Description
Creamy toasted coconut date bars offer a delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavors from traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. Wholesome ingredients combine for a simple, indulgent treat that satisfies cravings and brings warmth to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) medjool dates, packed and pitted
- 2 cups (474 ml) unsweetened toasted coconut flakes
- ½ cup (118 ml) vegan dark chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup (59 ml) almond butter, natural
- 1 tsp (5 ml) coconut oil
- Additional unsweetened toasted coconut flakes for topping
Instructions
- Mixture Preparation: Pulse dates in a food processor until a dense, cohesive ball forms, then gently break apart and fold in toasted coconut flakes and almond butter, mixing until just combined.
- Pan Setup: Line a 6×6-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete bottom and side coverage.
- Layering and Chilling: Press the date-coconut mixture evenly into the pan, creating a uniform 1/2-inch thick layer, then refrigerate for 60 minutes to solidify.
- Chocolate Coating: Melt dark chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl using 15-second intervals, stirring between each cycle until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency.
- Bar Shaping and Dipping: Slice the chilled mixture into 6 equal rectangular bars, then immerse the bottom half of each bar into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
- Finishing Touches: Place dipped bars on a parchment-lined tray, drizzle remaining chocolate over the surface, sprinkle additional toasted coconut flakes, and return to the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to set completely.
- Storage and Serving: Once chocolate is firm, serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Notes
- Precision in Blending: Pulse dates carefully to prevent overprocessing, aiming for a sticky ball that holds together without becoming too smooth.
- Chill for Structure: Refrigeration is crucial for creating firm, slice-able bars that maintain their shape and texture.
- Chocolate Melting Technique: Use short microwave intervals and stir frequently to prevent chocolate from burning or seizing.
- Storage Wisdom: These bars stay fresh up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making them perfect for meal prep or quick snacks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg