Are you craving a delectable dessert that's not only incredibly delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients? Look no further! These Chocolate Coconut Date Bars are about to revolutionize your snacking experience. Imagine biting into a rich, chocolatey square that's naturally sweetened, loaded with nutrients, and so easy to make that even beginner cooks can master it in minutes. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering treat that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup almond butter
Instructions
- Place pitted dates in a food processor and pulse until they form a smooth, sticky paste. Ensure there are no large chunks remaining.
- Add almonds to the food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped but still maintain some texture, creating a nutty base for the bars.
- Incorporate unsweetened cocoa powder and shredded coconut into the food processor. Pulse until all ingredients are well combined and form a cohesive mixture.
- Add almond butter to the mixture and process until all ingredients are thoroughly integrated and the mixture begins to stick together when pressed.
- Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and use clean hands or a spatula to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, creating a compact and smooth surface.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the bars to set and become firm.
- Remove from refrigerator and lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Cut into 16 even squares using a sharp knife, cleaning the knife between cuts for clean edges.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, separating layers with parchment paper.
Tips
- Choose Medjool dates for the best texture and natural sweetness - they're softer and more moist than other date varieties.
- For a smoother mixture, ensure your dates are pitted and softened at room temperature before processing.
- Don't over-process the almonds; you want a slight crunch for texture.
- Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly into the pan for compact bars.
- Clean your knife between cuts to achieve neat, professional-looking squares.
- For extra decadence, sprinkle some sea salt or roll the edges in additional shredded coconut.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months, making them a perfect make-ahead snack.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
