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
Servings
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 9×13 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!
Nutrition
Notes
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!
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