Raw Coconut Brownie Bites (Paleo, Vegan)

Raw Coconut Brownie Bites

{gluten-free, refined sugar-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegan}

When I started my first Whole30, the first two days were a breeze! I thought, "Wow! I can do this noooooooo problem!" But after a few more days, the SUGAR MONSTER came out and all the fun in my life came to a crushing halt! (I may or may not have had a few meltdowns!) Seriously, I thought I might die.

To be perfectly honest, I nearly quit because of it! Then along came Larabars to the rescue! (What? You are familiar with the now-wonderful when you're off sugar, but not-so-wonderful when you were eating sugar treat?? You get me, right?!)  Just a tip: in case you haven't heard, many of the flavors ARE Whole30 compliant, and they are a lifesaver if you you like them!

So what was this yummyness that was actually sweet AND Whole30 legal???  I had already been familiar with them because I have always tried to eat clean, but I had NO IDEA how good they were until I was completely OFF SUGAR and how much they would help me in my first couple of weeks of Whole30. Many of you have had those wonderful date and nut bars. I've actually heard that some people don't like them all that much, (gasp!) but I'm from the other camp. I think they just might have saved me from quitting my first Whole30! (Thanks, @Larabar!) 

In fact, I still carry a spare in my purse everywhere I go! Haha! But when I'm not away from home, I love to have these Raw Brownie Coconut Bites nearby to grab on the go or when the sugar cravings come.  So today I'm sharing one of my favorite, easy-healthy-yummy recipes: my Coconut Brownie Bites! It's a recipe I created to keep me on track with my health goals of not eating refined sugar.

They are chocolaty, sweet, chewy, and oh so satisfying...Just one or two usually does the trick! The best part: they're made with only 4 wholesome and nutritious ingredients! So they're actually a guilt-free treat that you can feel good about eating and feeding your kids! Woo hoo!

Here's how to make them:

In a food processor, blend 1 1/2 cups raw pecans until coarsely chopped. Add 10 Medjool dates (I've tried other types of dates with less-than-desirable results, but you could always try!)

Blend just until dates are finely chopped. 

Add 3 T. cacao powder. (My favorite is Health Works brand), 1 T. pure maple syrup (I use Highland Sugarworks brand), and a dash of cinnamon (I use Red Ape Cinnamon). 

Remove batter from food processor by teaspoonful and form into small balls. Roll in unsweetened coconut flakes, place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet or a flat glass container and pop in the freezer for about 20 minutes.

Remove from freezer and store in fridge until ready to eat. That's it!

These store well for a couple of weeks in the fridge and longer in the freezer, but mine never last that long! Haha!

Mmmmm!

Raw Coconut Brownie Bites

{gluten-free, refined sugar-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegan}

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups raw pecans

10 Medjool dates

3 T raw cacao powder (or substitute with cocoa powder)

1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup

dash of cinnamon 

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (Save for rolling balls into. DO NOT add to batter.)

Directions:

Put the unsweetened shredded coconut in a small bowl and set aside.

Line a cookie sheet or other flat pan with parchment paper. 

In a food processor, blend the pecans until crumbly. Add dates and mix well. Add the cacao, maple syrup and cinnamon, and give it a blend on high for about a minute or until well blended. It may form a ball at this point. That's good! It means it's nice an thick! (:

Remove from food processor and scoop by teaspoonful into you hands. Roll into a ball, then roll into your bowl of coconut flakes until well coated. 

Place on parchment-lined pan. Put into freezer for 30 minutes. 

Enjoy! 

I store mine in the fridge, (secretly hidden in the back so my kids can't find 'em!), but you could also store them in the freezer if you like them more firm and/or will be taking longer to eat them.

I'd love to hear what you think!

Be well!

Michelle💛