Hey there, dessert lovers! If you’re like me, the kitchen is your happy place, a spot where you can escape and whip up something delightful for yourself and your loved ones. Today, we’re diving into a delicious recipe for Neapolitan Coconut Bites! These little treats bring together the vibrant flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, all combined with the sweet, tropical essence of coconut. They are simple to make yet feel fancy enough to impress anyone. So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s create something that will make your sweet tooth do a little dance!
Why You’ll Love This Neapolitan Coconut Bites
Why should you make these Neapolitan Coconut Bites? Well, let me tell you! Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they also embody summer in every bite. The coconut gives them a delightful chewiness, while the layered flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla ensure there’s a taste for everyone.
Furthermore, these bites are versatile and can cater to various dietary needs. They are gluten-free and can easily be made vegan. Plus, they’re no-bake! Who doesn’t love a quick and easy dessert that doesn’t require cranking up the oven?
And let’s not forget the beautiful presentation! A colorful platter of Neapolitan Coconut Bites can elevate any gathering, bringing a cheerful and festive atmosphere to your table. If you’re looking to create a dessert that not only tastes amazing but looks stunning, look no further.
How to Make Neapolitan Coconut Bites
Ready to get your hands dirty? Here’s how you can create these delightful Neapolitan Coconut Bites in just a few easy steps.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- Prepare the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, almond flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and form a sticky dough.
- Divide and Layer: Divide the mixture into three equal parts. In one part, mix in the cocoa powder to create a chocolate layer. In the second part, fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a fruity flavor. Leave the third part as is for a vanilla layer.
- Shape the Bites: Line a tray with parchment paper. Using your hands, shape each layer into small, bite-sized squares or rounds. Start with the chocolate layer on the bottom, followed by the vanilla layer, and top it off with the strawberry layer.
- Chill: Place the tray in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the bites to firm up.
- Serve and Enjoy: After chilling, your Neapolitan Coconut Bites are ready to be served. You can drizzle them with a bit more melted chocolate if desired, but even on their own, they are irresistibly delicious!
Best Ways to Serve Neapolitan Coconut Bites
Serving these Neapolitan Coconut Bites is as delightful as making them! They can be presented in various ways:
- On a Platter: Arrange the bites on a colorful platter for a festive look.
- With Fresh Fruit: Pair them with some fresh strawberries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast.
- On a Dessert Table: Perfect for parties or gatherings, they can add color and a hint of elegance to your dessert spread.
Feel free to drizzle some chocolate sauce or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream alongside the bites for an extra touch of sweetness!
Storage Tips for Neapolitan Coconut Bites
To keep your Neapolitan Coconut Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for up to a week. If you’d like to store them for longer, you can freeze them! Just layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the fridge, and they’ll be just as delicious as the day you made them.
Expert Tips for Perfect Neapolitan Coconut Bites
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your coconut and freeze-dried strawberries are fresh for the best flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the maple syrup according to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the amount slightly.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Consider adding a touch of almond extract for an additional flavor layer, or sprinkle some crushed nuts on top for added crunch.
Delicious Variations of Neapolitan Coconut Bites
While the traditional Neapolitan flavor combination is divine, don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are some variations to try:
- Minty Fresh: Add some peppermint extract to the vanilla layer for a mint chocolate twist.
- Nut Lover’s Delight: Incorporate crushed walnuts or pecans into the mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Tropical Flair: Swap out the strawberry for crushed pineapple for a refreshing tropical version.
FAQs
Can I make these Neapolitan Coconut Bites vegan?
Absolutely! Using maple syrup and coconut oil makes this recipe vegan-friendly.
Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?
Yes, sweetened coconut can be used, but keep in mind it may make the bites sweeter than intended. Adjust the maple syrup accordingly.
How long do these bites last in the fridge?
These treats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
And there you have it! A straightforward yet delicious recipe for Neapolitan Coconut Bites that is sure to brighten your day and satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you’re making them for a party or just for yourself, these bites are bound to make you feel good inside and out. Happy baking!
Print
Neapolitan Coconut Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Description
A delightful no-bake dessert featuring layered flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla with a tropical coconut essence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, almond flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and form a sticky dough.
- Divide the mixture into three equal parts. In one part, mix in the cocoa powder to create a chocolate layer. In the second part, fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a fruity flavor. Leave the third part as is for a vanilla layer.
- Line a tray with parchment paper. Using your hands, shape each layer into small, bite-sized squares or rounds, starting with the chocolate layer, followed by the vanilla layer, and topping it off with the strawberry layer.
- Place the tray in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the bites to firm up.
- After chilling, your Neapolitan Coconut Bites are ready to be served.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Can be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg