If you are looking for something to make in advance, that you can store in the freezer and bring out when needed, then these chocolate coconut cream cups are just the thing!

They are a cross between a brownie and a cheesecake.  The base is a no-bake chocolate brownie that is gluten free and the topping is thick, creamy and delicious and made with cashews and coconut cream.  They are quick to make and then you freeze them and take them out about 30 minutes before you want to serve. The texture is soft and creamy, and they really are a delicious whole food dessert.

These bad boys are decadent, soft, velvety, moist and crunchy. They are also shockingly delicious and consist of a base layer of creamy cashews and oats and topped with a chocolate frosting for a rich, delectable dessert or healthy treat.

Made with simple, clean ingredients they are perfect as gift-giving treats or when you are craving candy bars only these are way better! You can also customize them easily with your own creative twists!

As a long term fitness professional who is immersed in the health and wellness field, it’s fun to keep tabs on the latest trends. Traditionally, many trends over the last decade or more have (unfortunately) revolved around elimination diets in which certain foods or food groups are restricted or eliminated entirely.

Think grains, dairy, carbs, fats, meat and so on. In their place came foods marketed as low-calorie, low-fat, low-this, low-that were usually interpreted by novice consumers to mean “healthy”, right?

However, we are now finally starting to see a paradigm shift. People are beginning to change their mindset around food and paying closer attention to not only the nutrition label, but also the ingredients. Consumers are becoming more interested in ADDING more nutritious ingredients to their diet, as opposed to eliminating foods or entire food groups.

What perhaps is even more exciting is that fat is no longer demonized. Items like coconut oil, avocado oil, and nut flours are being used more widely for their nutritional benefits with less emphasis on their caloric value.

These cashew coconut bars are the perfect treat if you love coconut like I do.  I’m obsessed with coconuts, they are my favorite ingredient in desserts and healthy snacks.

The world is going coconuts. Following the popularity of coconut water, a broad spectrum of foods derived from the humble coconut is available. It now comes in a variety of forms from water to milk, cream, butter, oil, flour and shredded allowing for a variety of creative ways to add coconut to a healthy diet.

Coconut contains a unique type of medium chain saturated fat called lauric acid that research shows raises HDL or “good” cholesterol levels, which lowers overall heart disease risk.

As a plant food, coconuts also contain disease-fighting phytochemicals or antioxidants. Research suggests that coconut products helps boost metabolism which is helpful if excess body fat needs to be lost. Just one scoop of coconut oil delivers a wide-range of healing properties.

Produced in its most natural state, coconut oil will benefit you, your children and your pets. I put some into my dogs dinner regularly.

Whether you have chronic fatigue, weight problems, digestive or skin issues, or just want to give your body a good cleanse and boost your energy, coconut in any of its forms is so good for you.

People trying to reduce their sugar intake often complain about the lack of sweets in their quest to get healthier. That’s because a low-carb way of eating is very focused on eliminating harmful sugar from your diet. But there are options for that lingering sweet tooth in your life.

Hence these healthy cashew coconut bars are packed with healthy fats and antioxidants. Eating more healthy fats is a great way to help satisfying your sweet cravings without the sugar.

Not only is this candy replacement insanely delicious and easy to prepare, it also comes with some surprising health benefits. From vitamins and minerals to plenty of healthy fats that support hormone health and neurotransmitter production, these scrummy bars are the perfect addition to any healthy eating plan.

One small square makes me happy in an instant. It’s soft and chewy and you are going to love this superfood candy. This recipe is a simple and delicious way to incorporate the amazing health benefits of coconut into your lifestyle as they are literally bursting with nutrition and good stuff you can feel good about eating.

In these bars, you have crumbly, fudgy, crunchy, velvety, moist, and you end up with this pile of creamy coconut tastiness. Now that’s something you can’t miss out on!

Chocolate Coconut Cream Protein Cups

If you are looking for an indulgent dessert, which has only 6 ingredients, that can be prepared in advance then try these chocolate coconut cream cups. Half brownie, half cheesecake, it's a combination you didn't know you needed! Great as dessert but equally as good for an anytime snack.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword chocolate coconut cream protein cups, chocolate coconut protein bites, chocolate cream protein cups, clean eating dessert or snack, coconut chocolate protein snack bites

Servings 8

Ingredients

Base Crust

• 1 cup almonds or walnuts
• 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Cashew Cream Filling

• 1 cup cashews, soaked 3+ hours and drained
• 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, fullfat (solid part only) *see note below
• 2-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• Handful chopped nuts

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.

  In a 12-hole muffin pan line 8 muffin wells with paper liners or use a silicon muffin pan.

  Place almonds into a food processer and process until broken down and crumbly. Add dates, coconut and cocoa powder and continue to process until mixture is sticky and well combined.

  Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your base crust.

  Press down equal amounts into the 8 cupcake paper liners or silicone muffin tray and refrigerate.

Cashew Cream Filling

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

  Place all filling ingredients, cashews, coconut cream, honey, coconut oil, cocoa powder and vanilla into the food processor and process until smooth and creamy.

  Depending on the power of your blender this might take a few minutes. Stop blending to scrape the sides and continue to blend until very smooth. Taste test add more honey, cocoa powder or vanilla if you think it needs it.

  Scoop 1-2 tablespoons of the filling over the chilled crusts and spread evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon, then place back in the refrigerator while you melt the chocolate topping.  

Chocolate Topping

• Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 15 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, use a spoon to drizzle each cup with the chocolate and some chopped nuts.

  Notes: You can eat them frozen but if you prefer a softer texture take out the freezer at least 30 mins before needed. If you want them very soft take out for at least an hour.

  They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

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