Bright and flavorful Lemon Coconut No-Bake Bites packed with fiber and protein for a filling snack. Made with coconut flour and naturally sweetened!
These were the best-tasting accident I've ever laid mouth on.
When I make a recipe for the blog that uses a lemon, it means I have to buy an entire bag of lemons considering I'll need about three for the photo shoot alone.
Same thing goes for any recipe that uses fruit. It's all about the colorful peaches and cherries and bloobs in the background striking a pose.
So naturally I had a crisper drawer full of lemons (among a million other fruits) leftover from an upcoming lemonade post that I had absolutely no idea what to do with. Since I like having snackities around that satisfy my sweet tooth without being packed with added sugar, I decided to get my lemon no-bake bite experiment on.
Stocking up on this Vega Vanilla Protein + Greens when Whole Foods had a crazy protein powder sale didn't hurt the need for no-bake bites, either.
And then came the coconut flour. Ohhhhh the trendy heavenosity that is coconut flour. I grabbed a bag a couple weeks ago at the nation's capital of food trends, Trader Joe's.
I swear, the second a food goes viral you can count on Trader Joe's making their own version. Hemp seeds. Kale chips. Chia seeds. Riced cauliflower. Cashew meal. Quinoa pasta. The list goes on and on!
If coconut flour intimidates you, don't let it. Since it's literally just super ground up coconut, using it in recipes in place of traditional flour adds boatloads of fiber (and a bit of plant-powered protein, too) without all the carbohydrates of traditional wheat flour.
It's also lower in fat than nut flour like almond meal. Did I mention it costs about three dollars?
Mmmmhmmmm.
Wondering the nutrition stats for these bad boys? Well it depends what protein powder you use (this one and this one are my faves), but each bite has around 80 calories, 1 gram of fat, 4 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of protein. STELLAR, if I do say so myself.
Now that you're all hot and bothered about coconut flour, you'll find yourself wanting to use it in muffins and cookies and two-minute raspberry mug-cakes galore.
But be weary!! This stuff soaks up liquid like a sponge, so you'll need to use more eggs and liquid than you're used to. It's most definitely not a cup for cup substitute for traditional flour.
These bites actually taste like lemon cake. Like, I swear.
Don't believe me? My roommate tried one and screamed "HOLY SHINTO" and then said "mmmmm" so many times in a row that I thought something was wrong with her. She then proceeded to tell me that she can't make them because she'd eat the whole batch in one sitting.
I guess you'll just have to go make them and get back to me.
Print
Lemon Coconut No-Bake Bites
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
- Category: Muffins, Bites, and Bars
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Bright and flavorful Lemon Coconut No-Bake Bites packed with fiber and protein for a filling and tasty snack. Made with coconut flour and naturally sweetened!
Ingredients
- 8 soft Medjool dates, pitted
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup coconut flour*
- 1 scoop (30g) vanilla plant protein powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2-4 tbsp almond milk, if needed
Instructions
- Place dates, applesauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla in a large food processor. Process until dates look nearly pureed and mixture is very-well combined.
- Add coconut flour, protein powder, and salt. Process until mixture forms a smooth ball of "dough." (If mixture looks too dry, add almond milk. If it looks too wet, add coconut flour).
- Roll into 12-16 balls. If desired, roll balls in shredded coconut. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
*This recipe was specifically formulated with coconut flour and will not work with another flour. Try these Matcha Energy Bites for a version using other flours!
Randi says
What is the serving? 1, 2?
Randi says
What is the serving? 1, 2?
Corinne says
I bought the ingredients for these based on the comments. I'm not sure what the comments are based on because they tasted too much like protein powder. Very disappointing.
Alexis says
I'm so sorry that happened to you! Made with the right balance, they truly are lemony deliciousness.
Corinne says
I bought the ingredients for these based on the comments. I'm not sure what the comments are based on because they tasted too much like protein powder. Very disappointing.
Alexis says
I'm so sorry that happened to you! Made with the right balance, they truly are lemony deliciousness.
Pat says
Is it safe to eat coconut flour, in cooked. I have heard some flours can be toxic if eat raw, except for tigar nut flour?
Pat says
Is it safe to eat coconut flour, in cooked. I have heard some flours can be toxic if eat raw, except for tigar nut flour?
Janis says
Can you substitute anything for the protein powder? I don't care for it.
Thx
Alexis says
You could leave it out and maybe decrease the liquid by a tablespoon or two...shouldn't make much of a difference!
Janis says
Can you substitute anything for the protein powder? I don't care for it.
Thx
Alexis says
You could leave it out and maybe decrease the liquid by a tablespoon or two...shouldn't make much of a difference!
Bri says
What would you suggest as a substitute for dates?
Alexis says
Hmmm dates are what help it stick together so they're pretty essential. You could try a sticky sweetener like brown rice syrup, honey, or maple syrup, but you'll need something to thicken it...maybe almond meal or oats?
Bri says
What would you suggest as a substitute for dates?
Alexis says
Hmmm dates are what help it stick together so they're pretty essential. You could try a sticky sweetener like brown rice syrup, honey, or maple syrup, but you'll need something to thicken it...maybe almond meal or oats?
Teresa says
minor grammar issue - weary is tired and wary is cautious. . war·y - feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problem. I think these yummy muffins are designed for energy, so we don't need to be weary, just WARY of dryness ... lol!
"Now that you’re all hot and bothered about coconut flour, you’ll find yourself wanting to use it in muffins and cookies and two-minute raspberry mug-cakes galore. But be weary!! This stuff soaks up liquid like a sponge,..."
★★★★★
Teresa says
minor grammar issue - weary is tired and wary is cautious. . war·y - feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problem. I think these yummy muffins are designed for energy, so we don't need to be weary, just WARY of dryness ... lol!
"Now that you’re all hot and bothered about coconut flour, you’ll find yourself wanting to use it in muffins and cookies and two-minute raspberry mug-cakes galore. But be weary!! This stuff soaks up liquid like a sponge,..."
★★★★★
Jacy says
Hello,
Saw this on Pinterest and although I'm not a vegan, I'm always looking for healthy recipes and these look so yummy!
What I'm afraidabout though, is that I'll eat them all in one shot and I'll have to workout for three hours afterwards! lol
All jokes aside, how many of those bites would it take to be considered one portion?
Thank you 🙂
Jacy says
Hello,
Saw this on Pinterest and although I'm not a vegan, I'm always looking for healthy recipes and these look so yummy!
What I'm afraidabout though, is that I'll eat them all in one shot and I'll have to workout for three hours afterwards! lol
All jokes aside, how many of those bites would it take to be considered one portion?
Thank you 🙂
Mia Brøndum says
love, love, love these! such a fresh and definitely summer appropriate treat 🙂 little tip - i put mine in the freezer, and they tasted just like a lemon ice cream bite of some sort! very delish
Mia Brøndum says
love, love, love these! such a fresh and definitely summer appropriate treat 🙂 little tip - i put mine in the freezer, and they tasted just like a lemon ice cream bite of some sort! very delish
Jessica says
Did you use dried or fresh dates? I hope dried since that's what I have! I'm sure they'll be delicious like your other recipes I've tried. My friends love it when I make the mini flourless raspberry chocolate muffins.
Jessica says
Did you use dried or fresh dates? I hope dried since that's what I have! I'm sure they'll be delicious like your other recipes I've tried. My friends love it when I make the mini flourless raspberry chocolate muffins.
Sara says
Um. Just made these. DEAD.
I know this is a pretty bold statement, BUT.. These may just be the best no bake bites I've come across. The texture is seriously like cookie dough! I'm making my second batch tonight and bringing them this weekend to visit my mom!
Alexis says
Yesss!! They are honestly my favorite, too. I can't believe how cakey they are! So glad you liked them 🙂
Sara says
Um. Just made these. DEAD.
I know this is a pretty bold statement, BUT.. These may just be the best no bake bites I've come across. The texture is seriously like cookie dough! I'm making my second batch tonight and bringing them this weekend to visit my mom!
Alexis says
Yesss!! They are honestly my favorite, too. I can't believe how cakey they are! So glad you liked them 🙂
jenna says
I don't have a food processor, do you think making this in a high powered blender would work?
jenna says
I don't have a food processor, do you think making this in a high powered blender would work?
Robyn says
OMG making these this week...winner winner winner and so fresh for summa!
Alexis says
You need them in your life like NO other, girl.
Robyn says
OMG making these this week...winner winner winner and so fresh for summa!
Alexis says
You need them in your life like NO other, girl.
Kelly @ Eat the Gains says
I just tried that Vega protein powder this morning in my smoothie! Since it was just a packet, I guess i will have to get more to make these. I love the sourness from lemons.
Alexis says
Yay! I've really been liking it, especially since it has 20g of protein per scoop. That's a lot for plant-based protein!
Kelly @ Eat the Gains says
I just tried that Vega protein powder this morning in my smoothie! Since it was just a packet, I guess i will have to get more to make these. I love the sourness from lemons.
Alexis says
Yay! I've really been liking it, especially since it has 20g of protein per scoop. That's a lot for plant-based protein!
Ramona says
can i please have these RIGHT NOW? <3
Alexis says
Come and get 'em!!
Ramona says
can i please have these RIGHT NOW? <3
Alexis says
Come and get 'em!!
Nikki Roholt says
I'm risking eating them all in one sitting and making them anyway! #YOLO
Alexis says
Weeeee!! So glad there's more in the fridge now for when I run out of my own stash...MUHAHAH!
Nikki Roholt says
I'm risking eating them all in one sitting and making them anyway! #YOLO
Alexis says
Weeeee!! So glad there's more in the fridge now for when I run out of my own stash...MUHAHAH!
athletic avocado says
I would def love to try these for a pre workout snack! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Alexis says
They'd be awesome pre or post-workout! Enjoy 🙂
athletic avocado says
I would def love to try these for a pre workout snack! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Alexis says
They'd be awesome pre or post-workout! Enjoy 🙂
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
Ha! I know exactly what you mean about having to buy produce for the background. I kinda sorta hate that part but at least, in your case, you were able to turn them into little amazeballs! The lemon coconut combo sounds so good! And coconut flour and I are not very good friends but I'm hoping one day soon we can make up and be besties. 😉
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
Ha! I know exactly what you mean about having to buy produce for the background. I kinda sorta hate that part but at least, in your case, you were able to turn them into little amazeballs! The lemon coconut combo sounds so good! And coconut flour and I are not very good friends but I'm hoping one day soon we can make up and be besties. 😉
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I have been LOVING lemon desserts and Larabars lately, so I bet these are super duper fantastic!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I have been LOVING lemon desserts and Larabars lately, so I bet these are super duper fantastic!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I never really know what you use my coconut flour for! These are perfectly yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I never really know what you use my coconut flour for! These are perfectly yum!
Julia says
Holy shinto, I want to lay mouth on the whole batch. Seriously a brilliant accident, indeed. Hope you had a wonderful 4th, dear!
Julia says
Holy shinto, I want to lay mouth on the whole batch. Seriously a brilliant accident, indeed. Hope you had a wonderful 4th, dear!
Erika says
hey girl, these sound delicious! I've made a lot of your recipes over the past year since I found your blog, and they've never disappointed. My only question for you is, I don't like to buy protein powder as I find it to be too expensive. Is there a good substitute I could use in order to make those balls without changing their awesome-ness ?
Alexis says
Hey, Erika! Hmmm good question! I haven't tried anything else, but I'm thinking maybe you could sub oat flour or almond meal? The protein powder is sweetened with stevia so I would add maybe a tablespoon or two of coconut sugar (or 10ish drops liquid stevia) to help sweeten it. Hope that works!
Erika says
hey girl, these sound delicious! I've made a lot of your recipes over the past year since I found your blog, and they've never disappointed. My only question for you is, I don't like to buy protein powder as I find it to be too expensive. Is there a good substitute I could use in order to make those balls without changing their awesome-ness ?
Alexis says
Hey, Erika! Hmmm good question! I haven't tried anything else, but I'm thinking maybe you could sub oat flour or almond meal? The protein powder is sweetened with stevia so I would add maybe a tablespoon or two of coconut sugar (or 10ish drops liquid stevia) to help sweeten it. Hope that works!
Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together says
Just pinned these guys... I've never made lemon-y energy bites. So true about TJ's going on whatever is trending.. but I really want to buy some of their riced cauliflower. How long until they have pre-spiralized veggies?
Alexis says
OMG you should totally suggest those!! How amazing would that be? It's only a matter of time...
Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together says
Just pinned these guys... I've never made lemon-y energy bites. So true about TJ's going on whatever is trending.. but I really want to buy some of their riced cauliflower. How long until they have pre-spiralized veggies?
Alexis says
OMG you should totally suggest those!! How amazing would that be? It's only a matter of time...
Kelsey says
Omg yummy! These sound and look amazing. I don’t have any coconut flour, would you be able to swap the coconut flour with almond flour or oats? Thank you for all your healthy and delicious recipes!
Alexis Joseph says
Thank you! Nope--these are specifically formulated with coconut flour and won't turn out the same with a swap since it's crazy absorbent. I'd recommend trying this no bake recipe instead!
She Rocks Fitness says
TJ's has the best price for coconut flour. It is kind of ridiculous...And yeah my TJ's was sold out of rice cauliflower and they weren't going to be restocked with it until the end of July...CRAZINESS! Cannot wait to give these a try...Thanks for sharing! xoxo
She Rocks Fitness says
TJ's has the best price for coconut flour. It is kind of ridiculous...And yeah my TJ's was sold out of rice cauliflower and they weren't going to be restocked with it until the end of July...CRAZINESS! Cannot wait to give these a try...Thanks for sharing! xoxo
Laney says
Definitely adding these bad boys to the rotation soon! Does the coconut flour give it a strong coconut flavor?
Alexis says
They honestly don't taste coconutty at all 🙂
Laney says
Definitely adding these bad boys to the rotation soon! Does the coconut flour give it a strong coconut flavor?
Alexis says
They honestly don't taste coconutty at all 🙂
Liz S. says
These bites are definitely the epitome of serendipity.
★★★★★
Alexis says
You neeeeeeed!!!
Liz S. says
These bites are definitely the epitome of serendipity.
★★★★★
Alexis says
You neeeeeeed!!!