Vegan Bounty Bites
Tropical coconut and turmeric-infused chocolate. Homemade in 30 minutes. Vegan. Gluten-free. Dipped in Elements Sea Salt with Turmeric bar.
Bounty bars, but better and homemade
Store-bought Bounty bars are fine. But these homemade Bounty Bites are better. You control the texture (chewy center, crispy shell). You control the chocolate (Elements Sea Salt with Turmeric instead of waxy commercial chocolate). You control what goes inside and on top.
The magic is in the combination. Creamy coconut. Earthy turmeric. Sea salt. Dark chocolate. These bites taste elegant enough to serve at a dinner party but are simple enough that anyone can make them. No baking. No special equipment. Just your hands and a bowl.
Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/3 cup vegan coconut condensed milk (or oat condensed milk)
1/4 tsp sea salt (brings out the coconut flavor)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
1 bar Elements Sea Salt with Turmeric chocolate (to melt and dip)
2 tbsp shredded coconut (for garnish)
Pinch of sea salt or turmeric (optional garnish)
Turmeric variation: Add 1/8 tsp ground turmeric to coconut mixture
Almond variation: Add 1/4 tsp almond extract to coconut mixture, garnish with chopped almonds
Lavender variation: Add 2-3 drops food-grade lavender essential oil, garnish with lavender flowers
Lemon variation: Add 1/2 tsp lemon zest to coconut mixture
Step by step
The science of texture and flavor
Vegan condensed milk (coconut or oat-based) is the binder that holds the coconut together. It's sweeter and creamier than regular milk, giving the bites their signature chewy center.
Shredded coconut is both the texture and the flavor. Unsweetened is key — you control the sweetness through the condensed milk and chocolate coating.
Sea salt in the filling enhances the coconut flavor. It seems counterintuitive, but salt makes sweet things taste sweeter and more nuanced.
Elements Sea Salt with Turmeric bar is not a regular chocolate. The sea salt adds complexity. The turmeric adds an earthy warmth that makes you want another bite. This bar was made for dipping — its flavor isn't overpowering, it enhances rather than dominates.
The double chill is crucial. First chill: firms up the filling so it survives dipping. Second chill: sets the chocolate into a crispy shell that contrasts with the chewy center. This texture contrast is everything.
Six flavor variations to customize
- Turmeric + sea salt: Add 1/8 tsp ground turmeric to the coconut mixture. After dipping in chocolate, immediately garnish with shredded coconut, a pinch of sea salt, or Himalayan pink salt. The turmeric adds earthy warmth while salt enhances the chocolate.
- Lavender elegance: Add 2-3 drops food-grade lavender essential oil to the filling. After dipping, decorate with delicate dried lavender flowers or fresh mint leaves. Creates a floral, sophisticated bite perfect for elegant gatherings.
- Almond richness: Add 1/4 tsp almond extract to the filling. After dipping in chocolate, immediately roll in chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for crunchy texture and nutty indulgence.
- Matcha + dark chocolate: Infuse 1 tsp matcha powder into the coconut mixture for a boost of antioxidants and subtle bitterness. After dipping, sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings for decadent contrast.
- Lemon burst: Add 1/2 tsp lemon zest and 2 drops food-grade lemon essential oil to the filling. After coating in chocolate, drizzle with Elements Truffles Coco Fuel Lemon chocolate (if available) for an extra burst of citrus and creamy richness.
- Vanilla + coconut (classic): Add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract to the filling. Garnish with extra shredded coconut for simplicity and elegance. Perfect if you want the chocolate and coconut to be the stars.
Tips for perfect bounty bites
- Don't skip the first chill. Warm coconut bites will fall apart in the melted chocolate. Firm them up first.
- Vegan condensed milk matters. Regular condensed milk is dairy. Get coconut or oat condensed milk from the Asian foods section or health food store.
- Pack the filling tightly when rolling. Loose bites will crumble when dipped.
- Don't let the chocolate get too hot. It should be warm enough to melt easily but cool enough not to melt the filling. Test on a small bite first.
- Garnish immediately after dipping. The chocolate needs to still be slightly wet so garnishes stick. Once it sets, garnishes won't adhere.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge, not at room temperature. They'll soften in heat.
- These freeze beautifully. Layer between parchment in a freezer container for up to 1 month. Eat frozen or thaw for 5 minutes before serving.
Ideas for presentation and pairing
- On a decorative platter: Arrange your beautifully garnished Bounty Bites on a decorative platter or wooden serving tray. They're visually stunning lined up and ready to impress.
- With fresh fruit: Pair with a selection of fresh fruit — strawberries, raspberries, sliced kiwi, or mango. The bright fruit adds color and freshness to your dessert spread.
- With hot beverages: Serve alongside fragrant herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee. The warm drinks complement the rich chocolate beautifully.
- As gifts: Pack in small boxes with parchment between layers. Homemade treats make memorable gifts for family and friends.
- For entertaining: These are sophisticated enough for dinner parties, elegant enough for afternoon tea, and fun enough for casual gatherings. Watch them disappear immediately.
Nutrition per bite (approximately 1/20th of recipe)
Calories: 80-90. Healthy fats from coconut and dark chocolate. Natural sugars from condensed coconut milk (roughly 6-8g). Fiber from coconut (1g per bite). Antioxidants from cacao and turmeric. Completely vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free.
Why Elements Sea Salt with Turmeric bar is perfect for dipping
Elements Sea Salt with Turmeric is a 70% dark chocolate infused with sea salt and turmeric. The sea salt brings out chocolate notes. The turmeric adds warmth and earthiness. When you melt it and dip coconut into it, the flavors don't compete — they complement.
Most store-bought chocolate for dipping is designed for stability, not flavor. This bar is the opposite. It's designed to be eaten and tasted. When melted, it's smooth and coats beautifully. The flavor carries through the finished bite.
Available on ElementsTruffles.com. This recipe works beautifully with it, but you could also try other Elements bars (Sea Salt Dark Chocolate, Lavender if making the lavender variation). The bars are made with ethically-sourced cacao and real ingredients — you taste the difference.