Vegan Chocolate Coconut Bars
I recently made these Vegan Chocolate Coconut Bars for a friend’s birthday party, and they were a massive hit! They’re a perfect balance of rich chocolate and naturally sweet coconut, with just the right amount of crunch from the almond flour. What I love most about these bars is how simple they are to put together. You don’t need an oven, and the ingredients come together in minutes. Plus, they store well in the fridge, so you can make them ahead of time for any event. Whether you're bringing them to a party, making them as a gift, or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress!
Did You Know?
Natural coconut is packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, particularly manganese, which plays a key role in bone health and metabolism. It’s also a great source of dietary fiber, which promotes digestion. When choosing coconut products, opt for unsweetened and minimally processed options to maximize their nutritional benefits.
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients:
2 cups shredded natural unsweetened coconut
1 cup almond flour
1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
Prepare the Coconut Mixture:
Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
Personal Tip: The overhang makes it much easier to lift the bars out of the pan for cutting. Don’t skip this step.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, almond flour, maple syrup (or agave nectar), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Personal Tip: Be sure to mix thoroughly so the coconut and almond flour are evenly coated with the liquid ingredients. This ensures the base holds together.
Form the Base:
Press the coconut mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.
Personal Tip: Use the back of a spoon or a measuring cup to really press the mixture down tightly to prevent crumbling when cutting later.
Melt the Chocolate (Stovetop Method):
Set up a double boiler by filling a medium saucepan with about an inch of water and bringing it to a simmer over medium heat. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Add the dark chocolate chips to the bowl. Stir continuously with a spatula or spoon as the chocolate begins to melt. Keep stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Remove the bowl from the heat carefully, being mindful of any steam.
Personal Tip: Stir constantly to avoid burning the chocolate. If you don’t have a double boiler, the microwave method below is a quicker option.
Melt the Chocolate (Microwave Method):
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until fully melted and smooth.
Personal Tip: Microwave in short bursts and stir well between each interval to prevent the chocolate from burning.
Top with Chocolate:
Pour the melted chocolate over the coconut base and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Personal Tip: Tilt the pan gently if needed to help the chocolate spread to the edges.
Chill and Set:
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm.
Personal Tip: For faster results, you can place the bars in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes to set the chocolate more quickly.
Cut and Serve:
Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Personal Tip: Run a sharp knife under hot water and dry it off before cutting to make slicing the bars easier and to get cleaner cuts.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories, 150; Fat, 12g; Saturated Fat, 8g; Carbohydrates, 10g; Fiber, 3g; Sugars, 6g; Protein, 2g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
1. Bulk Buying: Purchase ingredients like shredded coconut, almond flour, and dark chocolate chips in bulk. These pantry staples are used in many vegan recipes, and buying them in larger quantities can save you money in the long run. Make sure to store them in airtight containers to keep them fresh.
2. Substituting Sweeteners: If maple syrup or agave nectar is too expensive, make a homemade simple syrup by dissolving sugar in water at a 1:1 ratio. It’s an easy and affordable way to get the sweetness you need without breaking the bank.
3. Make Your Own Nut Flour: Instead of buying pre-made almond flour, you can make your own by grinding raw almonds in a food processor. This method is often more cost-effective, and you can use the same technique for other nuts if you want to experiment with different flavors.
4. Reusable Parchment Paper: Invest in reusable silicone baking mats instead of constantly buying disposable parchment paper. They’re easy to clean, eco-friendly, and save you money over time.
5. Energy-Saving Tips: Use the microwave to melt chocolate instead of the stovetop when you’re in a hurry. It’s quicker, uses less energy, and requires fewer dishes to clean.
6. Smart Storage: Store leftover coconut bars in the fridge or freezer. The chocolate layer stays firm, and they’ll keep well for up to a week in the fridge or up to two months in the freezer. Freezing extras allows you to have a ready-to-go snack on hand, saving you time and money.
7. Homemade Coconut Butter: If you don’t want to buy coconut oil or find it pricey, make your own coconut butter by blending shredded coconut until it forms a smooth paste. It works just as well in this recipe and other vegan desserts.
8. Get Creative with Toppings: Try sprinkling a bit of sea salt, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut on top of the chocolate layer before it sets. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes the bars look more appealing.
9. Join a Community: Connect with vegan cooking communities online. You’ll discover budget-friendly ingredient alternatives, recipe variations, and even swap ideas with other home bakers.
10. Versatility: These bars are highly customizable! Switch up the base by adding oats, or swap the chocolate topping for peanut butter or almond butter to create different flavors without additional expense.
Let’s Learn About Almond Flour
Almond flour is made from finely ground almonds, typically blanched to remove the skins. It’s a great gluten-free alternative to wheat flour and is packed with nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats. Almond flour is lower in carbohydrates than traditional flour, making it a popular choice for those on low-carb or paleo diets. When buying almond flour, check for options labeled "blanched" or "raw," depending on your recipe needs. It's important to ensure that the almond flour is free from added preservatives or fillers, which can reduce its nutritional value. You can also make almond flour at home by simply grinding almonds in a food processor until fine. Always store almond flour in the fridge or freezer to prevent it from going rancid, as it has a higher oil content than regular flour.