I am back with another no-bake coconut caramel bar recipe. Its safe to say I really have a thing for them! I just love that you can pop a few ingredients in a blender, layer them up, chill, cut into bars and call it a healthy snack or dessert. That said, it took me a few attempts to get these layers just right so all the flavours balance out without one overpowering the other.
You know I love, love, love bar desserts. They are quick to make, easy to serve, and the flavor possibilities are endless. These coconut, caramel bars were an immediate favorite! These three flavours – coconut, chocolate and caramel deliciousness go together like peas in a pod. A match made in heaven you might say.
They are a decadent healthy treat that tastes amazing, protein-rich, low in calories and low in sugar. They taste far more indulgent than they actually are. If you are you craving something sweet but want to keep it on the healthier side, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth for sure.
The texture of these no bake bars is a yummy combination of creamy and crunchy. As you take your first bite, you will experience the smoothness of the coconut crust combined with deliciousness of date caramel then the satisfying crunch of the chocolate topping. Oh my!
Although it’s quick and convenient to pick up a protein bar at the grocery checkout line, sometimes (mostly) homemade versions of protein bars are just BETTER! There is something to making it from scratch without any of the “extra” ingredients in manufactured products.
These bars wound up being a total hit in my house too, by the way, devoured by kids and adults alike. I mean, in two weeks I have already made two batches and they have all gone. Are they addicting? YES – you have been warned! Just one bite, and you will see why these delicious bars will become a solid favorite!
More reasons to love this recipe:
These Coconut Bars are really easy to make, they are deceptive too; they taste like they are filled with naughtiness, but in reality, they are filled with nice! They are 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.
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 healthier coconut caramel bars are packed with healthy fats and antioxidants. Eating more healthy fats is a great way to help satisfying your sweet cravings without the sugar.
These bars have an amazing texture too! Dates give this recipe incredible sweetness and flavour, bind the bar together and make it so deliciously chewy! Dates are also loaded with fibre, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants.
Plus they contain antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to support brain, digestive, and heart health and protect against disease. You don’t get that from sugar – nothing to see there but empty calories.
Low calories? Not really! But, these are all good ingredients – REAL food. Portion control is key, but one square of this is a good portion and curbs a sweet craving. No baking is required here, just need to put them in the freezer to set. They can also be kept in the freezer the whole time which is actually a good thing, as these could easily tempt you to eat them all. 😊
These scrummy bars are the perfect addition to any healthy eating plan.
One bar makes me happy in an instant. It’s soft and chewy and you are going to love them. This recipe is a simple and delicious way to incorporate the amazing health benefits of coconut into your lifestyle.
Coconut Caramel Protein Bars
Ingredients
Coconut Base Layer
- 1 1/2 cups coconut flour
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder, plain or vanilla
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
Date Caramel Layer
- 1 1/2 cups dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1/4 cup any milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Line a 7×5-inch loaf pan parchment paper allowing extra to hang over edges, or use a silicone pan. Set aside.
Coconut Base Layer
- In a medium bowl, add coconut flour, honey, protein powder and coconut oil. Use spoon or spatula to fully combine. Allow dough to rest for a few minutes so coconut flour absorbs moisture.
Date Caramel Layer
- While dough is resting, add dates, milk and vanilla extract to a food processor and process until smooth. (You may need to scrape down the blender cup/bowl a couple times.) A few bits of dates remaining is okay. Spread coconut flour dough into lined loaf pan, pressing flat and evenly into all four corners. Add date paste and use spatula to spread an even layer onto base.Place in fridge while you melt the chocolate topping.
Chocolate Topping
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 20 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.Pour melted chocolate into pan over the date caramel layer and spread smooth with a spatula or back of a spoon.Place pan in fridge and allow bars to set for 20-30 minutes. Once the bars have set, lift out and place on cutting board. Using a large sharp knife slice bars into 6-8 bars or more smaller squares. Bars can be enjoyed at room temperature but store in container in 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
