Go Back
To make delicious Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars, you need simple and healthy ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice) - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional for added nutrition) These ingredients are easy to find at your local store. You can mix and match nut butters and sweeteners based on your taste. Almond butter gives a nice flavor, but peanut butter works too. Honey adds a touch of sweetness, while maple syrup makes it vegan-friendly. Shredded coconut adds a chewy texture, making these bars even more enjoyable. Dark chocolate chips bring a rich taste that pairs well with the coconut. Using sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. If you want a boost of nutrition, add chia seeds. They are tiny but packed with fiber and omega-3s. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust ingredients to fit your needs. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Mixing dry ingredients Start with a large bowl. Add 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of shredded coconut, and optional chia seeds. Mix them with a spoon until they are evenly combined. 2. Melting and combining wet ingredients In a small saucepan, add 1/2 cup of almond butter and 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup. Set the heat to low. Stir the mixture until it melts and blends well. Once melted, remove it from heat and add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. 3. Incorporating dry ingredients with wet mixture Pour the warm almond butter mix over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Use a spatula to combine everything well. Make sure all the dry ingredients get coated. 4. Folding in chocolate chips and salt Gently fold in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir until the chocolate chips are evenly distributed. 5. Preparing the baking dish Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift out the bars later. 6. Pressing mixture into the dish Transfer the mixture to the lined baking dish. Press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands. This helps the bars hold their shape. 7. Setting in the refrigerator Place the dish in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour. This makes the bars firm and easier to cut. 8. Cutting the energy bars Once firm, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Place them on a cutting board. Cut into squares or bars, based on your liking. Now you have delicious Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars ready to enjoy! To make the best Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars, mixing is key. Make sure to mix the dry ingredients well. This ensures each bite has a balanced flavor. When you pour the warm almond butter mixture over the dry mix, use a spatula to combine everything. This helps coat the oats and coconut evenly. Pressing the mixture down firmly is important too. After spreading the mix in the baking dish, use your hands or a spatula. Press hard so the bars hold their shape. An even surface makes cutting easier later on. Refrigeration time cannot be skipped. Let your bars chill for at least one hour. This helps them firm up. If you skip this step, the bars will crumble when you cut them. For serving, presentation matters. Place the bars on a wooden board for a rustic look. You can sprinkle extra shredded coconut or a few dark chocolate chips on top. This adds a nice touch. If you want to gift the bars, wrap each one in parchment paper. Use twine to tie them up. This makes a lovely and thoughtful gift for friends or family. Pro Tips Chill for Better Texture: Allow the energy bars to set in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This helps them firm up, making them easier to cut and giving them a better texture. Customizable Add-Ins: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to customize the flavor and nutrition of your energy bars. Easy Cleanup: Use parchment paper to line your baking dish. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze! Perfect Portioning: For even bars, use a sharp knife and cut while the mixture is still slightly warm, as it will be easier to slice. {{image_4}} You can switch up the nut butter in this recipe. Almond butter is great, but you can also use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. Each type gives a different taste and can change the nutrition too. For sweeteners, honey or maple syrup works well. You can also try agave syrup or stevia. These options let you adjust the sweetness to your liking. Adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins gives more flavor and a chewy texture. You can mix in a handful for extra taste. Spices can take your bars to the next level. A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth, while cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor. Experiment with these to find your perfect mix! To keep your chocolate coconut energy bars fresh, use an airtight container. This prevents air from drying them out. You can store them in the fridge for easy access. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. Just wrap each bar in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they stay fresh for months. These delicious bars stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. After that, they may lose their taste and texture. Look for signs of spoilage, like a strange smell or discoloration. If you notice these signs, it’s best to toss them out. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Enjoy your snack! Can I use different types of chocolate? Yes, you can use any chocolate you like. Milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate works well. If you prefer a richer flavor, try dark chocolate. Each type will change the taste a bit. Are these energy bars gluten-free? Yes, these bars are gluten-free. Just ensure that you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Most nut butters are also gluten-free, making them safe for those with gluten sensitivities. How can I make these energy bars vegan? To make these bars vegan, simply swap honey for maple syrup. Both work well as sweeteners. Make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free too. What can I substitute for honey or maple syrup? You can use agave nectar or brown rice syrup. These options will still give you the sweetness you need while keeping the bars sticky. Can I omit the chia seeds? Yes, you can leave out chia seeds if you don’t have them. They add extra nutrition but are not necessary for the recipe. Feel free to skip them if you prefer. These energy bars are simple to make with rolled oats, nut butter, and sweeteners. Mixing the right ingredients gives you tasty results. Remember to press your mixture firmly and refrigerate it well for the best texture. Feel free to explore different flavors and storage options. You can customize these bars for your needs and enjoy them as snacks or gifts. With a bit of practice, you’ll create your ideal energy bar every time.

Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars

Delicious and nutritious energy bars made with oats, coconut, almond butter, and dark chocolate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 0.5 cup almond butter
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.5 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 0.25 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by taking a large mixing bowl and adding the rolled oats, unsweetened shredded coconut, and chia seeds (if you choose to include them). Mix them together gently with a spoon.
  • In a small saucepan, set over low heat, combine the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup). Stir the mixture continuously until it melts into a smooth, cohesive blend. Once fully melted and combined, remove the saucepan from heat and mix in the vanilla extract for an added layer of flavor.
  • Carefully pour the warm almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or a large spoon to mix everything together until the dry ingredients are thoroughly coated with the wet mixture.
  • Once well combined, gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and sprinkle the sea salt over the mixture. Stir until the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the bar mixture.
  • Prepare an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough overhang on the sides to facilitate easy removal later.
  • Transfer the mixed ingredients into the lined baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands, press the mixture down firmly and evenly to ensure the bars hold their shape after refrigeration.
  • Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and allow the energy bars to set for at least 1 hour. This helps them become firm and easier to cut.
  • After the mixture has firmed up, carefully lift the bars out of the dish using the overhanging parchment paper. Place the slab on a cutting board and slice it into equal squares or bars, depending on your preference.
  • Store the energy bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to a week, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the energy bars on a wooden board with extra shredded coconut or dark chocolate chips on top.
Keyword chocolate, coconut, energy bars, snack