Vegan Coconut Balls

Make these vegan coconut balls recipe for a quick and healthy snack! Simple? Yes! That’s because you make it minutes with only five ingredients. Enjoy these delicious treats today, and don’t forget to share them with your friends!

A stack of coconut balls sit on a plate. The top one shows a bite taken out. There is a bowl of coconut flakes in the background.

There’s no flavor combination that can compete with creamy coconut paired with delicious dark chocolate.

Is there anyone out there who doesn’t love the flavors of chocolate and coconut together? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

I didn’t think so.

I’m no exception to the rule, either. In fact, Shawn and I were fighting over the last one of these babies. Well, actually, Shawn ate it, and then we argued debated about who should have had the last one. I think it should have been ME!

He had a subtle Cheshire Cat grin on his face when he apologized. I’m not sure I believe he was really sorry. But I forgive him anyway. With only 5 ingredients…I can just make more!

I might hide the next batch, though.

Ingredients & Substitutions

You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.

  • Coconut — The star of the show is unsweetened coconut flakes. I use the large flakes that are usually in the baking section of most grocery stores. They’re the most affordable option and easy to find!
  • Almond — We won’t be using whole almonds, but instead, we’ll use almond flour. Of course, you always have the option of adding a whole roasted almond to the coconut ball before dipping it in chocolate. That will give it an “almond joy” kind of vibe!
  • Syrup — To make them sweet, we’ll use a bit of agave nectar. You can substitute maple syrup.
  • Coconut Oil — Go ahead and use unrefined coconut oil to add even more coconut flavor. This makes the coconut balls bind together perfectly.
  • Chocolate — I prefer dark chocolate chips for dipping the coconut balls. The contrast between the dark chocolate and the white coconut center is not only beautiful but delicious, too!
  • Sea Salt — This is optional, but I like sprinkling flaky sea salt before the chocolate sets. So good!

How to Make Coconut Balls

  1. Place the coconut in a food processor and pulse until it reaches a coarse flour-like consistency.
  2. Pulse in almond flour, agave, and 4 tablespoons of melted coconut oil.
  3. The mixture will be sticky. Create 12 to 15 balls and place them on the waxed paper.
  4. Optional: Press one almond into each coconut ball for a copycat Almond Joy treat.
  5. Place the pan in the fridge to allow the coconut balls to firm up.
  6. Remove the coconut balls from the fridge and dip them in melted chocolate,
  7. Return them to the pan for the chocolate to dry.
  8. Sprinkle the wet chocolate with flaky sea salt for a beautiful presentation.
  9. Place the tray in the fridge for about 20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. 
A hand holds a coconut ball with a bite taken out. It hovers over a plate with more of the treats.

Frequently-Asked Questions

Can coconut balls be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze chocolate coconut truffles for up to 2 months or more. Be sure to let the chocolate set completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer. Let them sit out at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before enjoying.

Are coconut balls gluten-free?

All the ingredients in coconut balls are made without gluten. if you’re extremely sensitive to gluten, make sure to use certified gluten-free ingredients.

Storage Tips

Store coconut balls in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 10 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Healthy Coconut Balls

Can homemade coconut balls be healthy? Absolutely! These delectable treats offer a surprisingly satisfying experience with just one bite. Packed with the wholesome goodness of coconut and almonds, they provide a natural source of satiating fats, keeping hunger at bay.

Moreover, our recipe skips the conventional addition of sweetened condensed milk, cutting down on refined sugars without compromising on taste. By letting the authentic flavors of coconut and chocolate take center stage, we create a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy anytime.

Another health boon? Coconut is renowned for its fiber content, promoting digestive health and leaving you feeling nourished and satisfied.

Here are the nutritional estimates for each coconut ball:

  • Calories: 163
  • Carbs: 9g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Net Carbs: 6g

If you want to reduce carbs even more and make keto almond joy bites, use something like monkfruit syrup instead of agave nectar. That can reduce net carbs to 4g per ball.

Or, you can substitute Medjool dates (pitted, of course), to make these treats all naturally sweetened.

Looking down can a plate of vegan coconut balls, one with a bite taken out.

More Chocolate Candies

If you love this chocolate coconut balls recipe, you’ll want even more chocolate goodies. It’s fun making simple chocolate candies, such as vegan Oreo balls. Here are more candy treats to enjoy:

A stack of coconut balls sit on a plate. The top one shows a bite taken out.

Chocolate Coconut Balls

These vegan coconut balls are made with only 5 ingredients and all natural, whole foods. Enjoy these sweet, creamy treats any time!
5 from 5 votes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 18
Calories: 163kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Prepare a pan by placing a sheet of waxed paper over the top.
  • Place the coconut in a food processor and pulse until it reaches a coarse flour-like consistency. Add the almond flour, agave, and 4 tablespoons of melted coconut oil. Pulse again until all the ingredients are combined. Optional: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
    A hand holds a measuring spoon pouring syrup into a food processor with coconut flakes.
  • The mixture will be sticky. Create 12 to 15 balls and place them on the waxed paper. Press one raw almond into the top of each. Place this pan in the fridge for about 10 minutes to allow the coconut oil to firm up.
  • In the meantime, place the chocolate and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir to coat the chocolate. Heat for about 30 seconds and remove and stir. If necessary, repeat this in 10-second increments until the chocolate is melted. Be careful not to burn it.
  • Remove the coconut balls from the fridge and dip them in the chocolate, returning them back to the pan to dry. You have to work quickly because the coconut balls will soften as they sit. Optional: Sprinkle the wet chocolate with flaky sea salt for a beautiful presentation.
    A hand holds a fork, dipping coconut balls in melted chocolate. There are more coconut balls on a pan, some are dipped others are not.
  • Place the tray in the fridge for about 20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
  • Store coconut balls in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 10 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

(The products above contain sponsored links to products we use and recommend)

Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0.1mg | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 112mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

This post was originally published in 2015 and was updated to include new photos, new text, and an updated recipe in 2020.

11 Responses to Vegan Coconut Balls

  1. Ah, healthy fats–so these are totally healthy right? Good enough for breakfast? 🙂

    • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

      Good idea, June. Healthy fats for breakfast would probably keep you full for quite awhile!

  2. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyChicory App Reply

    5 stars
    I love your blog and recipes. The pictures really assist in making the recipe comes to life.
    Would you be interested in becoming a recipe partner with Chicory?

  3. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlySharon @ What The Fork Food Blog Reply

    These sound so good – coconut and chocolate is my my all-time favorite food combination!

    • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

      I’m right there with ya Sharon!

  4. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyLiz @ The Lemon Bowl Reply

    I am obsessed with coconut + dark chocolate!!! Why haven’t I done this yet??

    • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

      Wha??? I totally see a coconut, dark chocolate treat on your site…coming soon! 🙂

  5. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyAnnalise @ Completely Delicious Reply

    5 stars
    I agree, coconut + chocolate reigns supreme. But I may have to make up a batch of these bites just to be sure. 😉

    • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

      Oh, very good idea Annalise. Research is important. In fact, I recommend repetitive research. You know, just to be sure. 🙂

  6. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMatt @ Plating Pixels Reply

    5 stars
    Yep that is a tantalizing combo. Who knew almond joys could be healthy, filling and vegan?! Btw a close combination competitor would be peanut butter and chocolate. Oh and I just found organic coconut almond butter at a store. Heaven in a jar.

    • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

      Matt, give me a jar of peanut butter and chocolate chips any day of the week and I’m one happy camper!!

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