Protein-Packed Healthy Coconut Dessert Recipes for Fitness Enthusiasts

Coconut desserts are the peak of tropical goodness. They don’t necessarily have to be unhealthy, you can have the goodness of coconuts while also ensuring that the sweets are packed with protein, are low in sugar, and calories. If you’re a fitness enthusiast who enjoys the taste of coconut, then you have come to the right place. Before we proceed, we also must let you know why coconuts are healthy.

Dietary fiber: Coconuts are great for dietary fiber which can help with digestion, promote regular bowel movements, and help maintain a healthy weight by satisfying you for longer periods.

Essential vitamins and minerals: Coconuts are packed with vitamin C, vitamin E, B vitamins, iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for immune function, energy production, and healthy bones and muscles.

Antioxidant properties: The antioxidants in coconuts can help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.

Source of healthy fats: Coconut meat is rich in good fats that are easy for the human body to digest. When consumed in moderation, coconut’s milk and meat are quite healthy.

Read on to know more about how to use coconut to make protein-packed desserts.

Keto Protein Balls

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 4 tbsp shredded coconut
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice
• 1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk

Instructions:

• Add about 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut to a dry pan and toast until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
• In a bowl, mix together vanilla protein powder, the rest of the shredded coconut, and the sweetener of your choice.
• Then add the coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
• Mix well using a fork or a whisk until you get a smooth batter.
• Pop the bowl in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes to solidify.
• Once done, scoop out the batter and roll them out into balls.
• Roll the batter in the toasted coconut, and place them on a parchment lined baking tray. Refrigerate before eating.

Chocolate Coconut Bars

Ingredients:

• 240 g shredded coconut
• 60 g vanilla protein powder
• 60 g powdered sugar alternative
• 300 g sugar-free condensed milk
• 175 chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Add shredded coconut, vanilla protein powder, and the powdered sugar alternative in a bowl. Mix well.
• Then add the sugar-free condensed milk to this too.
• Transfer into an 8x8 inch silicone mold and freeze for about 10-20 minutes.
• Add the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals or until the chocolate has melted. You can add some coconut oil too to this.
• Extract the coconut filling and cut into bars, then dip into the melted chocolate.
• Place on a silicone tray or a parchment lined baking paper and refrigerate to solidify the chocolate.
• Enjoy these protein-rich chocolate coconut bars whenever you feel like.

Coconut Protein Pudding

Ingredients:

• 400 ml coconut milk
• 86 g vanilla protein powder
• 120 ml maple syrup
• 42 g chia seeds
• 64 g almond butter
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp water
• Coconut flakes for garnish

Instructions:

• Add about 200 ml of coconut milk in a food processor first and blend until smooth.
• Then add the vanilla protein powder, maple syrup, chia seeds, almond butter, salt, and water. Blend again.
• Transfer into serving cups and refrigerate for a couple of hours. The chia seeds will expand and take on a gelatinous consistency.
• Garnish with coconut flakes that you can toast on a dry pan before serving.
• If you want to reduce the fat content in your pudding and want a less rich taste, you can substitute coconut milk with a mixture of tender coconut pulp and tender coconut water.