Chocolate Coconut Snack Bars

Name: Chocolate Coconut Snack Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup almond butter; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Soft Collection

I love making these Chocolate Coconut Snack Bars for a quick and satisfying treat. Every time I prepare them, the simple combination of rich chocolate and chewy coconut brings back wonderful memories of baking in my grandmother's kitchen. The best part? They come together in no time, and I can customize the sweetness and texture to my liking. These bars have become a favorite among friends and family, proving to be the perfect snack for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do!

Created by

Briony Ashcroft

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:53:35.250Z

When I first tried making Chocolate Coconut Snack Bars, I was amazed by how easy and fulfilling the process was. I played around with the proportions of chocolate and coconut until I found the perfect balance, resulting in a delightfully chewy texture that I absolutely love. The key is to let the mixture cool slightly before pressing it into the pan, which helps to achieve that ideal blend of ingredients.

One aspect that I particularly enjoy about these bars is their versatility. You can easily add nuts or other dried fruits to enhance the flavor, making each batch unique. I often experiment with almond slices or dried cranberries to create different variations that my family adores. These bars have quickly become a staple in my kitchen!

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        Rich chocolate flavor combined with natural coconut sweetness
A perfect grab-and-go snack for busy days
Customizable with your favorite nuts and dried fruits

      

The Role of Coconut and Chocolate

The combination of shredded unsweetened coconut and dark chocolate creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures in these snack bars. The coconut adds a chewy bite while also providing natural sweetness, allowing you to control the overall sugar content of the bars. Using dark chocolate—not only enhances the flavor with its rich, slightly bitter profile but also contributes antioxidants that add nutritional value to your snack. This pairing means that each bite is both satisfying and indulgent.

Natural oils from coconut can help bind the ingredients, making it easier to hold the bars together without relying heavily on additional sweeteners. This binding property is essential to achieve a firm, yet tender texture once chilled. Ensure you use high-quality chocolate; look for bars with a cacao content of at least 70%. It will yield a richer chocolate flavor that pairs wonderfully with the coconut, elevating your bars.

Customizing Your Snack Bars

One of the most enjoyable aspects of making these Chocolate Coconut Snack Bars is customizing them to suit your taste preferences. You can easily add in your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. For a protein boost, consider mixing in 1/2 cup of chopped almonds or walnuts. If you prefer a touch of tartness, a handful of dried cranberries or cherries can complement the rich chocolate beautifully.

Additionally, the sweetener used can be adjusted. If you're looking for a lower glycemic index option, use less honey or maple syrup than the recipe suggests and replace it with ripe mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce. This not only changes the sweetness level but also alters the texture slightly, making them more portable and chewy, perfect for on-the-go snacking.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your own delicious Chocolate Coconut Snack Bars:

Ingredients

2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup almond butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Make sure to mix well for a delightful taste!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Chocolate Coconut Snack Bars:

Melt the Chocolate and Combine Ingredients

In a small saucepan, melt the dark chocolate chips over low heat. Stir in the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Remove from heat.

Mix in Coconut

Add the shredded coconut to the melted chocolate mixture and stir until well combined.

Press into a Pan

Line a square baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the dish and press it down firmly to create an even layer.

Chill and Slice

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm. Once set, lift the mixture out of the dish and cut into squares or bars.

Enjoy your Homemade Chocolate Coconut Snack Bars!

Pro Tips

For a sweeter version, feel free to add mini chocolate chips into the mixture before chilling.

Storage Tips

Once your Chocolate Coconut Snack Bars are cut into squares or rectangles, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh for about two weeks. For longer storage, consider wrapping individual bars in parchment paper, placing them in a freezer-safe bag, and freezing them. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Simply thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying them.

If you notice your bars are becoming too soft in the warm weather, you could also store them in the freezer for a cool treat that’s refreshing during hot days. This way, they remain perfectly firm, offering a satisfying crunchy texture while retaining the chewy coconut goodness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your bars don't hold together as expected, it’s likely due to insufficient binding from the coconut or almond butter. Make sure to press the mixture down firmly in the pan, ensuring it’s as compact as possible. Overwhelming the mix with too many add-ins can also lead to crumbling; stick to the recommended amounts of extras to maintain structural integrity.

On the other hand, if your bars are too dense and hard, you might have melted the chocolate at too high a temperature, causing it to seize. Melting chocolate should always be done over low heat, stirring often until it's smooth and glossy. Additionally, letting the bars chill longer than the suggested time in the fridge can help them achieve the perfect texture before cutting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?

Yes, but it will make the bars sweeter, so you may want to adjust the amount of honey or syrup.

→ How long do these bars last?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! Wrap them individually and store in the freezer for up to three months.

→ What can I substitute for almond butter?

You can use peanut butter, sunbutter, or any nut/seed butter of your choice.