Easy Vegan Jack Skellington Chocolate Coconut Cups (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free)

2 settimane fa

Inspired by: @zarreen

Are you ready to add a spooky, sweet touch to your next Halloween gathering? Or perhaps you're simply craving a delicious, dairy-free and gluten-free treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These homemade Jack Skellington Chocolate Coconut Cups are inspired by the classic Mounds bar but with a festive twist, perfect for fans of The Nightmare Before Christmas and anyone looking for a delightful vegan dessert.

Our community on abillion absolutely raves about these treats, with comments like, "Absolutely!! 😂😂😂" and "Eeeek!!! 👻😉" – they're a guaranteed hit! Whether you're a seasoned vegan baker or just starting, this recipe proves you don't need fancy equipment to create something truly "very nice and yummy!" as @zarreen shares.

These delightful cups are not only vegan and gluten-free, but also paleo-friendly, making them a fantastic option for various dietary needs. They’re a fun activity for families and a unique addition to any Halloween party spread, solving the common problem of finding festive treats that cater to allergies or plant-based diets. Get ready to impress with these spooky-cute, chocolatey coconut delights!

Delicious homemade Jack Skellington chocolate coconut cups, perfect for Halloween treats.

What You'll Need

Equipment

Small mixing bowl
Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
Muffin tin or small silicone molds (optional, see tips)
Spoon or small scoop
Piping bag or small ziploc bag with corner snipped (optional, for detailing)
Freezer-safe tray or plate

Ingredients

1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1/4 cup coconut cream (from a can of full-fat coconut milk, chilled)
2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt (optional, to enhance flavor)
1 cup vegan chocolate chips (or your preferred vegan chocolate bar, chopped)
1 teaspoon coconut oil (for melting chocolate, optional)

Close-up of a homemade vegan Jack Skellington chocolate coconut cup, showcasing the intricate face detailing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, coconut cream, maple syrup (or agave), vanilla extract, and an optional pinch of salt. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and the mixture is sticky enough to hold its shape.
Melt the vegan chocolate chips: You can do this by placing them in a microwave-safe bowl and heating in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler on the stovetop. Stir in the coconut oil if using, to make the chocolate smoother.
Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into the bottom of your muffin cups or molds, just enough to cover the base.
Next, add a dollop of the coconut mixture on top of the chocolate layer. Gently press it down to form a flat disc or mound shape.
Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the coconut mixture, ensuring it fully covers the coconut and meets the chocolate base, sealing the "cup."
Carefully place the cups on a freezer-safe tray and freeze for at least 30-60 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.
Once firm, remove the cups from the molds. Now comes the fun part: decorating! Use a piping bag with a very fine tip, or a small ziploc bag with a tiny corner snipped, filled with a bit of remaining melted chocolate (or edible black food pen), to draw Jack Skellington's iconic face on each cup. If your chocolate has hardened, simply re-melt a small amount.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.

A trio of finished vegan Jack Skellington chocolate coconut cups, arranged artfully on a plate.

Tips & Hacks for Perfect Jack Skellington Cups

Follow @zarreen's Pro Tip: As our community user @zarreen wisely noted, "Only thing is don't freeze the coconut filling first, instead add the melted vegan chocolate chips into the cups then add the coconut mix to freeze, last decorate the 👺 face." This is crucial for easy assembly and a clean finish!
No Muffin Cups? No Problem! If you don't have muffin cups or silicone molds, simply form the coconut mixture into small, flat discs or mounds on parchment paper. Coat them in chocolate, freeze, and then decorate. They might not be perfect cups, but they'll still be delicious!
Piping Perfection: For neat artwork, a small piping bag or even a ziploc bag with a tiny corner snipped off works wonders for drawing Jack's face. If you're feeling extra artistic, edible food pens in black are also a great option.
Keep it Chilly: These treats are best enjoyed cold! Make sure they are thoroughly chilled before serving to maintain their shape and satisfying texture.

Variations & Adaptations

Flavor Boosts: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the chocolate for a mint-chocolate variation, or a little orange zest to the coconut filling for a citrusy twist.
Different Characters: Instead of Jack Skellington, draw other spooky faces, ghosts, or pumpkins for a general Halloween theme.
No-Bake Bonanza: These are inherently no-bake, making them perfect for hot weather or when you want a quick dessert without turning on the oven.
Protein Power-Up: For an extra boost, try adding a tablespoon of vegan protein powder to the coconut mixture.

These Jack Skellington Chocolate Coconut Cups are more than just a recipe; they're a fun experience that brings the magic of the holidays to your kitchen. They're a testament to how easy and rewarding homemade vegan treats can be!

Ready to get spooky in the kitchen? Give this recipe a try and share your amazing results on abillion! We can't wait to see your creative Jack Skellington creations!

Looking for more easy, delicious vegan recipes? Check out these other favorites from abillion: