Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars
Highlighted under: Simple Cooking
I love making these Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars as a quick pick-me-up during the day. They're perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth while still being nutritious. With rich chocolate, crunchy almonds, and the subtle sweetness of coconut, it’s an indulgence I feel good about enjoying. What’s even better is how easy they are to whip up—ready in just 30 minutes! These bars are not only delicious but also serve as a great snack for any time of the day. Try them, and you might just fall in love with them too!
When I first created these Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars, I was searching for a treat that brought together my favorite flavors. The combination of chocolate, almonds, and coconut works harmoniously to create a snack that not only curbs my cravings but also provides energy throughout the day. The trick lies in roasting the almonds slightly to enhance their flavor before mixing them in.
I've made these bars countless times for myself and friends, and I love experimenting with different toppings or additions like dried fruits or seeds. They always disappear fast, proving how desirable they are. The key is to let the mixture set properly in the fridge for the best texture and flavor!
Why You'll Love These Bars
- Rich chocolate flavor balanced with crunchy almonds and coconut
- Healthy ingredients that make snacking guilt-free
- Perfect for meal prep and on-the-go energy boosts
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness
The combination of pitted dates and dark chocolate chips creates a harmonious balance of sweetness in these snack bars. Pitted dates are not only naturally sweet but also provide a chewy texture that complements the crunchy almonds. When you blend them well with the other ingredients, the dates help to bind everything together while adding a nutritious source of fiber and natural sugars. This makes them a satisfying and energy-boosting snack.
Using dark chocolate chips allows you to enjoy the rich flavor of chocolate without overwhelming the bars with excessive sweetness. The bitterness of dark chocolate contrasts beautifully with the creamy almond butter and the lightly toasted almonds, creating a complex flavor profile that is both indulgent and satisfying. Plus, dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants, making it a guilt-free addition.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
While the recipe calls for chopped almonds, you can experiment with other nuts if desired. Walnuts or pecans can provide different textures and flavors, while keeping the overall health benefits intact. Just ensure they are unsalted to maintain the sweet and savory balance. Additionally, if you’re looking for a nut-free option, sunflower seeds can be an excellent substitute for almonds without compromising the integrity of the snack bars.
It’s essential to use unsweetened shredded coconut in this recipe, as the added sugars in sweetened coconut could overpower the bars' natural flavors. Unsweetened coconut helps to maintain a light and nutty flavor while enhancing the bars' chewiness and texture. This keeps your treat healthful and aligns with the wholesome concept of these snack bars.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars
Snack Bar Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds, chopped
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before you start mixing!
Instructions
Instructions:
Prep Almonds and Dates
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped almonds on a baking sheet and roast for about 5 minutes until they’re slightly golden. Soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them.
Blend the Mixture
In a food processor, combine the roasted almonds, soaked dates (drained), shredded coconut, almond butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Process until a thick, cohesive mixture forms.
Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the dark chocolate chips into the mixture until evenly distributed.
Shape and Chill
Line a square baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into the dish to make an even layer. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes until set.
Cut and Serve
Once chilled, remove from the dish and cut into bars. Enjoy your delicious snack bars!
Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Pro Tips
- Experiment with different kinds of nut butters or add your favorite seeds or dried fruit for variety.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can easily double the recipe and store half for later. Once cut into bars, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For long-term storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each bar in parchment paper before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay fresh for up to three months, and you can grab one straight from the freezer for a quick snack.
When storing these bars, make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you notice the bars becoming too soft at room temperature, a brief re-chill in the fridge can help them firm up before serving.
Customization and Variations
Feel free to customize the bars to suit your tastes! Adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile significantly. For a tropical twist, incorporate dried fruit like mango or pineapple, adjusting the ratio of dates to prevent the bars from becoming too sweet or moist. Chia seeds or flaxseeds can also be added for extra texture and nutritional benefits.
If you want to enhance the chocolate flavor, consider drizzling melted dark chocolate over the top of the bars after they have chilled. This not only adds an extra layer of decadence but also makes for an attractive presentation when serving at gatherings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different nut instead of almonds?
Yes, feel free to substitute with walnuts or cashews if you prefer!
→ Are these snack bars vegan?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in this recipe are plant-based.
→ How long do these bars last?
If stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they can last up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just wrap them individually for easy snacking!
Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars
I love making these Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars as a quick pick-me-up during the day. They're perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth while still being nutritious. With rich chocolate, crunchy almonds, and the subtle sweetness of coconut, it’s an indulgence I feel good about enjoying. What’s even better is how easy they are to whip up—ready in just 30 minutes! These bars are not only delicious but also serve as a great snack for any time of the day. Try them, and you might just fall in love with them too!
Created by: Flora Kensington
Recipe Type: Simple Cooking
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
Snack Bar Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds, chopped
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped almonds on a baking sheet and roast for about 5 minutes until they’re slightly golden. Soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them.
In a food processor, combine the roasted almonds, soaked dates (drained), shredded coconut, almond butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Process until a thick, cohesive mixture forms.
Fold in the dark chocolate chips into the mixture until evenly distributed.
Line a square baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into the dish to make an even layer. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes until set.
Once chilled, remove from the dish and cut into bars. Enjoy your delicious snack bars!
Extra Tips
- Experiment with different kinds of nut butters or add your favorite seeds or dried fruit for variety.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 4g