Want a sweet treat that’s easy and fun to make? You’re in the right place! Today, I’ll share my easy no-bake recipe for chocolate-covered coconut bars. With just six ingredients, you can whip up this tasty snack in no time. Perfect for dessert or a quick pick-me-up, these bars are both delicious and satisfying. Let’s dive into the simple steps to make your coconut dreams come true!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
- Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of chocolate and coconut creates a rich, satisfying treat that satisfies sweet cravings without being overly heavy.
- Healthy Ingredients: Using natural sweeteners like maple syrup and healthy fats from coconut oil makes these bars a guilt-free dessert option.
- Versatile Treat: These bars can be customized with various toppings or mix-ins, such as nuts or dried fruit, allowing you to tailor them to your taste.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for melting chocolate)
Gather these simple ingredients. The unsweetened coconut gives a rich flavor. Coconut oil adds creaminess and helps bind the mix. Maple syrup or agave nectar provides sweetness. Vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma, while salt balances the flavors. Dark chocolate chips will coat the bars, making them irresistible.
You can find these ingredients at any grocery store. Make sure to check for high-quality chocolate chips. They will give your bars the best taste. You can use other sweeteners if you prefer, but maple syrup or agave nectar works best here.
Once you have everything ready, you can start making your chocolate covered coconut bars. The process is easy and fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Coconut Mixture
First, gather your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add:
- 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix these ingredients well. You want every piece of coconut to be coated. This helps blend all the flavors together.
Next, line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper over the edges. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later. Press the coconut mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish. Use a spatula or your hands to make it smooth and even.
Setting the Bars
Now, put the baking dish in the refrigerator. Let it chill for about 30 minutes. This will help the coconut layer set up nicely. After 30 minutes, check to see if it is firm. To cut the bars, lift the parchment paper out of the dish. Place the coconut layer on a cutting board. Cut it into squares or rectangles, based on your size preferences.
Melting the Chocolate
For the chocolate coating, take a microwave-safe bowl. Add:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Microwave this mixture. Heat it in 30-second bursts. Stir it after each burst until it is fully melted and smooth.
Now, dip each coconut bar into the melted chocolate. Let the extra chocolate drip off. Place the bars on a tray lined with parchment paper. Repeat this until all the bars are coated.
Finally, return the tray to the refrigerator. Let the chocolate harden for 20-30 minutes. Enjoy your delicious chocolate-covered coconut bars!
Tips & Tricks
Presentation Ideas
To make your chocolate covered coconut bars stand out, you can use simple serving ideas. Arrange the bars on a pretty plate. This brings a nice touch to your dessert table. For added flair, sprinkle some extra shredded coconut on top. It gives a fresh look and hints at the delicious coconut inside. You can also drizzle leftover melted chocolate over the bars. This creates a fun and fancy design.
Storage Tips
Storing your chocolate covered coconut bars correctly keeps them fresh. Place the bars in an airtight container. This helps maintain their taste and texture. You can keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then in foil. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. Frozen bars will stay good for about three months. Just remember to let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Pro Tips
- Chill Your Ingredients: Make sure your coconut oil is completely melted, and chill the coconut mixture in the fridge to help it set better before cutting.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for a richer flavor and smoother texture when melting.
- Coat Evenly: When dipping the bars in chocolate, make sure they are fully submerged for an even coating, and gently tap off excess chocolate to prevent pooling.
- Customize Your Bars: Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or spices to the coconut mixture for a personalized touch and extra flavor.
Variations
Different Chocolate Coating Options
You can choose between milk chocolate and dark chocolate for your bars. Milk chocolate adds a sweet and creamy touch. Dark chocolate offers a richer flavor with a hint of bitterness.
To make the chocolate even more exciting, try adding flavors. A drop of peppermint extract gives a fresh kick. Adding orange zest can bring a nice citrus twist.
Added Nut & Flavor Options
Incorporating nuts into your bars adds great texture and flavor. Chopped almonds or walnuts work well with the coconut. You can mix them into the coconut layer or sprinkle them on top.
Using flavored extracts can also enhance your bars. Almond extract adds a sweet, nutty taste. Coconut extract can boost the coconut flavor even more. Just remember to use these extracts sparingly, as a little goes a long way.
Health Benefits
Benefits of Coconut
Coconut offers many health benefits. It is high in fiber, which helps digestion. Two cups of unsweetened shredded coconut provide about 140 calories. It also has healthy fats called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These fats can provide quick energy and may help with weight loss.
Coconut oil is another star ingredient. It contains lauric acid, known for its antimicrobial properties. This means it can help fight harmful bacteria. Using coconut oil in cooking can also support heart health. It may improve cholesterol levels, making it a good choice in moderation.
Dark Chocolate Benefits
Dark chocolate is not just tasty; it has health perks too. It is packed with antioxidants, which can help protect your cells. These antioxidants can lower inflammation and may reduce your risk of chronic diseases.
Eating dark chocolate may also be good for your heart. It can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Just remember, moderation is key! Too much can add extra calories, so enjoy these chocolate-covered coconut bars as a treat.
FAQs
How to store chocolate covered coconut bars?
To keep your chocolate covered coconut bars fresh, store them in the fridge. They stay good for about two weeks. Use an airtight container to avoid moisture. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?
Yes, you can use sweetened shredded coconut. It adds extra sweetness to the bars. However, it may change the texture. Sweetened coconut is softer and may make the bars stickier. If you like a sweeter taste, this is a great choice. Just be careful not to add too much maple syrup or agave nectar.
Where to buy ingredients or premade bars?
You can find ingredients at most grocery stores. Look for unsweetened shredded coconut, coconut oil, and dark chocolate chips in the baking aisle. Health food stores and online retailers also carry these items. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill and Ghirardelli offer great options. For premade bars, check local health food stores or online platforms like Amazon. Look for brands that focus on natural ingredients.
You learned how to make tasty coconut bars. We discussed the key ingredients like unsweetened coconut and dark chocolate. I shared easy steps for mixing and setting your bars. We also covered tips for storage and presentation.
Try different chocolate or nut options to mix it up. Remember, these bars are great for your health too. Enjoy your new recipe and share it with friends!
