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 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup shredded coconut; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup almond butter (or your choice of nut butter); 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips; A pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Golden Bakes

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars for a quick and delicious snack. With just a handful of ingredients, they bring together the rich taste of chocolate and the tropical essence of coconut, creating a delightful treat that satisfies my sweet cravings. These bars are not only tasty but also packed with energy, making them perfect for a midday boost or a pre-workout snack. I find that they’re incredibly easy to whip up, and they keep well in the fridge, so I can have a healthy option ready whenever I need it.

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2026-02-08T05:52:36.494Z

Creating these Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars was an experiment that turned out to be a delicious success! I wanted a healthy snack that could carry me through my busy day, and the combination of dates, oats, and dark chocolate exceeded all my expectations. I discovered that chilling the mixture for a bit before cutting into bars makes a significant difference in texture, making the bars firmer and easier to handle.

What I love the most is how customizable these bars are. You can easily swap in your favorite nuts or dried fruits. I once added some almond butter for extra creaminess, and it was a game-changer! This flexibility keeps the bars exciting, allowing for a different flavor profile each time I make them.

Why You'll Love These Bars
Irresistibly chewy with a hint of crunch from nuts
Easy to tailor with your favorite mix-ins
Great source of energy for on-the-go snacking

Understanding Your Ingredients

The beauty of these Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars lies in the simplicity of their ingredients. Pitted dates serve as the natural sweetener and binding agent, providing moisture and chewiness that is essential for the bar's texture. Make sure to choose soft, fresh dates to ensure a smooth blend; if your dates are a bit dry, soaking them in warm water for 10-15 minutes can help prevent crumbling in the final product.

Cocoa powder is another star ingredient, giving these bars their rich chocolatey flavor without the added sugars found in many sweet snacks. Opt for high-quality dark cocoa powder to enhance the bitterness and depth of chocolate, which contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the dates. Keep an eye on the cocoa powder’s freshness—if it has an off smell, it's time to replace it.

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the right texture is key to making these energy bars a delight to eat. After blending the ingredients, the mixture should be sticky and hold together when pressed. If you find it too crumbly, adding a splash of water or a bit more nut butter can help bind it. Conversely, be careful not to overprocess the mixture, which can turn it into a paste rather than maintaining that desirable chewy consistency.

The chilling step is crucial in setting the bars properly. After pressing the mixture into the prepared dish, ensure it’s packed tightly to avoid crumbling when sliced. Refrigerating for at least an hour allows the fats from the nut butter and chocolate chips to solidify, making the bars easier to cut and giving them a firmer texture.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to start making your Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars:

Ingredients

1 cup pitted dates
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup almond butter (or your choice of nut butter)
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
A pinch of salt

Once you have all the ingredients, you're ready to mix and create your energy bars!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your energy bars:

Blend Ingredients

In a food processor, combine the pitted dates, rolled oats, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, almond butter, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and sticky. If it's too dry, add a little water or more nut butter.

Add Chocolate Chips

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold in the dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Form Bars

Line a square baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture into the dish evenly, using your hands or a spatula to flatten it down firmly.

Chill and Cut

Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to set. Once firm, lift the mixture out of the dish and cut it into bars.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars as a delightful and energizing snack!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the mixture. They can also be wrapped individually for easy snacking on the go.

Storage Tips

These energy bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making them an excellent make-ahead snack for busy days. For maximum freshness, I recommend wrapping them individually in parchment paper or storing them in an airtight container, which will also help retain their chewy texture.

If you want to keep the bars for a longer period, consider freezing them. Simply cut them into bars, wrap each in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy one, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Customization Ideas

One of the best features of these bars is their versatility. Feel free to experiment with different nut butters—peanut butter or cashew butter can bring new flavors to the mix. You might also swap out the chocolate chips for dried fruits, like cranberries or apricots, for a fruity twist that complements the coconut nicely.

If you're looking for an added crunch, consider folding in some chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds or chia seeds, after combining the main mixture. These additions not only enhance the texture but also increase the nutritional profile, providing extra protein and healthy fats.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the dates?

Yes, you can use dried figs or prunes as a substitute for dates, but the sweetness and texture may vary slightly.

→ How should I store these energy bars?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I use different nut butters?

Absolutely! Feel free to use peanut butter, cashew butter, or any nut butter you love.

→ Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, these bars can be enjoyed by gluten-sensitive individuals.