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Chocolate Coconut Date Bars

Enjoy the deliciousness of these chocolate coconut date bars! These gluten-free treats are made with wholesome ingredients for guilt-free snacking.

Close-up of chocolate coconut date bars on parchment paper, with one bar partially eaten. The bars have a smooth, glossy surface and are arranged in rows, showcasing their rich, dark color.

I have another delicious recipe for nut-free date bars for you today! I find that, these days, there is so much more awareness around nut allergies and how they can pose problems in large group settings.

Whether you are looking for a healthier recipe to replace your typical energy bars or just want a great snack to add to your rotation, you are sure to love these chocolate coconut date bars as much as we do. And while you’re at it, give these high protein cottage cheese balls, smashed date bites or viral date bark a try too!

Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!

I love homemade Lara bars. Unfortunately, the kids could not take them to school because of nut allergy restrictions, so I created these chocolate coconut date bars as an alternative. They have become one of the boys’ favorite snacks, by far!

Eight rectangular chocolate-covered brownies are arranged on a piece of parchment paper on a wooden surface. The smooth, glossy coating is evenly spread atop each chocolate coconut date bar, creating a tempting and delicious appearance.

Why You’ll Love These Date Bars

Not only are these bars nut-free, but, made with a base of sweet chewy dates, this delicious recipe is a good source of fiber too.

This sweet treat has a deliciously chewy texture, and unlike many snack bars that you can find at the grocery store, these don’t have any refined sugar in them.

A hand holds a chocolate brownie with a bite taken out of it, reminiscent of the indulgent texture found in chocolate coconut date bars. Several more brownies are elegantly arranged on parchment paper, showcasing their rich, dark appearance with a glossy chocolate top layer.

I love being able to control the ingredients that go into our snack foods. This is especially true as the boys get older and consume more and more!

I usually cut these bars into smaller pieces when I am packing them into lunches. They are super chocolatey, rich, and sweet. It makes them a perfect fix for a chocolate bar craving!

Ingredients for chocolate coconut date bars are arranged on a table: bowls containing dates, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla. Each bowl is clearly labeled.

Ingredients

  • Medjool dates
  • Unsweetened shredded coconut
  • Coconut oil
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Honey
  • Dark chocolate, optional
A clear blender cup filled with various ingredients, including ice, banana pieces, and a brown powder—possibly cocoa or coffee—awaits transformation into a delicious treat. Nearby, chocolate coconut date bars rest on the wooden table adorned with a white lace doily in the background.

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients in a food processor.

Close-up of a blender containing ice cubes, cherries, and other ingredients ready to turn into a delicious mix. A hint of chocolate coconut date bars completes the scene. The transparent container sits on a black base, with a softly blurred background bathed in natural light.

2. Mix until a crumbly dough starts to form.

A rectangular white baking dish holds a dense chocolate cake adorned with hints of coconut, resting on a wooden surface. A crocheted lace piece peeks from the corner, adding a touch of charm.

3. Drop the date mixture onto wax paper and press into a block shape, keeping it about 1/2″ thick.

A thick slab of chocolate fudge lies on parchment paper, partially coated with a layer of melted chocolate. Some has spilled over the edges, creating a messy, appetizing appearance reminiscent of delightful chocolate coconut date bars on a light wooden surface.

4. Cover in melted chocolate if desired.

Eight square chocolate coconut date bars are arranged on a piece of parchment paper, placed on a wooden cutting board. Whole dates are scattered around, hinting they might be an ingredient. A lace doily is partially visible in the background.

5. Refrigerate until set (about 30 minutes).

6. Cut into bars and enjoy!

A hand holding a square piece of chocolate coconut fudge with a bite taken out of it. The background shows more pieces on parchment paper, some overlapping. The fudge has a smooth, glossy surface reminiscent of decadent date bars.

Alternate Ingredients

Why not experiment with some of these simple ingredients?

  • Flax seeds
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Make date nut bars by adding almonds, walnuts, or peanuts.
  • Cacao nibs
  • Dark chocolate chips or chunks
  • White chocolate chips
  • Try adding in peanut butter, almond butter, or your favorite seed butter.
  • Maple syrup could be used instead of honey.
  • A pinch of sea salt
  • Cinnamon
Eight rectangular chocolate coconut date bars are arranged on parchment paper on a wooden cutting board. Some whole dates are scattered around, and a doily peeks into the top corner of the image.

Tips and Tricks

  • I prefer to use Medjool dates in this recipe, but you can use any kind you like.
  • If you want your bars to be a little bit chunky, stir in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips before shaping. You could also add the nuts into the food processor.
  • These can be made in a square baking dish. Just line the pan with parchment paper first. You could also easily add a chocolate layer on top of the bars this way.
  • Store these healthy date bars in the refrigerator, sealed in an airtight container, so that they stay firm and fresh. They will last approximately a week when stored this way.
Three rectangular chocolate brownies rest on parchment paper, topped with a smooth, glossy chocolate finish. One brownie has a bite taken out of it, revealing the dense, moist texture reminiscent of rich chocolate coconut date bars. They are placed on a wooden surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make chocolate coconut date bars without nuts?
Replace nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a satisfying crunch that’s safe for those with nut allergies. These substitutions work perfectly to create a delicious, nut-free snack.

Are there vegan alternatives for chocolate coconut date bars?
You can make vegan bars by using maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey and dairy-free chocolate chips. Ensure all ingredients are plant-based for a completely vegan treat.

How should I store chocolate coconut date bars, and how long do they last?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for about a week. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw as needed.

A stack of chocolate coconut date bars is displayed, boasting a rich, glossy chocolate layer atop their textured, nutty base. The words Chocolate Coconut Date Bars appear prominently at the top, while homemadeheather.com is neatly placed at the bottom.

If you love this chocolate coconut date bar recipe, please give it a five star review and help me share it to Facebook and Pinterest.

Close-up of chocolate coconut date bars on parchment paper, with one bar partially eaten. The bars have a smooth, glossy surface and are arranged in rows, showcasing their rich, dark color.

Chocolate Coconut Date Bars

Enjoy the deliciousness of these chocolate coconut date bars! These gluten-free treats are made with wholesome ingredients for guilt-free snacking.
4.67 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
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Ingredients

  • 10 medjool dates
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 2 Tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 2 oz Lily's dark chocolate baking chips optional

Instructions

  • Combine ingredients in a food processor.
  • Mix until a crumbly dough starts to form.
  • Drop the date mixture onto wax paper and press into a block shape, keeping it about 1/2" thick.
  • Cover with melted chocolate if desired.
  • Refrigerate until set (about 30 minutes).
  • Cut into bars and enjoy!

Notes

  • I prefer to use Medjool dates in this recipe, but you can use any kind you like.
  • If you want your bars to be a little bit chunky, stir in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips before shaping. You could also add the nuts into the food processor.
  • These can be made in a square baking dish. Just line the pan with parchment paper first. You could also easily add a chocolate layer on top of the bars this way.
  • Store these healthy date bars in the refrigerator, sealed in an airtight container, so that they stay firm and fresh. They will last approximately ** when stored this way.
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 8servings | Calories: 213kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 316mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
    about heather

    Hello, I’m Heather!

    I'm an active mom of twin boys who is always looking for opportunities to inspire creativity through fun crafts, do-it-yourself projects and delicious recipes. This blog has been an integral part of supporting my little family and I am so grateful to have you become a part of our journey! Let's create together... Read more...

    4.67 from 3 votes
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    So easy to make and customize. Tastes great too! Thanks for the recipe.

    5 stars
    Hi Heather, thank you for a great recipe however I am wondering how these would hold up in a child’s lunchbox until it’s time for recess especially on a warm day. I am having trouble finding recipes for energy bars that are not refrigerated so they are a little more durable and do not fall apart in my child’s lunchbox.

    Try freezing them. They should thaw by snack time

    Wondering if I could possibly freeze these for later?

    5 stars
    This is so friggen good

    Is that 1226 calories per serving?! 😳
    They sound delicious though.

    4 stars
    This recipe is awesome. However the calorie count is off the chart as listed: Serving: 1serving | Calories: 1226kcal