Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars

Name: Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup pitted dates; 1/2 cup almond butter; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Golden Bakes

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars! They're the perfect combination of rich chocolate and tropical coconut, making for a delectable treat that's both nutritious and indulgent. Whenever I'm looking for a quick snack between meals or a post-workout boost, I reach for these bars. The best part is that they come together in no time and require no baking! Just mix, set, and enjoy. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2026-02-08T05:44:35.944Z

When I first made these Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars, I was amazed at how simple it was to blend wholesome ingredients into something so delicious. Using dates as a natural sweetener and oats for bulk gives the bars a chewy texture that I can’t resist. I often experiment with different nuts or seeds to add variety, and my friends love them so much that they’re always requesting the recipe!

One tip I've learned is to let the bars chill in the fridge for at least an hour before cutting them. This sets the chocolate and makes them easier to slice into neat bars. The longer they sit, the more the flavors meld together. Trust me, giving them that time is well worth it – they get better every day!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with tropical coconut sweetness
No baking required, making it quick and easy to prepare
Healthy ingredients that provide a boost of energy for any time of day

Understanding Your Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars plays a vital role in both flavor and texture. For instance, pitted dates are not just a natural sweetener; their stickiness acts as a binder, helping hold the bars together without any added sugars or syrups. When blended with almond butter, the dates create a creamy, indulgent base that adds healthy fats and protein to keep you satisfied between meals.

The combination of rolled oats and shredded coconut contributes chewiness and subtle nutty flavors. Rolled oats not only provide fiber but also help prevent the bars from being too dense. If you want to swap oats for a gluten-free version, consider using ground almonds or crushed nuts, but keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly.

Tips for Perfect Bars

When you're pressing the mixture into the pan, take your time to ensure it’s compact and even. A flat-bottomed measuring cup works wonders here, giving you leverage to press down firmly. This step is crucial because it prevents the bars from crumbling later. Aim for it to be about half an inch thick for the best texture; too thin, and they’ll break apart easily.

After refrigerating, if you find the bars are too soft to cut cleanly, allow them to chill a bit longer. This extra time helps them firm up, making it easier to achieve clean, defined edges when slicing. If you have a sharp knife, lightly warming the blade under hot water can make the cutting process smoother, reducing the risk of smashing the bars.

Ingredients

1 cup pitted dates
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Base

In a food processor, combine the pitted dates, almond butter, rolled oats, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is well combined and forms a sticky dough.

Incorporate Chocolate Chips

Add the dark chocolate chips and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Pulse a few times to evenly distribute the chocolate chips throughout.

Press into a Pan

Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the pan and firmly press it down into an even layer.

Chill and Cut

Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour. Once set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 12 bars.

Store and Enjoy

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy them as a nutritious snack or a quick energy boost!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize these energy bars by adding different seeds or nuts for extra crunch. You can also try using different nut butters for varied flavors!

Storage and Shelf Life

To keep your Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to two weeks if properly stored, making them an excellent option for meal prep. For longer storage, consider wrapping individual bars in parchment paper and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll maintain their taste and texture for up to three months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy a bar from the freezer, thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best texture. If you're in a hurry, a quick 10-minute sit at room temperature can also work wonders. Note, however, that the coconut topping may lose some of its crispiness if frozen and thawed too often.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars! Add-ins like chopped nuts, seeds, or even dried fruits can elevate the flavor profile. For a spiced twist, consider incorporating a teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate richness. These adjustments can introduce delightful new layers to your energy bars without affecting their essential structure.

If dark chocolate isn't your favorite, you can substitute with white chocolate chips or carob chips for a different taste. Just remember that this will alter the overall sweetness and flavor, so you may want to adjust the sweetness of your base by using fewer dates or a touch of honey.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the almond butter?

Yes! You can use any nut butter or seed butter, such as peanut butter or sunflower seed butter.

→ How long will these energy bars keep?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just make sure they are in an airtight container.

→ Can I freeze these energy bars?

Absolutely! They can be frozen for up to three months. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container.

→ Do I need a food processor for this recipe?

Yes, a food processor works best for combining the ingredients, but you can use a blender if that’s what you have on hand.