There’s something about mini things that makes us feel good. Our brains love cute things rewarding us with dopamine, a chemical that makes us feel intensely happy. Mini animals, mini cars, and most importantly, mini foods. Not only are miniature eats perfectly bite-sized, but they make eating fun. And who can resist a dessert or snack when it comes in such a cute little package?

Sweet and delicious date-nut-coconut mixture covered in chocolate. Satisfy your sweet craving with this healthier sweet treat. Nutritious, made with cashews and coconut which are rich in fiber, heart-healthy fats, and plant protein. Made with simple healthy ingredients you can find in your supermarket or health food store. NO BAKING required, not even the crust, that’s easier right?

Cashews, coconut and dates are a combination made in heaven. These protein cups make a delicious, healthy snack. The 12 individual cashew coconut cups freeze up beautifully. This way you can take out 1 or 2 at a time to enjoy instead of having to eat the whole cake within a few days.

Creamy, light, sweet. Perfect for dessert, potlucks, parties, or just for snacking.  These mini cashew, coconut protein cups are made in muffin pans and can be eaten in two to three bites which makes them perfect for hand held desserts and awesome for portion control.

The struggle is real – I have a serious sweet tooth but I try to avoid overly processed sugar, that’s why dates are one of my go-to sweeteners. I’m trying hard to minimize the amount of sugar I consume and the saviour here to satisfy my own sweet cravings – is dates.  Natures natural sweetener and I do love the sweetness they add to almost any recipe.

Dates are amazingly sweet and filled with nutrients. They provide 2.5g of protein, 77.5g of carbohydrates, 7.5g of fiber, 50mg calcium, and 600mg of potassium, which is three times the amount of potassium in bananas.

They really are a super fruit! They are a great source of nutrients and vitamins such as vitamins B6 and K, calcium and iron, which contribute to various health benefits. They also provide a natural energy boost and are low on the glycemic index so your blood sugar won’t spike when eating them.

I love to use dates as a base in most of my snack balls, no-bake bars, or if I need a natural sweetener in a cookie or frosting. They are little morsels of natural sugar and a great alternative to refined sugars. You don’t need many dates to make something sweet!

They are just one of those snack cabinet staples I can’t live without. In my quest to find healthier snacks, I have started buying more dates, to use as a natural sweetener in a cookie or frosting. They are little morsels of natural sugar and a great alternative to refined sugars.

The dried fruit has a caramel-like sweetness that can also help reduce cravings for sugary snacks. I’m always on the hunt though for creative ways to dress up my dates, and I just knew these bars would be delicious! If you haven’t cooked with dates yet, you have so many delicious uses just waiting to be discovered!

Why you will love these chocolate, cashew, coconut protein cups:

This recipe is definitely one of my favorite no-bake recipes. They taste so good right out of the freezer and are perfect for a barbeque or party and won’t take you tons of time to put together.

As well as being really easy to make, these cups are healthier than your average treat as they are made with wholesome REAL food ingredients. With the added protein powder it makes them more balanced than the traditional high carb recipe. Old fashioned baked recipes always had tons of sugar, carbs and fats. The new modern way it to add protein making the recipe more balanced and healthy.

A well-balanced diet with proper ratios of macro nutrients (protein, healthy carbs and fats) provides all of the: energy you need to keep active throughout the day, nutrients you need for growth and repair, helping you to stay strong and healthy and help to prevent diet-related illness.

When you find your optimal balance and amounts of macro nutrients, you take a major step toward reaching your health goals and this balance has been improved in this recipe by the addition of healthy protein.

Your body can only absorb around 25-30 grams of protein at one time and you  likely need 80-100 plus grams a day so its important to spread it over all meals and snacks throughout the day so you can meet your required amount.

So, if you are craving something delish, these small but mighty bites of heaven will definitely hit the spot. Luxurious, creamy, bursting with flavor and using good-for-you ingredients.

Chocolate Coconut Cashew Protein Cups

This recipe has three delicious layers of yumminess – a nutty, oaty, chocolate-y crust, a middle creamy cashew, coconut layer topped with a chocolate layer. Can be whipped up quickly and tastes rich and decadent (but is actually loaded with protein and healthy fats). And it’s a no-bake dessert or healthy snack! Sounds like a win-win and it is!

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword cashew coconut protein bites, chocolate coconut cashew protein bites, chocolate coconut cashew protein cups no bake, clean eating dessert or snack, no bake chocolate coconut cashew protein cups

Servings 12

Ingredients

Base Crust

• 1 cup almonds or walnuts
• 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

Cashew Coconut Layer

• 1 cup cashews, soaked 3+ hours and drained
• 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

Chocolate Topping

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

• Note: Place the can of coconut cream or milk in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.

  Line a 12-count cupcake pan with paper cupcake liners. Or use a silicon muffin pan for easy removal.

Base Crust

• Combine all crust ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until a sticky crust mixture forms. Press the crust into the bottom of each cupcake liner.

Cashew Coconut Layer

• Open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, drink, or discard.

  Combine hardened coconut cream, cashews, coconut and honey in a food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Add a spoon of the cashew mixture over each crust. Simple divide the mixture up between the muffin cups. Melt the chocolate topping next.

Chocolate Topping

• Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 20 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.

  Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.

  Once melted pour over the cashew coconut layer and spread out with a spatula or back of a spoon.

  Place in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes to set the chocolate.

  Store in fridge for up to1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.

Print Recipe

If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites