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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.

Chocolate Coconut Date Bars on a wood background.

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.

Many schools and daycares are choosing to become nut-free zones. Because of this, many parents are on the lookout for nut-free snack alternatives.

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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!

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!

Chocolate Coconut Date Bars

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

  • 10 dates
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 2 Tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 Tbsp honey

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. Refrigerate until set (about 30 minutes).
  5. Cut into bars with a pizza cutter.
Chocolate Coconut Date Bars stacked on top of each other.

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
Chocolate Coconut Date Bars cut on parchment paper.

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.

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, I hope you enjoy these chocolate coconut date bars as much as we do. And while you’re at it, give these coconut ginger date bars a try too!

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

chocolate coconut date bars

Yield: 1
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Enjoy the deliciousness of these chocolate coconut date bars! These gluten-free treats are made with wholesome ingredients for guilt-free snacking.

Ingredients

  • 10 dates
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 2 Tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 Tbsp honey

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. Refrigerate until set (about 30 minutes).
  5. Cut into bars with a pizza cutter.

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 Information:
    Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1226Total Fat: 84gSaturated Fat: 71gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 35mgCarbohydrates: 121gFiber: 24gSugar: 86gProtein: 12g

    All values are approximate and based on ingredients used by the recipe writer. Always calculate your own individual nutritional values for the most accurate calculation.

    Did you make this recipe?

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    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...

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    So easy to make and customize. Tastes great too! Thanks for the recipe.