Chocolate Almond Coconut Energy Bars

Name: Chocolate Almond Coconut Energy Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup medjool dates, pitted; 1 cup almonds; 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut; 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Highlighted under: Easy Desserts Collection

I love making my own energy bars at home, and these Chocolate Almond Coconut Energy Bars are a personal favorite! The blend of dark chocolate, crunchy almonds, and chewy coconut creates a delicious snack that keeps me energized throughout the day. They are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal time. Perfect for quick breakfasts or as a midday treat, these bars are not only satisfying but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Let's dive into this delightful recipe!

Created by

Prudence Whitby

Last updated on 2026-01-19T21:17:39.677Z

When I first tried to create my own energy bars, I was overwhelmed with the options out there. But then, I realized that all I needed was a few wholesome ingredients that I loved! My favorite combination ended up being chocolate, almonds, and coconut, bringing together a sweet and savory flavor that is simply irresistible.

What sets these energy bars apart is the balance of flavors and textures; the crunch of almonds pairs perfectly with the chewiness of dates and coconut. Plus, the honey binds everything together while adding just a hint of sweetness. I often make a double batch, so I always have them on hand for busy days!

Why You Will Love These Bars
Decadent chocolate flavor with a nutty crunch
Naturally sweetened with wholesome ingredients
Perfect for on-the-go snacking or meal prepping

Ingredient Insights

The foundation of these energy bars is the medjool dates, which serve as the primary sweetener and binder. Their natural sweetness and sticky texture help hold the other ingredients together while adding a caramel-like flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly. When selecting dates, choose ones that are soft and plump, as dry dates can lead to a crumbly texture in the final product. I recommend checking for freshness; they should have a glossy appearance without any signs of crystallization.

Almonds not only provide a crunchy contrast to the chewy dates and coconut but also bring healthy fats and protein to the bars. For a different flavor profile, walnuts or pecans can be substituted in equal amounts. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them can enhance their flavor significantly. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are golden and aromatic.

Texture & Flavor Development

The combination of sweet, rich chocolate and nutty almonds creates a harmonious flavor balance. By using dark chocolate chips, you enhance both the health benefits and the taste; dark chocolate is lower in sugar and provides antioxidants. For those who prefer a sweeter bar, using semi-sweet chocolate chips is a great alternative, but adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup accordingly to maintain the recipe's overall sweetness.

Achieving the perfect texture is key to a satisfying energy bar. When processing the ingredients, aim to pulse just enough to combine them while retaining some chunkiness in the almonds. This not only provides a satisfying crunch but also prevents the bars from becoming overly dense. If you find the mixture too dry, a dash of water can help achieve the right consistency before pressing it into the baking dish.

Ingredients

For the Energy Bars

1 cup medjool dates, pitted
1 cup almonds
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture

In a food processor, pulse the medjool dates until they form a paste. Add the almonds, shredded coconut, dark chocolate chips, honey, and sea salt. Process until well combined, but make sure to leave some almond chunks for texture.

Form the Bars

Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the dish and press it firmly into an even layer. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring it's compact.

Chill and Cut

Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up. Once set, lift the mixture out using the parchment paper and cut it into bars of your desired size.

Pro Tips

Store these energy bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can experiment with different nuts or add dried fruits for variety!

Make-Ahead Tips

These energy bars are fantastic for meal prep and can be made in advance for convenience. Once you have cut them into bars, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them; simply wrap each bar individually in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer for a cool, refreshing snack or left to thaw at room temperature for a bit before eating.

If you're looking to vary your flavors, consider adding in different mix-ins such as dried fruits, seeds, or spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract. You could also drizzle some melted chocolate over the cut bars for an extra touch of indulgence. Just be careful not to overload the bars with too many extra ingredients, as this can affect their ability to hold together.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your bars crumble when you try to cut them, it's likely that the mixture was processed too dry. Next time, ensure that the medjool dates are soft enough and fully blended with the other ingredients, or add a little more honey or maple syrup to help bind the mixture. Conversely, if your mixture is too sticky and hard to handle, you could add a small amount of oats or nut flour to help absorb some moisture.

To ensure your bars have a uniform thickness, be sure to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the lined baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands, compact the mixture down to avoid air pockets. If they seem too thin, consider using a smaller dish next time or doubling the recipe to make thicker bars that are more substantial and filling.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Absolutely! You can substitute almonds with walnuts, cashews, or your favorite nut.

→ Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients used in these bars are naturally gluten-free.

→ How do I store the energy bars?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes! Just use maple syrup instead of honey to make them completely plant-based.