Looking for a snack that tastes like a tropical vacation and still fits your real-life busy schedule? You’ll absolutely adore these Coconut Cashew Pineapple Bites! Each sweet, chewy bite is loaded with bright pineapple flavor, creamy cashews, and a little sparkle of coconut—so easy, you might just find yourself whipping up a batch every week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweet & Satisfying: The blend of pineapple, dates, and coconut delivers a crave-worthy, naturally sweet flavor—zero added sugar required!
- No-Bake Simplicity: With just a food processor and a handful of pantry staples, these bites come together in under 20 minutes (plus a little chill time, if you can wait!).
- Energizing, Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with protein and healthy fats from cashews, they make the perfect on-the-go snack, afternoon pick-me-up, or pre-workout treat.
- Tropical Escape, Anytime: Each bite bursts with tropical sunshine—even in the middle of winter, Coconut Cashew Pineapple Bites can transport you to a sandy beach.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Coconut Cashew Pineapple Bites is in their short and sweet ingredient list—just four simple components, each playing a starring role. Every ingredient brings something fabulous to the party, creating those irresistible bursts of flavor and texture in every bite.
- Raw Cashews: These creamy nuts form the base, giving structure and a buttery richness you can’t get from anything else.
- Dates (or figs): Naturally sweet and super sticky, dates act as both sweetener and the glue that holds the bites together; feel free to swap with figs for a slightly lighter, floral note.
- Pineapple Tidbits (liquid drained): Little bursts of juicy pineapple make these bites taste like pure sunshine—just be sure to drain them well to avoid a runny dough.
- Shredded Coconut: Rolled on the outside for an extra layer of coconutty flavor and an irresistible snowy-white finish.
Variations
One of the best things about Coconut Cashew Pineapple Bites is how easy they are to adapt to your own tastes or what you have on hand. With just a few tweaks, you can create a whole new snack sensation—don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute the cashews with sunflower butter, perfect for those with nut allergies (just add extra dried fruit to balance the texture).
- Try Different Dried Fruit: Swap out the dates for figs, raisins, apricots, or even a mix for a unique flavor twist in every batch.
- Go Extra Tropical: Mix in a little chopped dried mango or a squeeze of lime zest for an even brighter, fruitier vibe.
- Crunchy Upgrade: Stir in a handful of toasted coconut flakes or pumpkin seeds for more texture and crunch.
How to Make Coconut Cashew Pineapple Bites
Step 1: Drain and Prep Your Pineapple
Start by draining your pineapple tidbits well—you want all those tropical flavors, but without too much extra liquid. Use a colander and gently press with a spoon if needed to make sure the fruit is as dry as possible; this simple step helps your bites hold together beautifully.
Step 2: Blitz Everything in the Food Processor
Add your cashews, pitted dates (or figs), and well-drained pineapple straight into a food processor. Blend until smooth and sticky; if it looks too runny, just throw in a few more cashews until you get a thick, scoopable dough.
Step 3: Chill the Dough (Optional, but Helpful!)
If the mixture feels a little too soft or tacky to handle, pop the whole bowl in the fridge for 20 minutes. This firms things up so rolling the bites is way easier and less messy on your hands.
Step 4: Roll & Coat with Coconut
Scoop out the dough and roll into 12 bite-sized balls, keeping your fingers slightly damp to prevent sticking. Roll each one over a plate of shredded coconut, making sure the outside is fully covered for that gorgeous, fluffy finish.
Step 5: Chill and Enjoy!
Transfer your freshly rolled Coconut Cashew Pineapple Bites to the fridge and let them set for at least 2 hours. This helps them hold their shape and become deliciously chewy—worth the wait, I promise!
Pro Tips for Making Coconut Cashew Pineapple Bites
- Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: Any extra juice will make your dough runny—press those tidbits dry for perfectly rollable bites.
- Damp Hands, Less Mess: Lightly wet your hands before rolling so the sticky dough doesn’t cling to your fingers (bonus: it helps the coconut coating stick too!).
- Pulse, Don’t Purée: For the best texture, pulse the mixture in the food processor until everything sticks together but there are still tiny cashew bits for crunch.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These bites keep fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge or can be frozen for months—perfect for snack prep!
How to Serve Coconut Cashew Pineapple Bites
Garnishes
Give your Coconut Cashew Pineapple Bites a little extra flair by sprinkling them with extra shredded coconut, toasted coconut flakes, or even a pinch of lime zest for color and zing. You can also dust with freeze-dried pineapple powder if you want a bright, fancy finish!
Side Dishes
Pair your bites with a dish of tropical fruit salad, a cool smoothie, or a cup of coconut yogurt—the flavors all play so well together! They also make a dreamy little dessert alongside a hot cup of ginger tea or iced coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, tuck each bite into a mini cupcake liner or pile them up on a platter heaped with extra coconut and fresh pineapple slices. Layer several onto a skewer for a fun snack stick, or arrange in a jar and tie with a ribbon for an adorable edible gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After they’ve set, Coconut Cashew Pineapple Bites are happiest stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to two weeks, so you can always have a tropical treat nearby!
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, these bites freeze like a dream. Just pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container, separate layers with parchment, and freeze for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before snacking.
Reheating
There’s no need for reheating—just let bites come to room temperature or enjoy them cold from the fridge or freezer! If they’ve picked up any extra moisture, a few minutes uncovered in the fridge will firm them right up.
FAQs
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Are Coconut Cashew Pineapple Bites gluten-free and vegan?
Absolutely! All the ingredients—cashews, dates, pineapple, and coconut—are naturally gluten-free and vegan, making these bites a perfect fit for a wide range of diets with zero substitutions needed.
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Can I use dried pineapple instead of tidbits?
Yes, you can use dried pineapple, but you may want to soak it in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften it before blending. It adds a deeper, more concentrated pineapple flavor while keeping the texture extra chewy.
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What if I don’t have a food processor?
If you have a high-powered blender, it will work as well—just make sure to pulse and scrape down the sides often. A regular blender can be used, but work in smaller batches and expect a chunkier texture.
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Can I make Coconut Cashew Pineapple Bites nut-free?
Definitely! Replace cashews with sunflower butter and blend in extra dried fruit to achieve the proper texture. Just remember that sunflower butter is looser than ground nuts, so adjust accordingly until the dough sticks together nicely.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, these Coconut Cashew Pineapple Bites are pure sunshine wrapped into an adorable, poppable snack. Whether you need an on-the-go energy boost or a healthy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Give them a try and let yourself be whisked away to the tropics—no plane ticket required!
Print
Coconut Cashew Pineapple Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Blending, Rolling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Coconut Cashew Pineapple Bites are a delightful and healthy snack option that combines the nuttiness of cashews with the sweetness of dates and pineapple, all rolled in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Ingredients
Cashew Pineapple Mixture:
- 2 cups raw cashews
- 1/2 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup drained pineapple tidbits
Coconut Coating:
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prepare Cashew Pineapple Mixture: Drain the liquid from the pineapple tidbits. In a food processor, blend cashews, dates, and pineapple until smooth. Add more cashews if needed to adjust consistency. Chill the mixture for 20 minutes.
- Coat with Coconut: Spread shredded coconut on a plate. Roll the mixture into 12 bites, then coat them with coconut by rolling them over the flakes. Keep hands damp to prevent sticking.
- Set and Store: Refrigerate the bites for 2 hours before serving. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Consider using sunflower butter as a nut-free alternative.
- Experiment with substituting dates for figs, raisins, or other dried fruits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 169 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 12mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
