By Karyl Laeving. Updated December 21, 2025. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 128 votes
These Easy Chocolate Coconut Clusters (Healthy No-Bake) are glossy, crunchy, deeply chocolatey, and unbelievably simple. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, this no-bake chocolate coconut recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort and zero oven time.
Table of Contents
Easy Chocolate Coconut Clusters (Healthy No-Bake)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 clusters
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Chocolate Coconut Clusters (Healthy No-Bake) are glossy, crunchy, and deeply chocolatey bites made with simple pantry ingredients. This quick no-bake treat sets in the fridge in minutes and is naturally gluten-free, with easy dairy-free and low-sugar options.
Ingredients
Dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate: 1 cup (170 g)
Unsweetened shredded coconut (fine shred preferred): 1 1/2 cups (120 g)
Coconut oil (optional, for smoother melt and shine): 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
Pinch of fine salt: 1/8 teaspoon
Maple syrup or honey (optional, only if needed): 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml)
Instructions
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Add chocolate and coconut oil (if using) to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds, stir, then repeat in 15 to 20 second bursts until smooth. Do not overheat. (Or melt gently over a double boiler.)
3. Stir in salt. Add shredded coconut and mix until every strand is fully coated. If using maple syrup or honey, stir it in now until evenly combined.
4. Scoop 1 tablespoon portions onto the prepared tray, leaving a little space between clusters. Gently press each mound to compact so it sets firmly.
5. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes, or until firm and glossy.
6. Serve chilled for the best snap, or let sit at room temperature for 3 to 5 minutes for a softer bite.
Notes
Chocolate choice matters. For the strongest chocolate flavor with lower sugar, use 70 to 85 percent dark chocolate.
Texture tip: Fine shredded coconut makes tighter clusters. If using larger flakes, press clusters firmly so they hold together.
Optional toasting: Toast coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until lightly golden, then cool completely before mixing.
Storage: Keep clusters refrigerated for the cleanest bite. Freeze for longer storage.
Allergy note: Use dairy-free chocolate for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
About This Recipe
What It Is
A fast, no-bake dessert made by folding shredded coconut into melted chocolate, then chilling into perfectly portioned clusters.
Why It Works
Chocolate sets firmly when chilled, coconut adds structure and texture, and a touch of coconut oil creates that bakery-style snap. The result is a stable, shiny cluster that tastes indulgent but fits a healthier lifestyle.
When to Make It
Anytime. This recipe is perfect for hot days, holiday trays, last-minute guests, meal prep snacks, or late-night chocolate cravings.
Why You’ll Love It
- No-bake and no oven required
- Naturally gluten-free and easily dairy-free
- Only 10 minutes of hands-on prep
- Perfect for meal prep and freezer snacks
- Strong chocolate flavor with satisfying crunch
Key Ingredients & Notes
Chocolate (1 cup | 170 g)
Use high-quality dark chocolate or chocolate chips. A cocoa content between 70 and 85 percent gives the strongest chocolate flavor while keeping sugar low. For dairy-free, choose a certified plant-based chocolate.
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut (1½ cups | 120 g)
This is the structure of the cluster. Unsweetened coconut keeps the recipe balanced and prevents cloying sweetness. Fine shred works best for compact clusters.
Coconut Oil (1 teaspoon | 5 ml, optional)
Adds shine and helps chocolate melt smoothly. Especially helpful when using very dark chocolate.
Natural Sweetener (optional, 1 to 2 tablespoons | 15 to 30 ml)
Maple syrup or honey can be added if your chocolate is very bitter. This step is optional and adjustable.
Salt (⅛ teaspoon)
A small pinch sharpens the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
Ingredient science tip. Coconut contains natural fats that bind with cocoa butter as the chocolate sets, creating firm clusters without baking. For more on chocolate melting basics, see guidance from healthline.com on dark chocolate benefits and handling.
How to Make Easy Chocolate Coconut Clusters (Healthy No-Bake)
- Prepare the tray
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. - Melt the chocolate
Add chocolate and coconut oil to a heat-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Alternatively, melt gently over a double boiler. - Mix in coconut
Stir in shredded coconut, salt, and optional sweetener until fully coated. The mixture should be thick but scoopable. - Form clusters
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion mounds onto the prepared tray. Gently press to compact. - Chill to set
Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes or until firm to the touch. - Serve or store
Enjoy immediately or transfer to an airtight container.
Visual cue. Fully set clusters will look glossy with clean edges and lift easily from parchment.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chop bar chocolate finely for faster, more even melting.
- Avoid overheating chocolate to prevent grainy texture.
- Use fine coconut for tighter clusters and clean bites.
- Chill on a flat surface so clusters set evenly.
- For extra crunch, lightly toast coconut before mixing and cool completely.
- Store chilled for best snap and texture.
Variations & Substitutions
- Almond Joy Style. Add chopped almonds and a drop of vanilla.
- Seeded Crunch. Stir in pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- White Chocolate Drizzle. Drizzle melted dairy-free white chocolate on top.
- Extra Protein. Mix in a tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp hearts.
- Lower Sugar. Use 85 percent dark chocolate and skip added sweetener.
If you love no-bake treats like this, you will also enjoy Easy Chocolate Coconut Clusters (Healthy No-Bake) paired with other trending recipes such as No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Clusters (Healthy & Fast) or Coconut Chocolate Protein Bites (Healthy & Sweet) from Flavor & Recipes.
Serving & Storage
Serving
Serve straight from the fridge for the best texture. These are excellent with coffee, as a lunchbox treat, or as a light dessert.
Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freezing
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw for 5 minutes before eating.
Reheating
Not recommended. Chocolate will melt.
Shelf life tip. Keep clusters chilled in warm kitchens to maintain shape.
FAQs
Can I make chocolate coconut clusters without coconut oil?
Yes. Coconut oil is optional. It improves shine and texture but the clusters will still set without it.
Are these chocolate coconut clusters healthy?
They are made with simple ingredients, no refined flours, and can be low in sugar depending on the chocolate you choose.
Can I use sweetened coconut?
You can, but the clusters will be significantly sweeter. Reduce or skip added sweetener if using sweetened coconut.
Why are my clusters crumbly?
This usually means too much coconut or not enough melted chocolate. Add one tablespoon of melted chocolate to rebind.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Absolutely. This is a great family-friendly no-bake recipe with minimal equipment.
Conclusion
These Easy Chocolate Coconut Clusters (Healthy No-Bake) are proof that simple ingredients can create bold, satisfying desserts. With strong chocolate flavor, perfect crunch, and endless customization options, this recipe earns a permanent spot in your healthy treats rotation.
If you try it, leave a rating, drop a comment, and share your photos. Sign up for the Flavor & Recipes newsletter for more trending no-bake desserts and healthy chocolate ideas.
