Healthy Strawberry Coconut Almond Joy Bites: Easy No-Bake Summer Dessert

Imagine your favorite Almond Joy candy bar, but transformed into a vibrant, fruity, and refreshingly light summer treat – that’s precisely what these Strawberry Coconut Bites deliver! They are a delightful fusion of fresh flavors, perfect for any occasion. Made with a simple blend of freeze-dried strawberries, creamy shredded coconut, decadent white chocolate, and crunchy almonds, these bites create an unparalleled flavor combination that will tantalize your taste buds. This no-bake recipe is incredibly easy to prepare in just a few minutes, making it an ideal choice for a healthy sweet treat that everyone will love.

My healthy almond joy recipe has long been a fan favorite and a personal go-to for a satisfying sweet craving. The inspiration for these summery bites struck me one day as I pondered how to create a seasonal twist on that beloved classic. Staring at bags of vibrant freeze-dried strawberries in my pantry, my culinary imagination began to swirl. What if I could capture the essence of summer — juicy strawberries, tropical coconut, and a hint of almond — into one irresistible, bite-sized confection? And just like that, these glorious Strawberry Coconut Bites were conceived! They are truly everything you could wish for in a healthy, no-bake dessert.

Each bite offers a harmonious balance of perfectly sweet, delightfully tangy, and wonderfully fruity flavors. They are not just a healthy snack but also an exquisite dessert that appeals to all ages, including picky eaters and energetic toddlers. Beyond their incredible taste and wholesome ingredients, they are also incredibly beautiful, adding a pop of color to any dessert spread. Prepare to fall in love with these vibrant, flavor-packed treats!

Why You’ll Adore This Strawberry Coconut Bites Recipe

There are countless reasons why these Strawberry Coconut Bites will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Beyond their mouth-watering taste, they offer convenience, health benefits, and pure summer bliss:

• Effortless No-Bake Preparation: Forget heating up your kitchen with an oven! These bites require absolutely no baking, making them perfect for hot summer days. The process is simple and fuss-free, meaning less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creations. Plus, minimal cooking translates to minimal clean-up, which is always a win!
• Dietary-Friendly Delights: This recipe is a dream come true for those with dietary restrictions or specific health goals. They are naturally gluten-free, refined sugar-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly, making them accessible to a wide range of eaters. They are also grain-free, focusing on whole, natural ingredients that nourish your body without compromise.
• The Perfect Healthy Snack for Everyone: Looking for a low-sugar, nutritious snack that truly satisfies? These bites fit the bill perfectly. They’re packed with good-for-you ingredients and offer a guilt-free way to indulge your sweet tooth. Even the pickiest kids and toddlers will adore their sweet, fruity flavor, making them an excellent alternative to highly processed treats.
• Bursting with Summery Flavor: Every bite transports you to a tropical paradise. The intense flavor of freeze-dried strawberries combined with the creamy, sweet notes of coconut creates a taste sensation that is unmistakably summery. It’s a delightful escape for your palate, offering a refreshing and vibrant burst of flavor that embodies the essence of the season.

Strawberry Coconut Energy Bite Recipe Video

For a visual guide to making these delicious strawberry coconut energy bites, watch our step-by-step video below. It’s the perfect way to see just how easy and fun this recipe is!

How to Make Strawberry Coconut Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide

You’ll find the full, detailed measurements and complete instructions for this recipe in the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this post. However, here’s a comprehensive overview to get you started on your culinary journey.

Essential Equipment

Making these no-bake treats requires minimal specialized equipment. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure a smooth and successful preparation:

• Food processor: This is essential for finely blending the freeze-dried strawberries and coconut flakes, creating the perfect texture for your bites. It ensures a uniform mixture and saves a lot of time and effort compared to manual chopping.
• Mini silicone cupcake pan or bread loaf pan: A mini silicone cupcake pan is ideal for creating perfectly portioned, bite-sized treats that are easy to release. If you don’t have one, a parchment-lined bread loaf pan works wonderfully for making bars that you can cut later.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple of small mixing bowls for melting chocolate and combining other ingredients.
• Spatula or spoon: For stirring and smoothing the chocolate topping.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor and texture for your Strawberry Coconut Bites. Each component plays a vital role in this delicious recipe:

• Freeze-dried strawberries: These are the star of the show, providing an incredibly intense, concentrated strawberry flavor and a beautiful pink hue without adding excess moisture, which is crucial for no-bake treats. Look for them in the snack aisle or online.
• Unsweetened coconut flakes: Opt for finely shredded, unsweetened coconut flakes to control the overall sweetness of your bites. Coconut provides a delightful tropical flavor and a chewy texture, making it a perfect complement to the strawberries.
• Maple syrup: This natural sweetener helps bind the ingredients together while adding a subtle, rich sweetness. It’s a fantastic alternative to refined sugars.
• Coconut oil: Melted coconut oil acts as a binder, helping the mixture hold its shape when chilled. It also contributes to the rich, tropical flavor profile and healthy fats.
• Pantry staples: Don’t forget a touch of vanilla extract for warmth and depth of flavor, and a small pinch of sea salt to enhance all the sweet notes and balance the taste.
• White chocolate: A layer of creamy white chocolate perfectly complements the strawberry and coconut flavors. For a vegan option, I highly recommend the brand Pascha. If you’re not dairy-free and are looking for a sugar-free alternative, Lily’s white chocolate chips are an excellent choice.
• Almonds: While entirely optional, adding whole raw almonds to the top of each bite truly brings home that classic “Almond Joy” experience, adding a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fruit and coconut.

Simple Steps to Make Strawberry Coconut Almond Joy Bites

Follow these easy instructions to create your delightful no-bake treats:

1. Prepare the Base Mixture: Begin by adding the freeze-dried strawberries and unsweetened coconut flakes to your food processor. Process for about a minute, or until they are finely broken down into small crumbs, ensuring no large lumps remain. This fine texture is key for a cohesive bite.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Next, add the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the food processor with the strawberry-coconut mixture. Process again for another 30-60 seconds until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture starts to come together. The consistency should be pliable – not overly sticky, but also not too dry or crumbly. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more melted coconut oil; if too sticky, a dash more coconut flakes.
3. Form the Bites: Divide the prepared mixture evenly among the crevices of your mini silicone cupcake pan. Press the mixture down very firmly into each mold, ensuring it is well-packed. I typically fill each crevice about two-thirds of the way full, leaving room for the delicious white chocolate topping.
4. Melt the White Chocolate: Place the white chocolate chips (or chopped bar) into a small, microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat it, as white chocolate can seize easily. Alternatively, you can use a double-boiler method for a gentler melt.
5. Top and Garnish: Spoon a small amount of the melted white chocolate over the top of each strawberry coconut bite, ensuring that the entire coconut layer is covered. Use the back of your spoon to gently spread and smooth the chocolate. If desired, carefully place a single raw almond in the center of each chocolate-covered bite for an authentic Almond Joy touch and extra crunch.
6. Chill and Set: Carefully place the entire tray of bites into the freezer. Allow them to freeze for 3-4 hours, or until they are completely firm. This freezing time is crucial for them to set properly and become easy to remove from the pan.
7. Store: Once fully frozen, gently pop the bites out of the silicone pan. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer until ready to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) About Strawberry Coconut Bites

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe:

• How to store leftover bites: To maintain their best texture and freshness, leftover Strawberry Coconut Bites should always be stored in an airtight container in the freezer. While they can hold up in the fridge for a short period, they tend to become a bit too crumbly at refrigerator temperatures. For long-term storage and optimal enjoyment, the freezer is definitely recommended. They will stay fresh for several weeks in the freezer.
• How to make strawberry coconut bites without a mini muffin pan: No mini muffin pan? No problem! You have a couple of excellent alternatives. For larger bites, you can use a regular-sized muffin pan (just be sure not to fill them completely to the top). Alternatively, you can press the entire mixture into a parchment-lined bread loaf pan. In this case, you would pour the melted chocolate over the entire surface, freeze the mixture until solid, and then cut it into bars instead of individual bites. Remember to let the pan sit out at room temperature for about 20 minutes before attempting to cut the bars, as this will prevent the chocolate from cracking.
• Can I use other fruits in this recipe? Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Any freeze-dried fruit should work wonderfully and introduce a new flavor profile. Freeze-dried blueberries, raspberries, or even a mixed berry blend would be incredibly delicious and add different colors to your bites. Experiment with your favorite freeze-dried fruits to find your perfect combination!
• Can I make these nut-free? Yes! If you have a nut allergy or prefer to omit almonds, simply leave them out. The bites are still incredibly delicious without them.
• How long do they last? When stored properly in an airtight container in the freezer, these strawberry coconut bites will last for up to 1-2 months.

More Healthy Snack Recipes to Try

If you loved these Strawberry Coconut Bites, you’ll definitely want to explore these other delicious and healthy snack recipes:

• Almond Joy Bites: The classic inspiration for these strawberry treats!
• Raw Vegan Cinnamon Rolls (Erewhon Copycat): A surprisingly healthy and decadent treat.
• Peanut Butter Cheesecake Stuffed Dates: A simple yet incredibly satisfying snack.
• Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars: Another perfect summery dessert.
• Birthday Cake Frozen Yogurt Bites: Fun, festive, and healthy!
• Homemade Dilly Bars: Recreate this ice cream shop classic at home.
• Carrot Cake Bites/Truffles: A delightful, wholesome take on a favorite cake.

If you give this recipe a try and absolutely love it, please consider leaving a star rating and a review below! It would mean the world to me. Also, don’t forget to tag me in your delicious creations on Instagram @danishealthyeats! Happy snacking! (: