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Golden Caramel & Coconut Power Bites

Indulge in these rich, no-bake bites featuring creamy caramel, hearty oats, and a crunchy toasted coconut coating. The perfect grab-and-go treat for a satisfying energy boost.
Course Snack
Cuisine Latin-Inspired
Keyword coconut energy balls, dulce de leche recipes, energy balls recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 224kcal

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Small baking tray
  • Large, rimmed baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat
  • 1-tablespoon measuring spoon or cookie scoop
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  • ​ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut divided
  • cup pitted Medjool dates roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons chia seeds
  • cup creamy almond butter
  • 6 tablespoons dulce de leche
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

  • Toast the Coconut Preheat your oven to 325∘F (165∘C). Spread ⅔ cup of the shredded coconut in a single layer on the small baking tray. Bake for 3–5 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the coconut is fragrant and a light golden-brown hue. Transfer the toasted coconut to a shallow dish and set aside to cool completely. Reserve the remaining ⅓ cup of untoasted coconut.
  • Prepare the Dough Base In the bowl of a food processor, combine the rolled oats, the reserved ⅓ cup of untoasted coconut, almond butter, dulce de leche, chopped dates, chia seeds, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Process to Combine Secure the lid and pulse the mixture 5–7 times to break everything down. Then, process continuously for 60–90 seconds, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the ingredients form a cohesive, sticky dough that holds its shape when pressed together.
  • Chill the Mixture Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. This brief chill will make the dough less sticky and easier to handle.
  • Portion and Shape Line the large baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, portion the chilled dough into 24 even sections. With clean hands, roll each portion firmly between your palms to create a smooth, compact sphere.
  • Coat and Serve Gently roll each ball in the dish of toasted coconut, pressing lightly to ensure the flakes adhere evenly. Place the finished power bites on the prepared baking sheet. Enjoy immediately, or store for later.

Notes

Storage: Keep the power bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months; let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Variations: Feel free to substitute the almond butter with creamy peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. Dried apricots or figs can be used in place of Medjool dates for a different flavor profile.
Pro Tip: If your dough feels too dry to hold together, add another teaspoon of dulce de leche or a tiny splash of water and process again. If it seems too wet or sticky after chilling, mix in an additional tablespoon of rolled oats.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate)

Serving Size: 2 bites
  • Calories: 224
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 1 mg
  • Sodium: 127 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5 g
  • Total Sugars: 12 g
  • Includes Added Sugars: 6 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Vitamin D: 0 mcg
  • Calcium: 90 mg
  • Iron: 1.4 mg
  • Potassium: 224 mg