Those big heart-shaped boxes of chocolates have NOTHING on these Coco-Nut Cups!

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… Or on the Cups’ twin sister, Coco-Nut Truffles.

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While you may think that chocolate cups must be filled with peanut butter, I beg to differ!  These chocolates are packed with a combination of nuts, coconut flakes, chia seeds, and 100% maple syrup made in Canada by the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers.

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The recipe uses a combination of pure maple syrup and chia seeds to create a deliciously smooshy and gooey center.

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Holy yum.

 

So – here are two ways to make the Coco-Nut chocolates.  One is in truffle form with an almond center, and the other option is in cup form with a pecan filling.  You could swap flavors or even try making these recipes with a different type of chocolate. I used dark chocolate, but milk or white chocolate would be awesome, too!

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Pecan Coco-Nut Cups (makes approx 25 cups)

 

Ingredients:

 

  1. 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  2. 3 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup
  3. 2/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  4. 2/3 cup chopped pecans
  5. 12 ounce bag of dark chocolate chips

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Directions:

 

  1. Spread 20 mini cupcake foils out on a big plate.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the chia seeds and maple syrup. Let stand for several minutes.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine the coconut and pecans until very finely chopped and a sticky dough begins to form.  Be careful not to overprocess – you’re not trying to make pecan butter!
  4. Pour chia mix into nut mix and blend.
  5. Using a 1/2 tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop out mixture.  Roll into small balls and then slightly flatten.  Set aside.  Repeat the process with the rest of the dough.
  6. Using a double boiler (or creating one with two pans), melt the chocolate.
  7. To make the Coco-Nut cups, add a small drizzle of the chocolate into the bottom of the cupcake foil. Add a flattened circle of the nut mix. Spoon more chocolate on top.  Repeat until all the cups are made.
  8. Optional: sprinkle with sea salt.
  9. Pop in the fridge for an hour to set the chocolate. Keep in an air-tight container in the fridge.

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Almond Coco-Nut Truffles (makes 15 cups)

 

Ingredients:

 

  1. 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  2. 3 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup
  3. 2/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  4. 2/3 cup silvered and blanched almonds
  5. 12 ounce bag of dark chocolate chips

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Directions:

 

  1. In a small bowl, combine the chia seeds and maple syrup. Let stand for several minutes.
  2. In a blender or food processor, combine the coconut and almonds until very finely chopped and a sticky dough begins to form.  Be careful not to overprocess – you’re not trying to make almond butter!
  3. Pour chia mix into nut mix and blend.
  4. Using a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop out mixture.  Roll into small balls and set aside.  Repeat the process with the rest of the dough.
  5. Using a double boiler (or creating one with two pans), melt the chocolate.
  6. To make the Coco-Nut Truffles, use a spoon to roll each ball in the chocolate mixture. Set aside on a greased plate and then repeat with rest of the balls.
  7. Optional: sprinkle with sea salt.
  8. Pop in the fridge for an hour to set the chocolate. Keep in an air-tight container in the fridge.

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Now – the BIG question.  Which was my favorite?  I was partial to the Truffles because I liked the higher ratio of nut mix to chocolate.  DadHTP and the Husband preferred the Coco-Nut Cups.  Henry liked it all, from the batter to the cups to the truffles, because he’s an equal chocolate opportunist.

 

What recipes are you making for Valentine’s Day?

 

This post was sponsored by the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers.  I love the FIT Maple website and I’ve been drinking the Maple Cranberry Sports Drink during all of my long runs!  Yum.

{ 19 comments }

 

  • Sara @ LovingOnTheRun February 12, 2014, 8:23 am

    I still have to figure out what to make for Valentine’s day! The past two days have been so busy I haven’t had a chance to figure it out yet. Thanks for this awesome idea!

  • Dana February 12, 2014, 8:23 am

    Oooh I am all about healthier sweet treats 🙂 I will definitely have to try these.

  • Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs February 12, 2014, 8:45 am

    Holy yum, indeed! Both of these look fantastic! 🙂

  • Katie @ Talk Less, Say More February 12, 2014, 9:05 am

    Mmmm….chocolate, coconut, deliciousness, I’m with Henry – equal chocolate opportunist! 😉

  • Elizabeth @ Positive Change February 12, 2014, 9:32 am

    We have dinner figured out but I am still stuck on dessert! This seems like a great idea though! Can’t wait to try it out!

  • Pam February 12, 2014, 9:33 am

    Yum looks delicious! I <3 maple syrup. Im from Eastern Canada and loved going to maple shacks for a tour and treat when I was a kid. Now I live in Alberta and there are no maple trees here.

  • Aishah @ Coffee, Love, Health February 12, 2014, 10:02 am

    Those looks so good! I’m just like Henry, I’m an equal chocolate opportunist too 🙂

  • Amanda February 12, 2014, 10:13 am

    I think I will make the nut cups! Those look delicious. For Valentine’s Day I plan to make beet pancakes for dinner, cut into hearts with my cookie cutter.

  • Alex @ Kenzie Life February 12, 2014, 10:19 am

    I love the new website design, Caitlin! These Coco-Nut cups look awesome! I love chocolate and coconut!

  • Rebecca February 12, 2014, 11:23 am

    Not a huge fan of coconut… But those sound kinda good anyway.

    We’re not doing anything for Valentine’s day. I asked my mom last night just to see and she and Dad almost never do much anyway, but since it’s tax season she’s busy and might be working quite late. I bought them cards and chocolate though, so I’ll give that to them. I might find a movie to watch or something since I don’t have to work.

  • Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork February 12, 2014, 12:36 pm

    These recipes are perfect for V-Day! We had planned to cook a nice dinner and dessert and these will fit the bill perfectly because not only do they sound delicious, but I actually have everything at home already! That never happens!

    Thanks for sharing! (And, as a second generation French Canadian with family in Quebec that still makes maple syrup, two thumbs up!)

  • Abi@AbsofSteel February 12, 2014, 1:14 pm

    wow, they look so good! I would have never thought to put chia seeds in there.

  • Janelle February 12, 2014, 3:19 pm

    The coco-nut cups look yummy! I was thinking of making chocolate covered strawberries, but maybe I’ll make a few of these as well.

  • Megan @ The Skinny-Life February 12, 2014, 4:09 pm

    I’m partial to the truffles simply because I’m not a huge pecan person. However, I would try to nut cups with a substitute nut like walnuts. Anything with chocolate I’m always up for!

  • Aerevyn February 12, 2014, 4:59 pm

    Love the chocolates.

    I’ve never eaten a chia seed. What do they add to the recipe?

  • Alissa @ Eat Clean Beauty Queen February 12, 2014, 8:49 pm

    Your “Runner Problems” list just made me laugh out loud. So many of those are totally identifiable. Especially the crummy weather. There are several of us in my boot camp training for a half marathon and everyone has been griping about having to run on the treadmill because the sidewalks have been covered for weeks.

  • Kathy February 12, 2014, 10:31 pm

    These look amazing and love the addition of the chia seeds. Here’s a tip that might shorten the process…I make peanut butter cups at Christmas time in the same basic way and I don’t find I have to layer the chocolate in the bottom of the paper or foil cup. I just press the filling in and pour the chocolate over top…it seems to seep in and around really well and create that chocolate cup. I’m definitely trying these for Valentine’s day!
    And that picture of your Mom opening wide for virtual treats from Henry is adorable!

  • Dominique February 13, 2014, 12:37 am

    Thank you so much for a peanut butter-free recipe. I’ve always wanted to make cups and truffles like these but not being a huge fan of PB makes it kind of difficult. I love coconut and pecans so I’m going to try that version out first.

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