These delicious bars will win you over with the combination of chocolate and coconut as it all just flows together so perfectly. There is nothing not to love with the super healthy bars. I originally got the inspiration to make this recipe from the classic chocolate bar – Bounty Bars, a popular coconut-filled chocolate bar. They are known for their distinctive combination of sweet, moist, and chewy coconut filling coated with a layer of milk or dark chocolate
The Coconut Candy Bar story starts in 1919 when a man called Peter Halajian sold his homemade sweets door-to-door. During WWII, a shortage of coconut and sugar caused Peter to discontinue other products to focus on Mounds Candy Bars. It wasn’t until 1948 when consumer demand for chocolate led to the creation of Almond Joy Candy Bars and Mounds Bars. The Bounty Bar was invented in 1951 by the Mars Company.
Coconut Bounty Bars, oh how I love you but it was time to have a ‘healthified’ version. And what a joy it is to have created an authentic healthy bar that tastes just like the original, but made with wholesome ingredients and doesn’t require any baking, free from additives and preservatives.
So my plan of attack: SIMPLIFY. At least where I can. Because really we are both just here to eat purple bounty bars, right? I mean I know they are called Blackberry Coconut Protein Bars and all, but deep down they are just homemade bounty bars with a berry dyed heart.
As well as being healthier, these bars are also easy to make with only a handful of ingredients. They are no-bake treats that are an awesome snack for both children and adults and are excellent quick and easy dessert that’s healthy too!
My take on the traditional bounty bar is one with less sugar, no dairy and coated in dark chocolate for a hit of antioxidants. I’ve been making these blackberry bounty bars for years and I’m still surprised at how well blackberries and coconut go together. The contrast between the sweet and nutty taste of coconut and the tartness the blackberries complement each other so well! Now we have a berry-sweetened and beautifully PURPLE version of a bounty bar, made with triple coconut; desiccated coconut, coconut oil and coconut cream.
This recipe is the perfect treat if you love coconut like I do. I’m obsessed with coconuts, they are my favorite ingredient in desserts and healthy snacks and there is three different types of coconut in this recipe.
The world is going coconuts. Following the popularity of coconut water, a broad spectrum of foods derived from the humble coconut is available. It now comes in a variety of forms from water to milk, cream, butter, oil, flour and shredded allowing for a variety of creative ways to add coconut to a healthy diet. Coconut contains a unique type of medium chain saturated fat called lauric acid that research shows raises HDL or “good” cholesterol levels, which lowers overall heart disease risk.
As a plant food, coconuts also contain disease-fighting phytochemicals or antioxidants. Research suggests that coconut products helps boost metabolism which is helpful if excess body fat needs to be lost. Just one scoop of coconut oil delivers a wide-range of healing properties. Produced in its most natural state, coconut oil will benefit you, your children and your pets. I put some into my dogs dinner regularly.
Whether you have chronic fatigue, weight problems, digestive or skin issues, or just want to give your body a good cleanse and boost your energy, coconut in any of its forms is so good for you. People trying to reduce their sugar intake often complain about the lack of sweets in their quest to get healthier. That’s because a low-carb way of eating is very focused on eliminating harmful sugar from your diet. But there are options for that lingering sweet tooth in your life.
Hence these no-bake coconut bounty bars are both low-carb and packed with healthy fats and antioxidants. Eating more healthy fats is a great way to help satisfying your sweet cravings without the sugar. Not only are these bars insanely delicious and easy to prepare, they also come with some surprising health benefits. From vitamins and minerals to plenty of healthy fats that support hormone health and neurotransmitter production, these little delights are the perfect addition to any healthy eating plan.
One little bar makes me happy in an instant. It’s soft and chewy and you are going to love this superfood candy. This recipe is a simple and delicious way to incorporate the amazing health benefits of coconut into your lifestyle, as its bursting with nutrition and good stuff. Make a batch of these and keep in the freezer or fridge for when you want a chocolate or sweet fix.
As already mentioned, this is a ‘healthified’ recipe – my version of an ‘old fashioned’ classic candy bar. The idea was to improve the macro balance (protein, carbohydrate, healthy fats). This is not about calorie counting: It’s about paying attention to key nutrients and taking in the daily recommended portion your body needs to maintain your energy levels and overall wellbeing.
This recipe is a much higher protein and healthier Bounty bar. When you find your optimal balance and amounts of macro nutrients, you take a major step toward reaching your health goals and this balance has been improved in this recipe by the addition of healthy protein in the form of protein powder. The results are amazing. This is one of the best dessert/sweet treat recipes I have made in a long time!
As a comparison here is an ingredient list in a regular Bounty Bar: Sugar, Desiccated Coconut (21%), Glucose Syrup, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Skimmed Milk Powder, Emulsifiers (Soya Lecithin, E471), Lactose, Milk Fat, Whey Powder (from Milk), Humectant (Glycerol), Salt, Natural Vanilla Extract, Milk Chocolate contains Milk Solids 14% minimum.
Ingredient list of this ‘healthified’ Bounty Bar copycat recipe: Desiccated Coconut, Coconut Cream, Coconut Oil, Blackberries, Protein Powder, Honey, Vanilla Extract, Chocolate Chips
A HUGE difference I think you will agree. I’ve ditched the huge amount of sugar in two different forms (including glucose syrup) and the other nasty looking ingredients (additives and preservatives). And…you guessed it, I’m adding the 3 types of the superfood coconut, chocolate and vanilla for us, and sending the rest to food-heaven.
In my opinion, chocolate and coconut is one of the greatest food combinations off all-time. My healthy bounty bars are filled generously with a sweet coconut filling and make a perfect alternative to their commercial counterpart.
My recipe is a healthier version, using more nutritious ingredients than the actual thing, but they still have the classic, thick shell of chocolate around them, which compliments the desiccated coconut like a match made in heaven.
Blackberry Coconut Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups desiccated coconut
- 1 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Note: Place the can of coconut cream in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.Line a 7 x 5-inch loaf pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting. Or you can use silicon candy moulds. When you are ready to make the bars, open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie,drink, or discard.Add the hardened coconut cream along with all the other coconut layer ingredients to a food processor and blend until it starts to come together into a dough like mixture.Depending on the power of your blender this might take a few minutes. Stop blending to scrape the sides if necessary and continue to blend until smooth and creamy.Scoop out into the lined loaf tin and spread evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon, then freeze for a couple of hours until set enough to slice into bars ready for the chocolate coating.
Chocolate Coating
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small bowl and microwave with 30 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth. Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.Line a tray or dish with parchment paper and set aside.Remove the bars and after checking they are firm and set, remove from pan using the parchment paper handles and cut into 8-10 bars.Skewer each bar or use 2 forks to hold each bar and dip into the bowl of melted chocolate, roll around until fully coated, then place on the parchment lined tray or dish.Or you can simply place each bar on a fork and hold it over the melted chocolate and spoon or drizzle the chocolate on top and down the sides to coat letting any excess drip back into the bowl or container.Put the bars into the freezer for 5-10 minutes for chocolate to set.Once chocolate is set and crisp, enjoy your homemade Blackberry Bounty bars.Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
