These vegan no-bake chocolate coconut macaroons with dates are a delicious and healthy treat that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. They feature a rich and decadent chocolate and coconut flavor, with the natural sweetness of dates providing the perfect complement.
Vegan No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Macaroons with Dates
Course: DessertCuisine: ContinentalDifficulty: Easy12
servings15
minutes170
kcalIngredients
1 cup pitted dates
2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Directions
- In a food processor, pulse the dates until they form a sticky paste-like consistency.
- Add the shredded coconut, cocoa powder, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the food processor, and pulse until well combined.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the mixture into 12 small balls and place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the macaroons in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
Notes
- If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of water or coconut milk to help it come together.
- Make sure the mixture is well combined before forming the macaroons to ensure they hold their shape.
- For added texture, you can toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the food processor.
How to Store and Freeze
- Store the macroons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, wrap the macaroons tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Complete Nutrition Information
Here is the complete nutrition information for vegan no-bake chocolate coconut macaroons with dates:
Nutrition Facts
12 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories170
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
14g
22%
- Saturated Fat 12g 60%
- Cholesterol 0mg 0%
- Sodium 14mg 1%
- Total Carbohydrate
13g
5%
- Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
- Sugars 9g
- Protein 2g 4%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Alterations and Modifications
Variations
- Vegan Chocolate Orange Macaroons: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the mixture for a citrusy twist.
- Vegan Chocolate Almond Macaroons: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped almonds to the mixture for a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of dates.
- Use any type of vegan oil you prefer, such as olive oil or avocado oil, instead of coconut oil.
- Use unsweetened carob powder instead of cocoa powder for a caffeine-free option.
Adjusting Sweetness
- Increase or decrease the amount of dates in the mixture to adjust the sweetness to your taste preference.
- Use a different type of sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, instead of dates for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Methods
- Microwave Method: Combine the mixture ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is soft and sticky.
- Stovetop Method: Cook the mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is soft and sticky.
Storage
- Freeze leftover macaroons in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Store leftover macaroons in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and bring them to room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of coconut?
A: Yes, you can use any type of shredded unsweetened coconut you like, such as fine or medium shred. Keep in mind that the texture of the macaroons may vary slightly depending on the type of coconut used.
Q: Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?
A: Yes, you can use sweetened coconut, but keep in mind that the macaroons will be sweeter than if using unsweetened coconut.
Q: Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?
A: Yes, you can use any type of unsweetened cocoa powder you like, such as Dutch-process or natural cocoa powder. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly depending on the type of cocoa powder used.
Q: Can I make these macaroons without a food processor?
A: Yes, you can finely chop the dates and mix them with the other ingredients until they form a sticky mixture. However, a food processor will give you the best results.
Q: Can I make these macaroons without oil?
A: Yes, you can omit the oil, but the macaroons may be drier and crumbly.
Q: Can I make these macaroons with fresh coconut instead of shredded coconut?
A: Yes, you can use fresh coconut, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different than using shredded coconut.
Q: Can I make these macaroons using a different type of dried fruit instead of dates?
A: Yes, you can use any type of dried fruit you like, such as raisins or cranberries, as a substitute for the dates. Keep in mind that the sweetness and texture may vary depending on the type of fruit used.
Q: Can I make these macaroons into different shapes?
A: Yes, you can shape the macaroons into different shapes, such as bars or balls, by using different molds or shaping methods.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the macaroons, such as oats or chia seeds?
A: Yes, you can add other ingredients to the macaroons for added texture and flavor. However, the proportions may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Q: Can I use a different type of sweetener in the coating instead of cinnamon-sugar?
A: Yes, you can use any type of sweetener you like, such as powdered sugar or coconut sugar, for a different coating. Keep in mind that the sweetness and texture may vary depending on the type of sweetener used.
Q: Can I make these macaroons into a no-bake chocolate coconut cake?
A: Yes, you can use this recipe to make a no-bake chocolate coconut cake by pressing the mixture into a cake pan and refrigerating it until firm.
Q: Can I make these macaroons without coconut?
A: No, coconut is a key ingredient in this recipe and cannot be omitted. If you are looking for a coconut-free recipe, you may want to try a different type of macaroon recipe.
Q: Can I make these macaroons into a sandwich cookie?
A: Yes, you can make these macaroons into a sandwich cookie by adding a layer of vegan cream or frosting between two macaroons.
Q: Can I make these macaroons into a dessert bar?
A: Yes, you can press the mixture into a square pan and chill it until firm to make a dessert bar. You can also top the bars with a chocolate drizzle or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
