latest obsession. There’s something utterly irresistible about the rich, sweet flavor of dates, coupled with the tropical, nutty freshness of shredded coconut. Discovering this recipe was like stumbling upon a culinary treasure, a sweet little secret that’s too delightful not to share.
Part of what draws me to these delicious morsels is their beguiling simplicity. With just a handful of natural ingredients, these bites come together to offer a complex tapestry of textures and flavors that satisfy any sweet tooth. As someone who’s always on the lookout for wholesome, energizing snacks that still feel indulgent, creating this recipe was like answering my own cravings.
Living the bustling life of a food writer at Food and Meal means I’m always seeking that perfect balance between flavor, health, and convenience. Let’s be real, we all adore that homemade touch, but who has the time for elaborate treats? This is where Coconut Date Bites truly shine. They’re quick to make, delightfully fuss-free, and the ideal companion to a cup of tea or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
On days when I feel overwhelmed, when the aroma of freshly brewed coffee doesn’t do the trick or the glow of my laptop seems daunting, I turn to my kitchen for solace. The act of rolling these bites, the texture of the coconut in my palms, and the sweet stickiness of the dates as I blend them together, is almost therapeutic. And when I take that first bite, it’s a gentle, delectable reminder: sometimes, the simplest joys bring the most comfort.
Coconut Date Bites Recipes
Coconut Date Bites
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup coconut unsweeted shredded
- 1/4 cup Maple flakes you can replace with shredded coconut, chopped nutes or chocolate
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse the dates till it becomes a thick paste.
- Add the walnuts, vanilla and 1/4 cup of the coconut and pulse until incorporated.
- Pour the maple flakes or other topping of choice into a small bowl. Scoop 2 tablespoons of the date mixture at a time, and roll with your hands into a ball.
- Coat with the flakes until fully covered. Repeat till all the mixture is used.
- Serve in mini paper cupcake liners. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or more if refrigerated.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Baked Coconut Date Bites: A Toasted Delight Using an Oven
To prepare these delectable Coconut Date Bites, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In a food processor, blend dates and half of the shredded coconut until the dates are finely chopped, and the mixture starts to clump together. If the mixture feels dry, add a splash of coconut oil and pulse again. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, approximately the size of a walnut. Optionally, roll them in the remaining shredded coconut, pressing slightly for adherence. Place the formed Coconut Date Bites on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart, and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden on the bottom. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes; although they’ll be soft initially, they will firm up as they cool. Serve these toasted delights at room temperature, where the slight crispness from baking, combined with the depth of toasted coconut, adds an irresistible twist to the classic recipe. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
Serving Suggestions
Pairing with Soy Milk or Almond Milk creates a refreshing breakfast platter or mid-morning snack, where the nutty flavors of the milk enhance the natural sweetness of the dates. Serving them as a dessert option with Miso Soup provides a sweet contrast at the end of a multi-course meal, balancing the umami from the miso with the sweetness of the bites.
The rich taste of Coconut Date Bites complements hot beverages well, making them an excellent accompaniment to Irish coffee or various tea varieties. This pairing is suitable for an afternoon coffee break or as a post-dinner treat. During the fall season or holiday feasts, adding Coconut Date Bites to a dessert platter with Pumpkin Pie or Apple Crumble enhances the overall blend of warm flavors and textures.
For a healthy snack option, serving Coconut Date Bites with a smoothie, incorporating ingredients like oats, banana, and plant-based milks such as Quinoa Milk, Cashew Milk, or Hemp Milk, creates a nutritious post-workout snack or a part of a health-conscious meal plan. Additionally, Coconut Date Bites can be included in a cheese platter featuring Akkawi Cheese, offering a delightful contrast between the natural sweetness of the dates and the subtle saltiness of the cheese.
For an adventurous twist, serving Coconut Date Bites with lighter Asian dishes like Sashimi or Nigiri Sushi introduces a sweet note to contrast with the savory umami of the seafood. These suggestions showcase the adaptability of Coconut Date Bites, extending their role beyond a standalone snack to various culinary experiences.
Cooking Tips
Starting with the selection of dates, I find it brings a touch of excitement to choose the plumpest, most caramel-like Medjool dates you can find. The softness of the dates plays a crucial role in achieving that gooey center, enveloped in a satisfyingly chewy texture. They are the heart of the recipe, and I always feel a sense of anticipation when pitting and blending them – it’s as if you are unlocking the sweetness that will infuse the final product.
As for the coconut, both shredded and desiccated varieties work well, but a personal preference leans towards the finer desiccated coconut for its ability to adhere to the date mixture, creating a light but consistent coating. There’s a certain delight in the way the coconut sticks to the sticky surface of the date mixture, almost like watching a mini snowfall gently blanket the earth.
For the creation process, binding the dates can sometimes require a little patience, and here is where a gentle touch and some care make the experience all the more pleasant. There is no need to rush. Blending the dates to the right consistency can be a serene moment, akin to the soothing rhythm of waves hitting the shore. If the mixture seems too dry or crumbly, trust your instincts and blend a little longer or add a small drizzle of water to achieve that perfectly moldable texture.
When rolling the dates into little spheres, I feel a wave of nostalgia, as it reminds me of playful times in the kitchen during childhood. Infusing the process with such emotions can turn the routine task into a therapeutic exercise. As each bite takes shape, it’s gratifying to think about the burst of energy these little morsels will provide.
A small personal tip I’d like to share is to lightly dampen your hands before rolling the mixture into balls. It can make the process less sticky and more enjoyable, creating a moment of tranquility amidst the anticipation of tasting the final product.
Once your Coconut Date Bites are ready, there’s almost a ceremony to tasting the first one. The initial crunch of coconut gives way to the velvety-smooth date center, which is a wholesome blend of nature’s candy and tropical freshness. It’s a quiet celebration of natural flavors that one can’t help but find delightful.
List of 5 FAQs
- Can I use a different type of date other than Medjool? Yes, you can use other types of dates, but Medjool dates are preferred due to their soft texture and sweet flavor. If using a drier date variety, consider soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes before processing.
- What if I don’t have a food processor? You can finely chop the dates and then mix them with the shredded coconut using your hands or a spoon. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delightful.
- How to store any leftovers? Store leftover Coconut Date Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to a month; just ensure they’re separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Can I add other ingredients like nuts or seeds? Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts, or seeds like chia or flaxseed for additional texture and nutrition. Adjust the quantity to ensure the mixture binds well.
- Is there a vegan alternative to the ingredients? The ingredients listed are already vegan-friendly. Ensure any added components or variations align with vegan requirements if necessary.
Conclusion
In concluding our exploration of the delightful and nutritious snack, Coconut Date Bites, it is crucial to underscore their versatility and health benefits. These bites serve not just as a quick energy booster but also as a testament to the simplicity of natural ingredients coming together to form a symphony of taste and texture. The chewy sweetness of dates, coupled with the distinct flare of coconut, creates a snack that is both satiating and indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack, a simple dessert to satisfy a sweet tooth, or an energy-laden treat for children, Coconut Date Bites are an excellent choice.
Moreover, the adaptability of these bites is noteworthy. They can easily be customized with a variety of nuts, seeds, or even chocolate chips, to cater to individual preferences or nutritional needs. For those seeking to add more protein to their diet, incorporating a scoop of protein powder or a handful of almonds could enrich the bites further. Conversely, if a lower calorie option is desired, one might consider reducing the amount of dates or opting for smaller portions.
As we’ve savored these morsels of goodness, it’s imperative to recognize that they are in alignment with the ethos of Food And Meal (foodandmeal.com), where the emphasis on wholesome, unprocessed ingredients takes precedence. This blog’s commitment to sharing recipes that are as nutritious as they are delicious is reflected in the Coconut Date Bites, making them an excellent recipe to feature on the platform.
Hi! I’m Paula from the Philippines, the passionate blogger and skilled photographer behind Gobble the Cook. I also spearhead the media photography for Food And Meal in Vietnam.
I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.