The title says it all, but I will add one more thing...MELT IN YOUR MOUTH DELICIOUS! If you like coconut, go make these and report back to us about how good they are.
I used my dehydrator for this recipe, been using it a lot lately. These can certainly be done in an oven as well. My oven has a dehydrator setting on it so check to see if yours has that option too. If not, set the temperature for as low as possible (mine is 175). I have quite a few recipes coming up that use the dehydrator. It is a favorite among raw foodies because you are simply removing all of the moisture without cooking. It does take a lot longer than the oven, but also allows for more nutrients to be present. I personally prefer the dehydrator over the oven method for the treats that I have been making. I have a very inexpensive one (for now, looking at a different one for the shape of it will make some recipes easier) that can be found at Bed, Bath and Beyond or Amazon. It is the round Nesco that you can purchase additional trays if need be.
This recipe calls for Lucuma Powder, a superfood referred to as Inca Gold. I have had a package of this sitting in my frig for over 6 months so I decided to finally use it! It is not necessary in this recipe, but it does add flavor.
What is Lucuma...a sweet and edible fruit of the Lucuma tree (Pouteria obovata, or Lucuma obovata), resembling a persimmon in appearance.
According to Navita Naturals, (where I order my superfoods from) Lucuma is considered a healthy alternative sweetener as it lends a sweet taste to recipes, but is very low in sugars. With naturally occurring beta-carotene, niacin, and iron, lucuma powder is a welcome antidote to notorious “empty calorie” sweeteners. Lucuma Powder has a distinctively sweet fragrance and full-bodied, maple-like taste. A deliciously versatile dessert ingredient, lucuma blends well to make alluring smoothies, puddings, and ice creams, and can also be used as a flour in exotic pies and pastries.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup vanilla egg white protein (optional, replace with almond flour but this adds great flavor)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean powder (1-2 pods)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla ext
- 1 tbsp Lucuma Powder (optional)
- 3 tbsp virgin coconut oil, softened
- 2 tbsp coconut cream/butter, softened
- 3 tbsp liquid sweetener* (maple syrup, honey or coconut nectar)
Instructions
- Place the coconut, protein powder and vanilla beans into a food processor and blend until coconut reduces in size
- Add in the remaining ingredients and blend until a dough forms
- Using a small cookie scoop, place each dough bite onto dehydrator tray or onto a parchment lined cookie sheet
- Dehydrate at 125 for 2-4 hours
- Bake at 175 for 1-2 hours
- Check the bites regularly to see if desired level of "doughiness" has been met
Quick notes
*I used xylitol honey which is not as sweet as regular honey. I added 2 tbsp of Lakanto (erythritol) as well.
These are best right out of the dehydrator/oven. Don't get me wrong, they are still delicious the next day too...if they last that long. You can throw them into the dehydrator or oven for 5 minutes to reheat before you enjoy them again! Store in an airtight container, I prefer glass.
