I love the convenience of energy bars, but I don’t love the ingredients in most of them! I’ve made date and nut based energy bars and chia seed energy bars ( a favorite at our house), but I’ve been experimenting with a recipe that would be largely coconut based, nut free, and a healthy alternative to sugary snacks when my kids are around other kids.
The kids also requested that I include chocolate in these energy bars, and this recipe was born. To make it chocolatey I use cocoa butter and powder. If you aren’t familiar with cocoa butter, don’t be intimidated! Both cocoa butter and powder come from cacao seeds and are used to make chocolate. Cocoa butter is the fat of the cacao seeds and comes in a block or sometimes thin wafers, for easier use. I buy mine on Amazon here. Cocoa powder is made from the solids left when the fat is removed.
These yummy energy bars have been a big hit! The only downside is that they have to be refrigerated to keep their firmness, but taste-wise, they are wonderful! Do you ever make snack bars at home? What’s your favorite recipe?
Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup cocoa butter
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup honey or to taste
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1½ cups shredded coconut unsweetened
- ½ cup chia seeds or additional coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
- stevia tincture for extra sweetness optional
Instructions
- Melt the cocoa butter in a small pan over low heat.
- Add coconut oil and melt.
- Add honey and stir well.
- Stir in cocoa powder.
- Stir in the shredded coconunt and chia seeds.
- Add vanilla and stevia tincture if using.
- Pour into a parchment paper lined 9x13 baking dish and refrigerate for 1 hour or until hardened (can also freeze).
- Cut into squares/bars and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Ever made your own energy bars? What flavor do you prefer? Share below!
Oil Pulling Benefits: How to Use Coconut Oil for Healthy Teeth
can you omit the honey? I use xylitol or stevia for sweeteners
Yes, but you might need to add a little extra coconut oil for volume…
thanks for the tip!
I only have shaved coconut on hand – would that not turn out so well in these consistency-wise? I suppose I could break the coconut down some in the food processor if that’d be necessary.
I am all set to make these … and I bought the shredded coconut but I am nervous my son won’t like the overwhelming taste of the shredded coconut. Is there anything you’d sub for that part? Or is that kind of the whole point. 😉
The shredded coconut is a good source of nutrients, plus it absorbs the oils well… you could sub ground nuts or almond flour though…
You dont really taste the coconut. I love these. I could not find cocoa butter so I use 63% choc chips instead.
can you tell me the nutritious info please?
cal, carb, etc.
These are great!! Thank you for the idea/recipe!
I see on mountain rose herbs the cocoa butter wafers are $13 for 1LB. Do you know how many you are getting? And does the 28-30 wafers this recipe calls for use the whole LB? Thanks.
I haven’t counted a whole pound, but the wafers in this recipe are not anywhere near a whole pound. I think I’ve gotten at least 8 batches from the last pound I purchased…
Are the chia seeds supposed to be soaked or dry?
Dry works better in this recipe….
I’m not able to re-pin this. Anyone else having trouble? Any suggestions?
Could you add almond butter to this for added protein?
Yep! Great idea…
I didn’t see a quantity for the cocoa powder….
Fixing now… 1/2 cup
I’ve tried a couple recipes now that call for the coconut oil, and both times even thought I’ve mixed and used a hand held blender, the oil is separating. Do u know what I am doing wrong? Thx!
1/2cup it says 🙂
I’m not seeing an amount for cocoa powder. Am I missing it? Would LOVE to try these!
Hi i’ll reply to the last comment which is 1/2 cup
what i would like to know is does anyone knoe the carb/calorie count on these ?
thanks
I thought you weren’t suppose to heat honey passed a certain temperature or it becomes toxic
Not toxic, just no longer raw. If you’re heating your honey above 115 degrees, you might as well save your money and use pasturized honey.