For an easy gluten-free treat that is vegan and refined sugar-free, look no further than this easy coconut macaroons recipe made with only 3 ingredients. Banana, coconut and chocolate - no egg whites, no added sugar, no sweetened condensed milk!
Gather ‘round, all you lovers of sweet chocolaty coconut treats! Because these chocolate-drizzled coconut macaroons are OFF THE CHARTS good and waiting for no one. Oh, and on a side note, these are also gluten-free, refined sugar-free, paleo and yes, also vegan if using vegan chocolate!
I don't know about you but I am definitely in the mood for springtime desserts! Have you seen the Carrot Cake Granola I posted the other day? If I told you I made myself a big old breakfast parfait with layers of Greek yogurt, aforementioned granola, and leftover crumbled coconut macaroons, would you think I am crazy? Because I tell you, it was the best thing I have eaten all week.
Healthy Banana Coconut Macaroons - 3 ingredients only!
These coconut treats are made without egg whites and have not seen a drop of sweetened condensed milk! All the moisture and sweetness comes from ripe bananas.
Banana acts as a binder and egg replacer in this recipe and I find that 2 bananas hold these coconut cookies together just perfectly. As we use them to sweeten these macaroons, you want to look for bananas with some brown spots on the skin. Pick an unripe banana, and the cookies will be starchy instead of sweet, chewy and moist.
The dark chocolate coating/drizzle for these coconut macaroons is optional but highly recommended. If you’re looking to make this a vegan and sugar-free snack, look for vegan chocolate chips or make your own coconut oil chocolate (recipe below).
If it's the traditional macaroons look, you're after, you can simply dip just the bottom into melted chocolate. I do prefer the chocolate drizzle on top.
How to make Coconut Macaroons:
Prep: Preheat your oven to 350F/175C degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 1 - Place your bananas in a large bowl and mash finely with a fork.
Step 2 & 3 - Add shredded coconut and continue mashing and stirring until fully incorporated.
Step 4 & 5- Form little mounds using a medium cookie scoop (about 1 ½ tablespoons) or your hand, making sure you compact them as much as you can (so that they don't fall apart when they're cooked), and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6 - Bake for 25 minutes or until the top and bottom are a beautiful golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Step 7 - Place chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl. Make sure you have equal-sized chunks.
Step 8 - Melt in the microwave, by 30 seconds increments. Stir well in between each increment, until perfectly smooth.
Step 9 - Using a spoon, drizzle the macaroons with chocolate. The chocolate will set as it cools (you can speed up the process by placing the sheet in the fridge if it’s not hot anymore). Enjoy!
How long do homemade coconut macaroons last?
These healthy macaroons will keep for up to three days at room temperature. Yep, a lot shorter than the traditional sugar-laden ones because of the bananas. You could also refrigerate them in an airtight container. This should make them last a day or two more.
Can coconut macaroon cookies be frozen?
Yes, these can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or for a couple of hours at room temperature before serving.
Can these be made sugar-free?
To make these macaroons 100% sugar-free, use coconut oil chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
Here's the recipe: In a small pot, add equal parts of coconut oil and cocoa powder (and a little bit of honey - optional). Heat on very low heat and whisk until fully combined and nicely smooth and shiny. Remove from the heat and cool down slightly.
Tips for making this recipe:
- Make sure you buy shredded/desiccated coconut that is unsweetened. The sweetness of the bananas is enough and the chocolate takes care of the rest.
- Use ripe bananas for this recipe - we fully rely on their natural sweetness as we add no sugar to the batter.
- Wanna make chocolate banana macaroons? Stir some cacao powder into the base. And what's stopping you from adding a pinch of cinnamon, a grating of nutmeg, or some freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries?
- To make these macaroons 100% sugar-free, use coconut oil chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
Easy Coconut Banana Macaroons - 3 ingredients only
For an easy gluten-free treat that is vegan and refined sugar-free look no further than this easy coconut macaroons recipe made with only 3 ingredients? Banana, coconut and chocolate - no added sugar, no condensed milk!
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 1 ⅕ cups shredded coconut unsweetened
- ½ cup dark chocolate chopped (you can also use chocolate chips)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350F/175C degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Place bananas in a large bowl and mash finely with a fork.
-
Add shredded coconut and continue mashing and stirring until fully incorporated.
-
Form little mounds using a medium cookie scoop (about 1 ½ tablespoons) or your hand, making sure you compact them as much as you can (so that they don't fall apart when they're cooked), and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Bake for 25 minutes or until the top and bottom are a beautiful golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
-
Place chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl. Melt in the microwave, by 30 seconds increments, stirring well in between each increment, until perfectly smooth. Using a spoon, drizzle the macaroons with chocolate. The chocolate will set as it cools (you can speed up the process by placing the sheet in the fridge, if it’s not hot anymore). Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Make sure you buy shredded/desiccated coconut that is unsweetened. The sweetness of the bananas is enough and the chocolate takes care of the rest.
- Use ripe bananas for this recipe - we fully rely on their natural sweetness as we add no sugar to the batter.
- Wanna make chocolate banana macaroons? Stir some cacao powder into the base. And what's stopping you from adding a pinch of cinnamon, a grating of nutmeg, or some freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries?
- To make these macaroons 100% sugar-free, use coconut oil chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
If you tried this easy Paleo Coconut Macaroons Recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe below and let me know how it went in the comments – I love hearing from you! You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook for more deliciousness and behind-the-scenes!
More delicious healthy springtime treats and desserts you will love:
- Almond Flour Lemon Blueberry Scones
- Paleo Almond Chocolate Chips Cookies
- Raspberry Tart with Cinnamon
- Paleo Lemon Curd Tart
Carrie Robinson
Ooooooo.... I am loving this flavor combo! 🙂 They look perfect.
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
Oh wow, these look absolutely incredible! Macaroons are definitely one of my guilty pleasures - I'd better make some for myself!
Beth Neels
These are so yummy! I made them for my Mom, who is lactose and gluten intolerant. She loved them!
Pamela
Absolute delicious! Love that I always have the ingredients on hand!
Angela
Bananas are so versatile in cooking. Such great information.