These Coconut Pecan Chocolates are a nutritious alternative to any store bought box of chocolates. (Meaning you can eat more, right?) They are no-bake, Paleo, Vegan and require just 5 simple ingredients.

My oldest son is all about the holidays. Once Halloween hits, all he can think about is the next special day. Whether that be Christmas, Valentines or Easter.

It's always been my goal to make holidays fun, unique and special. To kids, especially at this age, holidays are magical. And why not treasure that awe and wonder and make the most of it?!

The one thing I don't like about the holidays, is the focus on candy, cookies and other "unhealthy" treats. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for dessert. In fact, dessert is a daily thing in our house. What I don't like are all the processed treats.

Most store-bought candy contains massive amounts of sugar (all added sugar), hydrogenated oils, preservatives, dyes and other unhealthy ingredients.

My solution: make my own Paleo candy!

recipe-using-dates-and-pecans-and-coconut

I don't want to deprive my children. As, part of living is enjoying life and food and indulging from time to time. But, I do care about my family and what they put into their bodies.

If a healthier option exists, then no matter the cost, I will choose that over a generic, not so good for you item. And quite often, those healthier options taste just as great, or even better.

Homemade Chocolates

The perfect solution for maintaining (or bettering) one's health is to do more home cooking and baking. By using real food ingredients to make things such as cookies, chocolates and muffins, you can have your cake and eat it too. Or, so the saying goes.

Homemade chocolates are extremely easy to make. Yes, they take more effort than buying a box from the store. But, one can't deny the health benefits between the two options.

In homemade chocolates, like these Coconut Pecan Chocolates, YOU have the option to alter ingredients to fit your liking and dietary needs. For example, these chocolates can be made from a variety of dark chocolate. Perhaps go with 90% dark chocolate to cut back on the sugar. In addition, select naturally colored sprinkles or don't use them at all.

With homemade treats, there are many flavor and ingredient variations. All within your control!

Ingredients in Coconut Pecan Chocolates

These healthy chocolates require only 5 ingredients:

unsweetened flaked coconut
raw pecans
medjool dates
salt
sprinkles (optional)
dark chocolate

As far as substitutions go, the pecans can be swapped with any nut or seed. The sprinkles are optional, but fun and highly recommended! Plus, you can use various colors depending on your preference or the holiday. Any variety of dark chocolate may be used, but THIS is my favorite Paleo baking chocolate.

How to Make Coconut Pecan Chocolates

These chocolates are super easy to make, but require a food processor.

First, blend the coconut, dates, pecan and salt in a food processor until the mixture is course and sticky in texture. You should be able to shape the mixture into balls using your hands.

Then, add the sprinkles and pulse the mixture a few times.

Next, scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a ball. Set the ball on a baking sheet or plate. Continue rolling the mixture into balls until no more remains. Place the balls in the freezer while you melt the chocolate.

Place the chocolate in a small sauce pan and melt over low heat, stirring frequently. Once fully melted, retrieve the balls from the freezer and dip, one at a time, into the melted chocolate. Place the chocolate dipped balls on a parchment lined baking sheet or cutting board.

Rolling-the-balls-and-dipping-in-chocolate

After all the balls have been dipped, drizzle any remaining chocolate over the top. Then, add a few more sprinkles for decoration.

Store these homemade chocolates in the fridge or freezer.

More Homemade Paleo Chocolates

For more easy, Paleo and Vegan chocolate recipes, check these out:

Enjoy!