These Paleo Coconut Cream Eggs are one of my favorite homemade candy-style treats—creamy, coconut-filled centers coated in smooth chocolate. They’re rich, satisfying, and made completely from wholesome, dairy-free, and vegan ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s a healthier spin on the classic coconut-filled chocolate egg, but with no refined sugar, no dairy, and no preservatives. The filling is perfectly creamy with the natural sweetness of maple syrup, and the chocolate coating makes each bite feel indulgent. They’re ideal for Easter, holidays, or anytime I crave a clean treat that still tastes like candy.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
Coconut Filling
- ¾ cups coconut butter (made from about 4 cups coconut flakes – see note for recipe)
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 ½ cups paleo or vegan chocolate chips (I love the Enjoy Life brand)
- 2–3 tablespoons coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Make the filling: In a food processor, blend the coconut butter, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until the mixture comes together. It should be thick and sticky enough to mold. If it’s too dry, I add a teaspoon of melted coconut oil at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
- Shape the eggs: Scoop out about 1–2 tablespoons of the coconut mixture and roll it between my hands to form an oval egg shape. Place the shaped eggs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Once all the eggs are shaped, place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 20–30 minutes to allow the filling to firm up.
- Prepare the chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips with 2–3 tablespoons of coconut oil, stirring until smooth and glossy. Stir in the ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Dip the eggs: Remove the coconut eggs from the freezer. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each egg into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s evenly coated. Gently tap off any excess chocolate and place it back on the parchment paper.
- Once all the eggs are coated, place the tray in the refrigerator or freezer again until the chocolate is fully set (about 15–20 minutes).
- If desired, I drizzle extra chocolate on top or sprinkle with shredded coconut for decoration before the chocolate hardens.
- Store the finished eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 10–12 coconut cream eggs, depending on size.
Prep time: ~20 minutes
Chill time: ~45 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- I sometimes add a pinch of sea salt to the coconut filling for a sweet-salty contrast.
- For an almond-joy style version, I press a whole almond into the center of each egg before dipping it in chocolate.
- I can use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or semi-sweet vegan chocolate for a lighter taste.
- If I want a fruitier twist, I mix in a little orange zest or a drop of peppermint extract for a refreshing flavor.
- For a layered effect, I dip the eggs twice in chocolate for a thicker coating.
Storage/Reheating
- I store the eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months; I thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
- There’s no reheating required—these are best served cold or slightly chilled.
- If the chocolate softens at room temperature, I pop them back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
FAQs
1. How do I make coconut butter from flakes?
To make homemade coconut butter, I blend about 4 cups of unsweetened coconut flakes in a high-speed blender or food processor for 10–15 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape the sides. It will transform from flakes into a smooth, spreadable butter.
2. Can I use store-bought coconut butter?
Yes, I often do. Just make sure it’s pure coconut butter (also known as coconut manna) with no added sugar or oil.
3. What type of chocolate should I use?
I prefer paleo or vegan chocolate chips, such as Enjoy Life, Hu, or Lily’s dark chocolate. They melt well and stay within the dietary guidelines.
4. Can I use another sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Yes, I can substitute raw honey or agave syrup. Maple syrup gives a subtle caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with coconut, though.
5. My coconut mixture is too dry—what should I do?
If the mixture feels crumbly, I add melted coconut oil or a teaspoon of warm water at a time until it binds together smoothly.
6. Can I make these nut-free?
Definitely. This recipe contains no nuts unless cross-contaminated from the chocolate brand. Just double-check the packaging if allergies are a concern.
7. What’s the best way to coat the eggs without making a mess?
I use a fork or chocolate-dipping tool to lower each egg into the melted chocolate and tap off excess before placing it back on the tray. Lining with parchment makes cleanup easier.
8. Can I skip the freezing step?
Freezing helps the eggs hold their shape when dipped in warm chocolate. If I skip it, the filling might fall apart or melt into the coating.
9. How can I make them look more professional?
I like to drizzle extra chocolate over the top once set or sprinkle with shredded coconut, sea salt flakes, or edible gold dust for a pretty finish.
10. Are these really paleo and vegan?
Yes! All ingredients—coconut, maple syrup, dark vegan chocolate, and coconut oil—are compliant with paleo and vegan guidelines, free of dairy, grains, and refined sugars.
Conclusion
I find these Paleo Coconut Cream Eggs to be the perfect treat when I want something decadent yet clean. The creamy coconut center pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate shell, and the process is simple enough for any skill level. Whether I make them for a special occasion or to keep in the fridge for a guilt-free indulgence, these little eggs always satisfy my sweet tooth in the healthiest way possible.
Print
Paleo Coconut Cream Eggs (Vegan, Dairy-Free)
Creamy coconut-filled chocolate eggs made from wholesome, dairy-free, and vegan ingredients. These Paleo Coconut Cream Eggs are a healthier twist on a classic candy—naturally sweetened with maple syrup and coated in rich, smooth chocolate.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 10–12 eggs
Ingredients
¾ cup coconut butter (made from about 4 cups coconut flakes)
1 ½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 ½ cups paleo or vegan chocolate chips
2–3 tablespoons coconut oil
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for chocolate coating)
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine coconut butter, shredded coconut, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Blend until thick and sticky. Add melted coconut oil if too dry.
- Scoop 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape into oval eggs. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Freeze for 20–30 minutes until firm.
- Melt chocolate chips with 2–3 tablespoons coconut oil using a microwave or double boiler, stirring until smooth. Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Dip each chilled coconut egg into the melted chocolate, coating evenly. Tap off excess and return to the tray.
- Refrigerate or freeze for 15–20 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.
- Optional: Drizzle extra chocolate or sprinkle with shredded coconut before the coating hardens.
- Store the eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
Add a pinch of sea salt to the filling for a sweet-salty balance.
Press a whole almond into the center for an almond-joy style version.
Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or semi-sweet for a lighter one.
Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
For a decorative touch, drizzle chocolate or top with coconut flakes or edible gold dust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Healthy Paleo Treats
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
