If you don’t own a mini cupcake tray, get yourself one! That way you can make smaller versions of your favourite treats, like these mini chocolate coconut bites.

A mini tray is such a great addition to the kitchen for making mini treats like this. It means you can have mini treats ready, for you and the family, without over-indulging. The one I have has 24 slots so you can make sweet treats to last you the whole week.

If you are watching your calories these mini chocolate coconut bites are perfect. Each one is less than 98 kcals and if you’re not watching your calories then, of course, you can always eat more than one!

How to make these mini chocolate coconut bites

Oats and desiccated coconut are blended with peanut butter, dried figs and a little maple syrup to bind them into a delicious, refined sugar free base.

The mixture is then divided into 24 small pieces and pressed down into a mini cupcake tray.

Each base is then topped with a layer of dark chocolate and finished with some extra coconut.  

If you are looking to make them festive at Christmas, you can top with vegan white chocolate and they look like little snowball bites.  I don’t use white chocolate a lot as it can be very high sugar but I think they look really festive.

Are oats gluten-free?

This is a question I get asked a LOT! And the simply answer is yes. However, they are often processed in facilities with wheat products and can have cross-contamination. In the UK and US, you can buy certified gluten-free oats. That said, a lot of people with gluten intolerances still react to oats. This is usually due to a protein called avenin. If this is the case, you can swap the oats for buckwheat or millet flakes.

Do you have to cook oats?

No you don’t. However, I like to toast them in the oven for 9-10 minutes before using as I think the flavour profile is better that way. They are slightly more ‘nutty’.

Is white chocolate vegan?

Not generally no. I use a dairy free white chocolate. It’s not the healthiest and I’ve yet to see a ‘good’ vegan white chocolate. However, it’s a great option if you want to give these a more festive look. Otherwise, just use a high quality dark chocolate.

These mini chocolate coconut bites are made with 5 simple ingredients:

• Dried figs
• Oats
• Desiccated coconut 
• Peanut or Almond Butter
• Dark chocolate 

Dried Figs

My preferred sweetener for sweet treats is usually dried fruit! I love medjool dates, but dried figs are a great alternative. They are naturally sweet and packed with fibre. They’re also a source of calcium, magnesium and vitamin K.

Oats

They are a fantastic whole-grain packed with fibre. Being rich in complex carbohydrates, they provide slow-releasing energy, helping you stay fuller for longer. Oats contain a range of essential nutrients, including B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, all of which support energy production and overall health.

Desiccated coconut

Although this form of coconut is slightly processed, it still contains healthy fats, especially medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Coconut is rich in fibre and contains essential minerals like manganese.

Peanut or almond butter

You can use any nut butter for these bites. I like to use organic peanut butter. It’s high in monounsaturated fats as well as fibre and protein to keep you full. Peanut butter also contains some important micronutrients, like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. Choosing a natural, no-added-sugar peanut butter keeps this recipe as nutritious as possible.

Dark Chocolate

You will know by now that dark chocolate is always my preferred choice. It’s a good source of antioxidants and contains minerals such as iron, magnesium, and copper. I also opt for one that has minimal sugar and at least 70% cocoa solids. 

I hope you like them as much as I do!

Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Recipe Tips

• I use organic gluten-free oats for this recipe.  Oats are naturally gluten-free but can become contaminated in the production process. Many people who are gluten free avoid them.  Any oats will work though.
• If you like, you can also toast your oats in the oven for 10 mins before using, but this is optional.
• I use quite a runny nut butter for this recipe. If yours is a little thicker, just add a little more or add a little bit of water as you blend, so that it is soft and sticky.
• If you prefer another nut or seed butter then please substitute with that. Just keep the quantities the same.
• My figs are dried but are also very soft. If yours are not, you can add some water as you blend. Alternatively, you can soak the figs in boiling water for about 20 minutes before you use them. Drain fully and follow the recipe as written.
• I have used dark chocolate chips in this recipe but any dark chocolate will do.  Just try and make sure it is at least 70% cocoa solids. That way it’s more chocolatey and less sugary!  

If you liked these mini chocolate coconut bites, why not try these recipes:

Mini Toasted Coconut Bites

Chocolate & Coconut Cream Cups

Coconut & Raspberry Puffed Quinoa Bars

Oat & Coconut Date Bars

Strawberry & Coconut Energy Balls