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.
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!
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.
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
- Medjool dates – big fresh dates work best in this recipe.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut – chewy sweetness.
- Coconut oil – helps everything stick together.
- Pure vanilla extract – enhances the flavours.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – for that chocolatey flavour.
- Honey – for added sweetness.
- Dark chocolate, optional – makes the perfect coating.
Instructions
1. Combine ingredients in a food processor.
2. Mix until a crumbly dough starts to form.
3. Drop the date mixture onto wax paper and press into a block shape, keeping it about 1/2″ thick.
4. Cover in melted chocolate if desired.
5. Refrigerate until set (about 30 minutes).
6. Cut into bars and enjoy!
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
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.
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.
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.
Chocolate Coconut Date Bars
Ingredients
- 10 medjool dates
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ 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!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
So easy to make and customize. Tastes great too! Thanks for the recipe.
So glad that you enjoyed!
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.
I have not tried that myself but it would be worth testing out!
Try freezing them. They should thaw by snack time
Wondering if I could possibly freeze these for later?
You sure can! Up to 3 months in an airtight container.
This is so friggen good
Is that 1226 calories per serving?! 😳
They sound delicious though.
Nutrition info is fixed :) Thanks!
This recipe is awesome. However the calorie count is off the chart as listed: Serving: 1serving | Calories: 1226kcal
Thanks! All fixed :)
These are delicious. I toasted the coconut and used 1 Tbsp maple syrup in place of the honey. I love HU chocolate because of it’s pure and simple ingredients so I used that for the coating. I also topped it all off with some Maldon. Really appreciate this simple and nutritious treat. Thank you!
So glad that you enjoyed – thank you for the feedback <3
YUM! Whipped these up tonight, topped in three sections: plain, coconut, flaky salt. Will def be added into the rotation, thanks!
Delicious! I don’t use medjool but base my recipe on 1 medjool = 24 gm- works perfectly.
I use dark cocoa powder, and add chia seeds, unsalted pepitas and dried cranberries. I always double the recipe and find it works well to form them into logs and flatten and then cut into “bars” – pop them into the fridge using parchment paper to separate the layers. Such a great recipe thank you!
Hiya,
these are really good, do you think the recipe could be padded out with oats?
Great recipe!Thanks!
Do you think peanut butter could be added to the recipe?( and if so …how much?).
And could the mixture be rolled into balls?
I haven’t tried it this peanut butter but they can totally be rolled into balls! Enjoy :)