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Chocolate Coconut Slice
Coconut and chocolate are historically tried and tested pairings that never let us down! A match made in heaven and joining these two in the same recipe is always pretty much a guarantee of success. Whatever the consistency, or however they are used, each of these two ingredients has always been a hit, but today's recipe for chocolate coconut bars take morishness to a whole new level! A crunchy chocolate shell envelops this soft and sweet filling that children and grown-ups will love! You too can prepare these coconut and chocolate bars: they are so simple to make, the perfect addition to any birthday buffet. Or if you wish to give a gift to someone this recipe is ideal, simply cut into smaller squares and place in a cellophane bag tied with a nice bow!This recipe is great for a party or family gathering. We all love “bar” style desserts for hosting in general, just prep and slice in advance for the easiest serving!Whatever occasion you make them for, I promise you they will get gobbled up.It only takes a few minutes to put them together and the combination of chocolate, coconut and nuts really just flows together so perfectly. They hit all the craving notes, sweet, a little salty, crunchy and chewy. This recipe is the perfect treat if you love coconut like I do too. 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, sugar, 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.These coconut bars are perfect for the coconut lovers in your life. They are buttery, sweet and packed with as much coconut as I could get in there!Because it is made with 3 different layers, the look of this recipe is also very appealing, which makes it an interesting option to surprise guests or take to friends’ houses.It’s guaranteed that everyone will want to give a bite. They will ask you for the recipe.
Ingredients
Base Crust
- 1 cup almonds, walnuts or a mix
- 1 cup dates, soaked at least 30 minutes and drained
- 1/2 cup oats, instant or quick
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/4 cup cocoa or cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coconut Layer
- 2 cups desiccated coconut
- 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Toppings
- Shredded coconut
- Course sea salt
Instructions
Base Crust
- Note: Place the can of coconut cream or milk in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.Make the crust first. Line an 8 x 8” baking 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.Place almonds and coconut into a food processer and process until broken down and crumbly. Add dates, oats, cocoa and vanilla and continue to process until mixture is sticky and well combined. Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture and different sized “bits” in your base crust.Scoop mixture into the bottom of your pan or dish evenly. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
Coconut Layer
- 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.Place all filling ingredients, desiccated coconut, coconut cream, coconut oil, honey and vanilla into the food processor and process until smooth and creamy. 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 very smooth. Taste test add more honey or vanilla if you think it needs it.Scoop the filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon, then place back in the refrigerator.
Chocolate Coating
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave at 50% power 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.Once melted and smooth, pour the chocolate topping over your slice, spreading it out to cover the middle layer. Place the slice in the fridge to set for five minutes before sprinkling with coconut and/or sea salt.Return to the fridge to set completely. To serve, cut into12-16 bars or slices depending on the size you prefer.Serve immediately, or keep it in the fridge for about 4 days.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites