Toasted Coconut Date Bars: A Healthy, Indulgent Snack
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s healthy, easy to make, and completely delicious, these Toasted Coconut Date Bars are the perfect snack. Packed with natural sweetness from medjool dates and a satisfying crunch from toasted coconut flakes, these bars are both vegan and gluten-free. They’re perfect for a quick energy boost or a guilt-free dessert. Plus, they’re dipped in rich vegan dark chocolate for that extra touch of indulgence!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cup medjool dates, packed and pitted
- 2 cups unsweetened toasted coconut flakes (plus more for topping)
- 1/4 cup almond butter (natural)
- 1/2 cup vegan dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Directions:
Step 1: Blend the Dates
In a food processor, add the pitted medjool dates and blend until they form a sticky ball. Stop the processor and break the date ball into smaller pieces. Add the toasted coconut flakes and almond butter, and blend again until just combined. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can release too much oil from the almond butter.
Step 2: Press into Pan
Line a 6×6-inch pan with parchment paper. Press the date-coconut mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to create a firm layer. Cover the pan and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to let the bars set.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped vegan dark chocolate and coconut oil. Melt the mixture by heating it in 15-second increments, stirring in between each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Step 4: Dip the Bars
After chilling, remove the date-coconut mixture from the refrigerator and cut it into 6 bars. Dip the bottom half of each bar into the melted chocolate, then place the bars on a tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the remaining chocolate over the tops of the bars and sprinkle with extra toasted coconut flakes.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Place the chocolate-dipped bars back into the refrigerator to chill until the chocolate is fully set. Once the chocolate is firm, the bars are ready to serve. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 bars
- Calories: 220 kcal per bar
Why You’ll Love These Toasted Coconut Date Bars:
- Naturally Sweet and Satisfying: The natural sweetness of medjool dates combined with the crunch of toasted coconut creates a perfectly balanced snack that satisfies your sweet tooth without any refined sugar.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these bars come together quickly and require no baking.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: These bars are ideal for those following a plant-based diet or anyone looking for a gluten-free treat. Plus, they’re made with wholesome ingredients, making them a healthier option compared to store-bought snacks.
- Perfect for On-the-Go: These bars are great for meal prep! Store them in the fridge and grab one whenever you need a quick snack or post-workout energy boost.
Tips for Success:
- Use Soft Medjool Dates: If your dates are on the drier side, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before blending to soften them up.
- Don’t Over-Blitz the Mixture: Be careful not to over-blend the date and coconut mixture, as this can cause the almond butter to release too much oil, making the bars greasy.
- Customize Your Bars: Feel free to mix things up by adding other ingredients like chopped nuts, seeds, or a pinch of sea salt for an extra layer of flavor.
These Toasted Coconut Date Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, chewy, and crunchy, all wrapped up in a healthy, easy-to-make snack. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to fuel your day or a healthy dessert, these bars deliver on both flavor and nutrition. Enjoy them straight from the fridge, and share with family and friends—they’re sure to be a hit!
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Toasted Coconut Date Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
These Toasted Coconut Date Bars are the perfect combination of chewy, sweet, and indulgent. Made with just a few wholesome ingredients like pitted dates, toasted coconut flakes, and almond butter, they’re both healthy and delicious. The dark chocolate adds a decadent touch, while the coconut flakes on top provide a crunchy finish.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cup medjool dates, packed and pitted
2 cups unsweetened toasted coconut flakes (plus more for topping)
1/4 cup almond butter (natural)
1/2 cup vegan dark chocolate, chopped
1 tsp coconut oïl
Instructions
Blend the dates: In a food processor, blend the pitted dates until they form a sticky ball. Stop the processor, break the date ball into smaller pieces, then add the toasted coconut flakes and almond butter. Blend again until just combined. Be careful not to over-blend, as this may release the oils in the almond butter.
Press into pan: Line a 6×6-inch pan with parchment paper. Press the date-coconut mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together, heating in 15-second increments and stirring in between until the mixture is smooth.
Dip the bars: Once the mixture is chilled, cut it into 6 bars. Dip the bottom half of each bar into the melted chocolate, then place the chocolate-dipped bars onto a tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the remaining chocolate over the tops of the bars and sprinkle with extra coconut flakes.
Chill and serve: Place the bars back in the refrigerator to chill until the chocolate is set. Once the chocolate is firm, they are ready to serve. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
Nutrition
- Calories: 220