If you’re craving a sweet, tropical escape that’s quick to whip up and kind to your diet, these Vegan Coconut Treats are your new best friend. These no-bake, bite-sized goodies burst with coconut flavor and come together in minutes, making them perfect for summer potlucks, cozy movie nights, or just a little self-indulgence. I stumbled across a version of these at a friend’s vegan brunch last year, and I’ve been hooked ever since—tweaking the recipe to make it my own. They’re so simple yet feel like a special treat, and they always spark smiles around the table.

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Coconut Treats
- Tropical Flavor Explosion: The rich, nutty coconut paired with a hint of maple sweetness is pure sunshine in every bite.
- No-Bake Ease: No oven, no fuss—just mix, shape, and chill for a dessert that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
- Diet-Friendly: Vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, these treats suit a wide range of eaters.
- Versatile Vibes: Serve them as dessert bites, snack bars, or even crumble them over smoothie bowls.
- Make-Ahead Magic: They store beautifully in the fridge or freezer, so you can always have a sweet fix on hand.
- Customizable Fun: Add nuts, dried fruit, or a chocolate drizzle to make them your own.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These treats vanish fast at parties, and no one misses the dairy or eggs!
Ingredients for These Vegan Coconut Treats
You’ll need just a handful of pantry staples to bring these treats to life:
- Shredded coconut: Unsweetened, finely shredded for that perfect texture. Toasted coconut works for extra depth.
- Coconut oil: Helps bind the treats and adds a creamy richness. Use refined if you prefer less coconut flavor.
- Maple syrup: For natural sweetness with a subtle caramel note. Agave nectar is a great substitute.
- Almond butter: Adds a nutty, smooth base. Swap with peanut or cashew butter if you like.
- Vanilla extract: A splash for warmth and flavor balance.
- Optional add-ins: Chopped almonds, dried cranberries, or vegan chocolate chips for extra flair.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
Prep Tip: If your coconut oil is solid, melt it gently in the microwave or on the stove. For a budget-friendly option, skip the add-ins and let the coconut shine solo.
How to Make Vegan Coconut Treats – Step-by-Step
These Vegan Coconut Treats are so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them forever. Here’s the simple process:
- Toast the Coconut (Optional): For extra flavor, spread 2 cups of shredded coconut on a baking sheet and toast at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden. Let it cool completely. Skip this if you’re keeping it raw.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine ¼ cup melted coconut oil, ¼ cup maple syrup, ¼ cup almond butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and glossy. The mixture should smell like a tropical dream.
- Add the Coconut: Stir in 2 cups of shredded coconut (toasted or untoasted) until everything is well-coated. If using add-ins like ¼ cup chopped almonds or dried fruit, fold them in now.
- Shape the Treats: Line a baking sheet or small dish with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls, or press the mixture into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch dish for bars. A cookie scoop makes balls super easy!
- Chill to Set: Pop the baking sheet or dish into the fridge for 15–20 minutes, or until the treats are firm. If you’re impatient, 10 minutes in the freezer works, too.
- Optional Chocolate Drizzle: For a fancy touch, melt ½ cup vegan chocolate chips with 1 tsp coconut oil. Drizzle over the chilled treats, then pop them back in the fridge for 5 minutes to set the chocolate.
- Serve and Savor: Arrange the treats on a platter or store in an airtight container. Serve chilled or at room temp for a softer bite. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or as a party snack!
Texture Cue: The treats should be firm but melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a slight chew from the coconut. If they’re too soft, add a bit more shredded coconut next time.
Helpful Tips for Vegan Coconut Treats
- Make Ahead: These keep in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for a month. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Storage Smarts: Store in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness. If freezing, thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with fresh fruit for a light dessert platter, or crumble over vegan ice cream for a fun twist. They’re also great as a grab-and-go snack.
- Flavor Boosters: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a teaspoon of lemon zest for a fresh twist. For chocoholics, dip half of each treat in melted vegan chocolate.
- Nut-Free Option: Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter to make these allergen-friendly.
FAQs About Vegan Coconut Treats
Can I make Vegan Coconut Treats without coconut oil?
You can, but the treats won’t hold together as well. Try extra almond butter or a mashed banana for binding, though the texture will be softer and less firm.
How do I store Vegan Coconut Treats?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for up to a month. Let frozen treats sit at room temp for 10 minutes before eating.
Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?
Yes, but reduce the maple syrup by half to avoid overly sweet treats. Taste the mixture before shaping to adjust sweetness.
What’s the best way to serve Vegan Coconut Treats?
Serve them chilled for a refreshing bite or at room temp for a softer, chewier texture. They’re great on a dessert tray with vegan brownies or fruit skewers.
Can I add protein powder to these treats?
Sure! Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of vegan protein powder (vanilla or unflavored) with the wet ingredients. You may need a splash more maple syrup to balance the texture.
I make these Vegan Coconut Treats every time I need a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert that doesn’t skimp on flavor. They’re my secret weapon for potlucks, and I love how they spark that “wait, these are vegan?” reaction. My final tip? Double the batch because they disappear fast, and you’ll want extras to snack on later. Give them a whirl and drop a comment to let me know how they turned out—or share your favorite add-ins. Happy treating!

Vegan Coconut Treats – Easy No-Bake Bliss
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted
- ¼ cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine shredded coconut, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.
- Form Treats: Scoop small spoonfuls of the mixture and shape them into bite-sized balls or press into bars.
- Chill: Place the treats on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
- For added texture, mix in 1–2 tablespoons of chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips.
- You can drizzle the set treats with melted dark chocolate for an extra indulgent version.
- If the mixture doesn’t hold together well, pulse it briefly in a food processor for a finer texture.