I remember as a child my dad would bring home macaroons for the family to enjoy during Passover. Because coconut macaroons are unleavened they were able to be enjoyed during this major Jewish holiday.

My mouth still waters as I think about how flaky, sweet, and coconut-y they were. The supply rarely lasted more than a day in my house. Feeling nostalgic, I wanted to recreate this fond experience.

These vegan chocolate coconut protein bites bring back that memory. However, my version is way healthier because I use protein powder and maple syrup instead of white sugar. Don’t worry, they are still plenty coconut-y to boot.

No need to wait for Passover to enjoy these delectable bites - they’re good all year long. Hopefully they’ll last you a little longer than a day!

ingredients:

Prep time: 10 minutes plus 10 minutes for chocolate dipping 

Cook time: 10 minutes stovetop; 15 minutes oven 

Yields 8-10 bites

• 1 C unsweetened coconut flakes 

• 1 T chocolate protein powder, I use Amazing Grass chocolate peanut butter protein superfood powder

• ⅛ tsp or less salt 

• ⅝ C canned coconut milk 

• 2 T maple syrup 

• ½ tsp vanilla extract 

• ⅓ C vegan dark chocolate chips

instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350*.

2. Combine dry ingredients then wet ingredients in a saucepan. Heat on medium heat, stirring frequently till thick enough to hold together to form mounds; about 10 minutes. 

3. Use a measuring tablespoon as a scoop; form mounds on a cookie sheet about 1-2 inches apart. 

4. Bake for 14-15 minutes or until golden brown. 

5. Cool completely then using a spatula gently loosen mounds if stuck to the cookie sheet. 

6. When the mounds are cool, place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave for 30 second intervals stirring in between each interval three times for a total of 1 ½ minutes; the chocolate chips should be completely melted. Careful! Chocolate can burn so watch closely.

7. Dip bottoms of coconut bites into the melted chocolate and place back onto the cookie sheet; drizzle remaining melted chocolate over the tops of the mounds. 

8. Allow the chocolate to harden. You may place the cookie sheet in the freezer for a few minutes to help speed things up. 

9. Enjoy with your favorite beverage.