Chocolate Coconut Snack Bars
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely adore these Chocolate Coconut Snack Bars! The combination of rich chocolate and chewy coconut creates a delightful treat that's both satisfying and indulgent. I love whipping these up for an afternoon snack or when I have friends over—they always get rave reviews! Plus, they're easy to make and perfect for customizing with your favorite nuts or dried fruits. Each bite is a symphony of flavors that keeps me coming back for more, and I can never resist their chocolatey goodness.
When I first experimented with these bars, I was aiming for a healthy snack without compromising on taste. I discovered that using dark chocolate not only adds richness but also brings a depth of flavor that white chocolate just can't match. The key is to be mindful of the timing when melting the chocolate to achieve that silky-smooth texture.
After a few tweaks, I found the ideal balance of coconut and chocolate, and I never looked back! My favorite tip is to let them cool completely before cutting; this helps keep the bars intact and prevents them from crumbling. Now, they’re a staple in my kitchen!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with chewy coconut
- Easy to make and customizable with nuts and fruits
- Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with a healthier twist
The Perfect Chocolate Melt
Getting your chocolate melt just right is crucial for these bars. Microwave the dark chocolate chips in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring after each interval. This method prevents overheating and ensures a smooth, glossy finish. If you notice any chunks remaining after a few rounds, reduce the intervals to 15 seconds, stirring vigorously in between into a silky texture. A properly melted chocolate not only binds the bars beautifully but also enhances the overall flavor.
Another option to melt chocolate is using a double boiler on low heat. This technique allows for more controlled melting and can prevent scorching. Just place your bowl over simmering water—make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir it gently until the chocolate is melted and reaches a smooth consistency. Either method works well, but be attentive to avoid seizing the chocolate.
The Role of Coconut and Almond Flour
Don’t underestimate the importance of the unsweetened shredded coconut and almond flour in this recipe. The coconut adds a delightful chewiness and a natural sweetness that balances the richness of the dark chocolate. Its fiber content also contributes to a satisfying texture that keeps you feeling fuller for longer. For a twist, you could substitute with finely chopped nuts or flavored coconut for additional depth.
Almond flour, on the other hand, serves as a gluten-free binder and contributes healthy fats. It adds a soft crumb texture, making these bars less dense and more enjoyable. If you need a substitution due to nut allergies, sunflower seed flour can work well in place of almond flour while maintaining a similar texture.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Once your Chocolate Coconut Snack Bars are set and sliced, consider how you’ll store them. They can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, maintaining their freshness and flavor. If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can also freeze the bars. Just place layers of parchment paper between slices and store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
For best results, allow the bars to thaw in the refrigerator before serving, ensuring they regain their desired texture. I always make a larger batch to freeze for quick snacks on busy days or to share when hosting friends. This way, I always have a delicious treat ready to enjoy at a moment's notice.
Ingredients
Chocolate Coconut Snack Bars Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
These ingredients come together to create delicious, easy-to-make bars!
Instructions
Prepare the Baking Dish
Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted chocolate, shredded coconut, almond flour, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until fully combined.
Spread and Set
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Press down firmly to compact the mixture.
Cool and Slice
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut them into pieces.
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Pro Tips
- For added texture, consider folding in some chopped nuts or dried fruits before spreading the mixture into the dish!
Serving Suggestions
These snack bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. You can enjoy them as an afternoon treat or pack them in lunchboxes for a delightful surprise. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, serving as a perfect pick-me-up during your busy day.
For a more indulgent experience, try drizzling some extra melted chocolate on top before serving. This added touch not only boosts the aesthetic appeal but also intensifies the chocolate flavor. Consider adding a sprinkle of coarse sea salt to elevate the taste further, creating that irresistible sweet-and-salty combination.
Possible Variations
Feel free to customize these bars based on your taste preferences! You can incorporate chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the mixture for added crunch and flavor. Alternatively, dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can be mixed in to give a burst of sweetness and chewy texture.
If you prefer a more tropical flavor, consider adding a bit of pineapple or mango into the mix. Just be cautious with the moisture content—too much liquid can alter the consistency. Keep in mind that adjustments may require trying out small test batches to perfect the balance of flavors.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your bars don’t hold together after slicing, it may be due to insufficient chilling time. Make sure they’re refrigerated for at least 2 hours or until firm. If you find they’re still crumbly, consider increasing the amount of coconut oil next time. This will act as an additional binder, providing more cohesion.
Conversely, if the mixture seems too gooey before setting, it could be due to excess liquid from your almond flour or maple syrup. If this happens, try adding an extra tablespoon of almond flour to help absorb the moisture during mixing. Adjusting these ratios will help you achieve the perfect texture each time.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile and increase the sweetness.
→ How should I store these snack bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, ensure that the chocolate and any add-ins you use are vegan-friendly.
→ What can I substitute for almond flour?
You can use oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute.
Chocolate Coconut Snack Bars
I absolutely adore these Chocolate Coconut Snack Bars! The combination of rich chocolate and chewy coconut creates a delightful treat that's both satisfying and indulgent. I love whipping these up for an afternoon snack or when I have friends over—they always get rave reviews! Plus, they're easy to make and perfect for customizing with your favorite nuts or dried fruits. Each bite is a symphony of flavors that keeps me coming back for more, and I can never resist their chocolatey goodness.
Created by: Erin Wallace
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
Chocolate Coconut Snack Bars Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How-To Steps
Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted chocolate, shredded coconut, almond flour, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until fully combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Press down firmly to compact the mixture.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut them into pieces.
Extra Tips
- For added texture, consider folding in some chopped nuts or dried fruits before spreading the mixture into the dish!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 25mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 3g