Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars
Highlighted under: Easy Baking Ideas
I absolutely love these Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars! They’re a delicious blend of rich chocolate, crunchy almonds, and chewy coconut that perfectly satisfies my sweet tooth. I've made these bars several times, and each batch has been a hit with family and friends. They are not only quick to prepare but also provide an energy boost, making them perfect for a mid-afternoon snack or a post-workout treat. Once you try them, you’ll want to keep a stash in your pantry!
When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was looking for something healthy yet indulgent. These bars exceeded my expectations with their harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The combination of nuts and coconut gives a satisfying crunch while the chocolate brings everything together with a sweet richness.
Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe a bit, adding a pinch of sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor. If you like a touch of sweetness, consider drizzling a bit of honey on top. Trust me; it takes these bars to the next level!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy almonds
- Chewy coconut adds a delightful texture
- Perfect for snacking anytime during the day
The Role of Ingredients
Each ingredient in these Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor profile. The almond flour not only serves as the base but also provides a subtle nutty flavor and a gluten-free option. Shredded coconut adds a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy almonds and smooth dark chocolate. For best results, opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips with at least 70% cocoa, which will melt beautifully and provide a rich taste without overpowering the other ingredients.
Coconut oil is another key ingredient here. Its unique flavor enhances the bars, while the fat content helps bind everything together as it cools. When melted, it also ensures a smoother blend with the sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup is an excellent substitute for honey, as it provides similar sweetness with additional depth.
Perfecting Your Bars
When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, it’s essential to combine them until just fully integrated. Overmixing can result in dense bars, while gently folding the dark chocolate chips in ensures they are evenly distributed without breaking down into smaller pieces. Don’t be afraid to use your hands to knead the mixture lightly if you find it’s not coming together. Precision in pressing the mixture into the baking pan is key; make sure it’s compacted well to ensure the bars hold their shape post-baking.
The baking time is also crucial; if your edge bars start to smell nutty or brown too quickly, check for doneness earlier. A slight bounce back when pressing the center should indicate they're finished. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling, as they will firm up as they set. Cutting them while warm can lead to uneven pieces, so patience is your friend here!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to get started:
Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
These ingredients will yield delicious and nutritious snack bars.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your snack bars:
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the almond flour, shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and sea salt until well combined.
Add Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Press Into a Pan
Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the pan and press it down firmly to ensure even thickness.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool and Cut
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, cut into bars and enjoy!
Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars!
Pro Tips
- For an extra flavor kick, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a scoop of protein powder to the mixture. Store the bars in an airtight container for optimal freshness.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These snack bars not only taste amazing, but they also store exceptionally well. Once cooled, wrap them individually in parchment paper or store them in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container, and they will keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for about 15 seconds for a cozy treat.
If you want to scale the recipe up for a gathering, simply double or triple the ingredients without any changes in preparation method. For an even baking experience, consider using multiple pans to achieve an even bake across all bars. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary slightly depending on your oven and the number of pans used.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them by drizzling some melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt on top after baking. For a fun variation, try adding chopped dried fruits, such as cranberries or apricots, to the mixture. This addition not only enhances the nutritional profile but also adds bursts of sweetness and color to your bars.
For breakfast or as a pre/post-workout snack, pair these bars with a side of Greek yogurt or a protein shake. They offer a great balance of healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates, making them a nutritious choice for fueling your day or workouts!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute almond flour with another flour?
Yes, you can use oat flour or gluten-free flour as a substitute, but the texture may slightly differ.
→ How should I store these snack bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to replace almonds with walnuts, cashews, or any nut of your choice.
→ Is it possible to make these vegan?
Yes, by using maple syrup instead of honey and ensuring the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars
I absolutely love these Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars! They’re a delicious blend of rich chocolate, crunchy almonds, and chewy coconut that perfectly satisfies my sweet tooth. I've made these bars several times, and each batch has been a hit with family and friends. They are not only quick to prepare but also provide an energy boost, making them perfect for a mid-afternoon snack or a post-workout treat. Once you try them, you’ll want to keep a stash in your pantry!
What You'll Need
Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Bars Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, mix together the almond flour, shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and sea salt until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the pan and press it down firmly to ensure even thickness.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, cut into bars and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra flavor kick, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a scoop of protein powder to the mixture. Store the bars in an airtight container for optimal freshness.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 32mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 4g