Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars
Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes
I absolutely love making these Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars! They are the perfect combination of rich chocolate, nutty almonds, and tropical coconut. Each bite is a delightful treat that satisfies both my sweet tooth and my craving for a healthy snack. What’s great is that they are super easy to whip up and require no baking, making them ideal for a quick energy boost any time of the day. Trust me, once you try them, you'll be hooked!
When I first made these Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars, I was hoping for a quick energy snack that wouldn’t derail my healthy eating. To my delight, the combination of almond butter and chocolate not only works perfectly together, but they also provide a great source of energy.
The best part about this recipe is how versatile it is. I’ve experimented by adding in some dried fruits and even swapping almond butter for peanut butter depending on what I had on hand, and each variation turned out delicious!
Why You'll Love These Snack Bars
- Decadent chocolate flavor paired with crunchy almonds
- No-bake preparation for quick and easy snacking
- Nutritious ingredients that make a satisfying treat
The Power of Nut Butters
Almond butter is not just a delicious base for these snack bars, but it also plays a crucial role in providing healthy fats and protein. This combination helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer and provides sustained energy throughout the day. If you're out of almond butter, feel free to swap it with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter, but the flavor will vary slightly.
When mixing your almond butter, aim for a smooth and creamy consistency. If it's too thick, warming it slightly in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) can help make it easier to incorporate with other ingredients. A well-blended almond butter ensures that the bars hold together well and have a uniform consistency.
Playing with Flavors and Textures
The dark chocolate chips in this recipe not only add a decadent touch but also introduce a rich, bittersweet flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey or maple syrup. For a more intense chocolate experience, consider using chocolate chunks instead of chips, which can offer a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture as they set with the bars.
Coconut adds a wonderful chewy texture, but if you're not a fan, it can be substituted with chopped dried fruits like dates or apricots. Just keep in mind that changing ingredients may affect the sweetness level, so you might want to adjust the amount of sweetener used accordingly.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
These snack bars are perfect for meal prep! Once cut, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they can last up to two weeks. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a quick snack.
For serving, consider drizzling a bit of melted chocolate on top for an extra touch of luxury. You can also sprinkle some extra chopped almonds or coconut on top before refrigerating for an eye-catching finish. These bars can be enjoyed as a pre-workout snack or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, providing the necessary energy boost whenever you need it.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars!
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
These ingredients will come together to create a delicious and healthy snack!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars.
Prepare the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Gradually stir in rolled oats, shredded coconut, dark chocolate chips, and chopped almonds until evenly combined.
Shape the Bars
Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the dish and press it down firmly into an even layer. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cut and Serve
Once the mixture is set, lift the parchment paper out of the dish and cut into bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Enjoy these delicious snack bars that are perfect for any time of the day!
Pro Tips
- For a fun twist, try adding in your favorite nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.
Making Variations
Feel free to experiment with different nuts in your snack bars. For example, swapping almonds with walnuts or cashews can bring unique flavors and textures. Don't hesitate to mix in seeds like chia or flaxseeds for added nutrition. Just remember to adjust the amount slightly to maintain the bars' structural integrity.
If you're looking to cut down on the sweetness, you can reduce the honey or maple syrup by about one-quarter without sacrificing flavor. In fact, the chocolate chips provide enough sweetness that minor reduction can go unnoticed. For a sugar-free option, try using a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia in place of honey, but keep in mind that consistency may vary.
Troubleshooting Your Bars
If your bars turn out too crumbly, it may be due to insufficient binding from the almond butter or sweetener. To remedy this, you could add a little more almond butter or a splash of water to help bind the ingredients together before pressing them into the dish. Aim for a sticky, cohesive mixture that holds together when pressed firmly.
Conversely, if the bars are too sticky and hard to cut, they may not have chilled long enough. Chilling for a full hour is often better, especially if your kitchen is warm. If you find that they still don’t set, you could try placing them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes as a quick fix before attempting to cut.
Scaling the Recipe
These snack bars are easily scalable, perfect for gatherings or just to have extra for the week. If you want to double the recipe, simply adjust the quantities of each ingredient while using a larger baking dish, such as a 9x13-inch pan. Just remember, the thickness will influence the setting time, so you may need to chill for longer.
For smaller snacks, you can also halve the recipe with no issue. Just ensure your ingredients are well mixed and don't forget to press down firmly. This ensures that even smaller bars hold their shape and stay together without crumbling.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute almond butter?
Yes, you can use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter if you prefer.
→ How long will these snack bars last?
They can last up to one week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
→ Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze well and can be stored for up to three months.
→ Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, these bars are gluten-free.
Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars
I absolutely love making these Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars! They are the perfect combination of rich chocolate, nutty almonds, and tropical coconut. Each bite is a delightful treat that satisfies both my sweet tooth and my craving for a healthy snack. What’s great is that they are super easy to whip up and require no baking, making them ideal for a quick energy boost any time of the day. Trust me, once you try them, you'll be hooked!
Created by: Jessica Brown
Recipe Type: Sweet Baking Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Gradually stir in rolled oats, shredded coconut, dark chocolate chips, and chopped almonds until evenly combined.
Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the dish and press it down firmly into an even layer. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
Once the mixture is set, lift the parchment paper out of the dish and cut into bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Extra Tips
- For a fun twist, try adding in your favorite nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 5g