Healthy Dark Chocolate Almond Joy Bites

This chocolate recipe, Healthy Dark Chocolate Almond Joy Bites, leans on pitted Medjool or other soft dates, unsalted and shredded coconut. It makes 24 Bites and takes about 20 minutes.

• Yield 24 Bites
• Ready in 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 ounces pitted Medjool or other soft dates (about 1 cup or 10-12 dates)
• 1 cup unsalted, whole almonds (roasted is fine)
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened
• 1/2 cup natural, unsweetened or Dutch-process cocoa powder (I use half of each)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin coconut oil (no need to melt)
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients together in a food processor and process until the ingredients are finely chopped and the mixture is crumbly (the exact amount of mixing depends on how coarse or fine you want the mixture). The mixture should hold together when a small amount is pressed or rolled. If it's too crumbly, add a tablespoon of water (or melted coconut oil) and process again until it comes together more easily.
2. Roll the mixture into tablespoon-size balls (I use a #60 cookie scoop for easy portions). Enjoy immediately or store covered in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Let the center settle before you cut it, or the slices will slump.