Chocolate Coconut Nut Energy Bars

These energy bars are the perfect balance between indulgence and health. They’re little bundles of joy packed with nourishing whole ingredients that taste absolutely delicious. I love having them around for an afternoon pick me up or a desert after dinner. 

The best part about these little deserts is that they won’t spike your glucose levels and here’s why. 

The incorporation of healthy fats from nuts, which not only elevate the flavor of the bars, are packed with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats play a crucial role in maintaining optimal health and for our satiety (Satiety refers to the feeling of fullness and satisfaction that occurs after eating). Healthy fats have the ability to positively influence blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. They do this by acting as a natural barrier, slowing down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. So, pairing healthy fats with dates, agave, and chocolate are a great combo. 

I also love that you can play around with the ingredients in the recipe to make it your own. Try a different nut blend, add fruit, take out the coconut, etc. Additional ideas below.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted dates, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and drained

• 1/2 cup cashews

• 1/2 cup almonds

• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

• 3 tablespoons chia seeds

• 2 tablespoons agave syrup (you can substitute w/honey)

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

• 50g HU chocolate, chopped into small chunks

Method:

1. First layer: Nut blend

• Soak the dates in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them. Drain them well afterward.

• Chop the HU chocolate into small chunks.

• In a food processor, pulse the cashews and almonds until they are finely chopped, but not powdery.

• Add in the chia seeds, dates, agave, and pulse again. 

•  Some texture is good for the bites.

• Layer your nut blend into the bottom of a pan

• Put in the freezer while you make the second layer. 

1. Second layer: Coconut 

• Clean the food processor and add shredded coconut, melted coconut oil and the other half of the agave. 

• Blend until it’s all combined and sticky. 

• Add the coconut layer over the nut blend and return to the freezer. 

1. Third layer: Chocolate chunks

• Melt the HU chocolate over the stove top w/a tablespoon of coconut oil stirring frequently. 

• You can do this in a double boiler or directly over the heat just stirring constantly making sure not to burn the chocolate. 

• The chocolate will melt quickly, stir for about 2-3 minutes over medium to low heat 

• Layer the chocolate over the nut and coconut blend with a spatula

1. Chill:

• Place the energy bar’s in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to to let the chocolate firm up.

1. Serve:

• Once chilled and firm, your chocolate coconut nut energy bars are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes: 

You can adjust the sweetness of the bars by adding more or less agave (substitute for honey). I’ve also made these with pistachios, hazelnuts, and brazil nuts. Play around with the blend you like the most. If you’re wanting something fruity I like adding a layer of raspberries on top of the chocolate. I’ve also added in vanilla extract and rum extract (different times) for a boost of flavor. 

Bon Appétit

Start your health journey