No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars
Indulge in a healthier twist on the classic candy bar with these Chocolate Coconut Date Bars! They’re reminiscent of an Almond Joy but are made with wholesome ingredients like medjool dates, real shredded coconut, cashews, cocoa powder, and vanilla. These bars make for the perfect snack when you’re craving something sweet!
These No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars are a delightful treat that satisfies your sweet tooth naturally. They provide a nutritious boost to keep you energized until your next meal.
Why You’ll Love These Energy Bars
You won’t believe how simple it is to prepare these No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars. Just toss all the ingredients into a food processor, let them firm up, and they’re ready to enjoy!
I love having them in the morning for a quick snack or as a sweet treat after dinner. You really can’t go wrong with the delicious combination of chocolate and coconut!
Ingredients for Chocolate Coconut Date Bars
- Dates: We use medjool dates as a base for most of our no-bake treats. They are naturally sweet and serve as an excellent alternative to refined sugars.
- Shredded Coconut: Unsweetened coconut flakes are ideal for this recipe, as the natural sweetness of the dates is sufficient.
- Cashews: These provide healthy fats and a creamy texture to the bars.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the bars their rich chocolate flavor.
- Vanilla: This aromatic ingredient adds depth to the overall taste.
- Food Processor: A high-speed food processor works best for achieving a smooth consistency, making it easy to shape the mixture into bars.
Creative Variations and Substitutions
- Nut Alternatives: While cashews are a great choice, feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts for a unique flavor.
- Superfood Additions: Enhance the nutritional value by adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed for an extra dose of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a richer indulgence, drizzle some dark chocolate over your energy bars.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Store your date bars in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them individually for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
Preparation Time
Making these Chocolate Coconut Date Bars takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30 minutes to an hour for chilling in the freezer.
These No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings healthily. Naturally sweetened and nutritious, they make an ideal snack to power you through your day!
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No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
Description
Indulge in a healthier twist on the classic candy bar with these Chocolate Coconut Date Bars! They’re reminiscent of an Almond Joy but are made with wholesome ingredients like medjool dates, real shredded coconut, cashews, cocoa powder, and vanilla. These bars make for the perfect snack when you’re craving something sweet!
Ingredients
- 30 medjool dates (about 2 cups packed)
- 1.5 cups raw cashews
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
Instructions
- Start by pitting 30 medjool dates, ensuring they are soft and squishy. Place the dates in a high-speed food processor, then add the raw cashews and vanilla extract.
- Blend the mixture on high for 2 to 3 minutes, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Once the dates and cashews are well combined, add the cocoa powder and sea salt. Blend again until everything is incorporated. If the dates are too dry, you can add a teaspoon or two of water to help achieve a sticky dough consistency.
- Next, add the shredded coconut and blend once more. You can choose to leave the coconut in larger pieces or blend it fully into the mixture, depending on your preference.
- The resulting dough should be soft and have a texture similar to cookie dough.
- Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper and transfer the dough into the pan. Use your hands or a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, ensuring it reaches the same height throughout. For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit more shredded coconut on top and press it gently into the dough.
- Before placing the pan in the freezer, use a spatula to round the edges of the bars. After this,Freeze the mixture for approximately 30 minutes to an hour.
- After freezing, remove the pan and take the bars out. Cut the slab in half, then slice each half into eighths. Enjoy your delicious homemade bars!
Notes
- If your dates are dry, you may need to add a teaspoon of water to the food processor to help everything blend smoothly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 242kcal
- Sugar: 31g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g