If your family is obsessed with Heavenly Hunks, you're not alone! Those soft, chewy chocolate chip bites are seriously hard to resist. This no-bake homemade version captures everything you love about the original but with cleaner ingredients, no refined sugar and a little extra nutrition. They're quick to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for school lunches, after-school snacks or even a healthy dessert.
When my kids are looking for grab-and-go snack or something to pack for lunch, Heavenly Hunks are one of the first things they reach for. They're chewy, chocolatey and conveniently bite-sized. What's not to love?
Well... maybe just one thing.
Even though they're vegan, gluten-free and organic, the store-bought version is loaded with refined sugars (brown rice syrup, cane sugar, brown sugar) and ingredients like palm oil and "natural flavors." And while they're made with wholesome ingredients like oats and sorghum flour, they don't offer much in the way of nutrition, especially protein.
So, I set out to create a homemade version with better-for-you ingredients resulting in a boost of nutrients and zero refined sugar. And I have to say, the result is just as irresistible - maybe even more!
What Makes This Version Better
Instead of flours, I swapped in unflavored, unsweetened protein powder for a nutritional upgrade. I recommend the Wellious almond protein powder (not sponsored) - it's a clean, one-ingredient powder that blends in seamlessly and gives these squares a little staying power.
To keep things naturally sweet, I replaced all the refined sugars with pure maple syrup. It's just sweet enough and totally free of cane sugar, syrups or anything artificial.
And finally, I replaced cocoa butter with softened coconut oil. While cocoa butter gives the original Heavenly Hunks a rich flavor, it's just not something most people keep on hand. Plus, it requires melting on the stovetop and then cooling before using. I found that softened coconut oil works so much better. It's easier, avoids the stovetop and my kids truly don't notice a difference in flavor.
Ingredients
How to Make Them
Use a food processor to break down the oats first, giving the squares that signature coarse texture. Then add your dry ingredients (protein powder, salt, and shredded coconut) and pulse everything together.
After that, pour in the maple syrup, softened coconut oil and vanilla and process until fully combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and transfer the mixture to a loaf pan lined with parchment paper - or better yet, use a silicone loaf pan like this one I have. There's no need to pack it into the pan too firmly as these aren't meant to be perfect squares. I actually love the more natural, rustic shape that mimics the original.
Freeze for a couple of hours to set, then slice. I usually cut into 3 columns and 6-7 rows. If you freeze overnight, let it thaw a bit before cutting as it'll be rock solid.
I like to store them in the fridge for up to two weeks (they're soft and chewy that way), but if your kids are packing them for camp or school, freezing them ahead of time works great because they'll thaw just in time to enjoy. They will continue to soften as they sit at room temperature.
Important Tip
Make sure your coconut oil isn't too warm when you mix in the chocolate chips. You want the chocolate chips to hold their shape and not melt into the batter. Most of the time, my coconut oil is already soft or even liquid at room temperature, which works perfectly.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this recipe is that it's a blank canvas for other flavors. Want a snickerdoodle vibe? Add cinnamon. Brownie flavor? Add cocoa powder. A birthday cake version? Try colorful sprinkles. Heavenly Hunks come in so many flavors so please let me know if you'd like me to recreate others!
Each homemade square is sweet enough to double as dessert, but wholesome enough for breakfast or a nourishing snack. And unlike the store-bought version, these deliver a little more fiber and protein without the sugar overload.
If you give it a try, please tag me @eatingbyelaine so I can see your creations!
Print
Healthier Homemade Heavenly Hunks (No Refined Sugar)
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 18-21 squares 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
If your family is obsessed with Heavenly Hunks, you're not alone! Those soft, chewy chocolate chip bites are seriously hard to resist. This homemade no-bake version captures everything you love about the original but with cleaner ingredients, no refined sugar and a little extra nutrition. They're quick to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for school lunches, after-school snacks or even a healthy dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 cup finely shredded coconut
- ⅓ cup unsweetened/unflavored protein powder (I use this unsweetened, unflavored almond protein powder)
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup coconut oil, softened (not melted)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life brand)
Instructions
- Prep the oats. Add oats to a 7-cup food processor and process for 30 seconds until coarsely broken down.
- Add dry ingredients. Add the coconut, protein powder and salt. Pulse 5 times.
- Add wet ingredients. Pour in the maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla. Process for 10 seconds or until well incorporated.
- Fold in the chocolate chips. Make sure the coconut oil isn't warm enough to melt the chocolate, then stir or fold them in gently.
- Transfer to pan. Line a 9x4 loaf pan with parchment paper or use a silicone loaf pan. Spread the mixture into the pan and gently press it down with a spatula (no need to pack it firmly).
- Freeze. Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours. For clean cuts, freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight. If frozen overnight, let it thaw slightly before slicing.
- Slice and enjoy. Cut into 3 columns and 6-7 rows.
Equipment
Buy Now → Notes
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freezer for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Freeze Time: 2 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: food processor
El says
I so appreciate all of your recipes! I would like to try this one and am wondering if the pumpkin protein power (that I have on hand and that you recommended in a different recipe) could work for these. bad idea…?
Elaine Gordon says
Hi El: Thank you so much for your kind words! I do love the pumpkin protein powder for my chocolate smoothies, but it does have a stronger flavor than the almond protein powder I typically use in this recipe. You could definitely try it and see how it works for you, but it may slightly change the flavor. I haven’t tested it myself in this one, so I can’t say for sure. If you give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Best, Elaine