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Kids are snackers. I make sure they have a filling and nutrient-packed breakfast every morning and I don’t encourage snacking near mealtime. However, when they’re playing outside and burning off energy or going through a growth spurt they’re going to need snacks from time to time.
These chocolate coconut energy bars fit the bill perfectly. They’re tasty, full of fiber and healthy fats, and they’re quick and easy to make.
3 Varieties of Wellness Mama Energy Bars
I love the convenience of energy bars, but I don’t love the ingredients in store-bought ones. So, of course, I’ve created my own versions.
My first and one of my very most favorite creations is my wellness energy bars. The ingredients are simple: chopped nuts, pureed dates and raisins for sweetness and binding the whole thing together, and cinnamon. It’s simple, tasty, nutritious, and portable.
Next, I created chia seed energy bars. I love to use chia seeds because of their awesome nutrient attributes. They’re full of fiber, antioxidants, calcium, omega-3s, and give a great energy boost. Read more about them in this post.
Finally, I’ve created the star of this post; the chocolate coconut energy bar. I wanted a recipe that would be largely coconut-based and nut-free. And the kids had one request… chocolate!
Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars
These bars come together really quickly with minimal dishes. To make the mixture chocolatey I use a combination of cocoa butter and cocoa 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 (which are easier to use). I buy mine on Amazon here.
If you don’t have cocoa butter and don’t want to bother with it, you can absolutely just use additional coconut oil. The bars won’t be quite as rich, but they’ll still be very delicious.
An important note on these energy bars: unlike my wellness energy bars, these aren’t portable. The low melting point of the cocoa butter and coconut oil means that they have to be kept cool to maintain their shape. After they’re chilled I cut them into bars and keep them in the fridge.
These yummy energy bars have been a big hit! Do you ever make snack bars at home? What’s your favorite recipe? I might try something with dried cherries next. This one looks like my kind of recipe.
Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ½ cup cocoa butter (or additional 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 extract (for extra sweetness, optional)
Instructions
- Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper.
- Melt the coconut oil and cocoa butter in a small pan over low heat.
- Add the honey and stir well.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder, shredded coconunt, and chia seeds.
- Add the vanilla and stevia tincture, if using.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and refrigerate for 1 hour or until hardened (you can also freeze it to speed up the process).
- Cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Like this recipe? Check out my new cookbook, or get all my recipes (over 500!) in a personalized weekly meal planner here!
Ever made your own energy bars? What flavor do you prefer? Share below!
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.
I used 1-minute oats in place of coconut. It was amazing.
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.