Chocolate Dipped Caramel Coconut Haystacks (Paleo, Vegan)

These coconut caramel haystacks (aka vegan macaroons) are the perfect chocolate–dipped treat for coconut lovers.

These caramel coconut haystacks (aka vegan macaroons) are dipped in bittersweet chocolate and are made in about 30 minutes!

Do you play favorites when it comes to certain ingredients?  I admit it, I do.  If you’re anything like me your pantry or fridge is never without at least a few favorite staples.

Take for example chocolate or coconut, you’ll never find me without at least one of the two on hand.  Chocolate and I are old friends and meet up at least once a day and coconut is never far behind.

These caramel coconut haystacks (aka vegan macaroons) are dipped in bittersweet chocolate and are made in about 30 minutes!

I think it goes without saying that chocolate and coconut play well together, ask any Mounds lover and they’ll agree.  These little coconut pyramids take that tried and true combination and introduce caramel to the mix.

Little haystacks of shredded coconut are bound together with a quick coconut nectar caramel that’s accented with a hint of vanilla and a pinch of sea salt.  The shreds of coconut are first lightly browned in the oven to bring out their toasty flavor then coated in caramel before being shaped into pyramids.

These caramel coconut haystacks (aka vegan macaroons) are dipped in bittersweet chocolate and are made in about 30 minutes!

What you end up with are firm little mounds of coconut accented with just a touch of caramel-like flavor, that’s similar to a macaroon, but inherently free of gluten, dairy and eggs, which make them great for gatherings where you need to serve a sweet treat that fits with everyone’s dietary needs.

Now of course you don’t have to dip them in chocolate, but if you have a few bars of chocolate lying around I highly recommend that you do.  I love the slight bitterness of dark chocolate against the sweetness of the caramelized coconut haystacks.  I often find myself starting at the bottom, nibbling at the bottom chocolate dipped edges first, then working my way up.

Are you a chocolate and coconut lover?  What are your favorite ingredients?

Chocolate Dipped Caramel Coconut Haystacks

Yields makes 12

These coconut caramel haystacks (aka vegan macaroons) are the perfect chocolate-dipped treat for coconut lovers.

15 minPrep Time

10 minCook Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup/120g shredded coconut
  • ¼ cup/ 60ml coconut nectar
  • 1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon/20g coconut oil
  • 1/8th teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 oz/170g bittersweet chocolate

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Spread coconut evenly on a sheet pan and toast for 3-5 minutes until lightly golden. (Don’t walk away; coconut can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of moments.) Remove from oven and set aside.
  2. In a medium skillet over medium heat stir together the coconut nectar, coconut oil, salt and vanilla until bubbling. Reduce to a simmer and cook stirring constantly until the mixture becomes syrupy and darkens (about 2-3 minutes.)
  3. Turn off heat and stir in the toasted coconut until completely coated.
  4. Using a small cookie dough scoop or spoon, scoop out small balls of the caramelized coconut onto a piece of parchment. Working quickly, use your hands to gently form the balls into pyramids. Set aside to cool.
  5. In the meantime, chop half the chocolate and break the other half into small pieces.
  6. Place the chopped chocolate in a heat-proof glass bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir with a rubber spatula until chocolate is just melted.
  7. Remove bowl from heat and let cool for 2-3 minutes then add reserved un-chopped chocolate pieces and stir slowly but constantly until completely melted, smooth and thickened.
  8. Dip the bottoms of the haystacks into the melted chocolate, coating them well on all sides.
  9. Transfer onto a parchment lined sheet pan. Let sit until the chocolates have set and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Vegan, Paleo

7.8.1.2
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https://gourmandeinthekitchen.com/chocolate-dipped-caramel-coconut-haystacks/

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  7. Chocolate and coconut would also be 2 favorites of mine too. This reminds me of the coconut kisses or macaroons that we often get here. So awesome! It's been a while since I came around here - hope you are well and enjoying motherhood ;)
    Reply

    • Hi Meeta, good to hear from you. Yes all is well and motherhood is wonderful. I only wish time wasn't flying by so fast, she's already so big, I want her to stay my little baby forever!
      Reply

  14. Chocolate and coconut are undeniably meant for each other. These looks like such delectable little treats! I have actually never used coconut nectar before. You inspired me to try it!
    Reply

  16. Went on a trip to the local farmer's market in Maui a couple months back and was offered a chocolate dipped coconut macaroon made with fresh coconut and it was the BEST thing I tasted for the entire trip so I can only imagine how amazing this must taste!!
    Reply