Cherry-Berry Coconut Bars
Meet one of my favorite healthy no bake bars recipes. Loaded with sweet and tart dried cherries and berries, nuts, coconut and sweetened with dates. They are paleo, dairy-free, gluten-free, and perfect for healthy snacking anytime!Delicious and easy to make with basic pantry ingredients. Enjoy them for a healthy breakfast, snack or even dessert. The wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients in these chewy, nutty bars make one delicious bite that satisfies hunger!This recipe is a super healthy treat! Packed with vital nutrients these bars have a good amount of protein and healthy fats to keep you satiated and provide lots of healthy energy.If you know you have a busy week coming up, make a batch of these nutritious, energy-boosting bars for when you are rushing out the door without time for a proper breakfast. They happily pass as a quick breakfast, or a perfect snack. I love to pack these bars for road trips and flights, and moms who make these bars regularly for their kids. They are a big hit with all ages.This recipe is great for a party or family gathering too. 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 coconut, nuts, berries and dates 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 managed to include 3 different types of coconut as I’m obsessed with them, they are my favorite ingredient in desserts and healthy snacks.But that’s ok and on trend as the entire 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 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!I think it’s time to get no-baking! Get your food processor ready, we are about to turn nuts, fruit, and coconut into healthy, tasty grain free granola bars – let’s go!
Servings 20
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups almonds, or walnuts or a mix
- 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup coconut (or any nut) butter recipe - below in notes
- 1/2 cup dried blueberries
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- 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 into a food processer and process until broken down and crumbly. Add dates, desiccated coconut, coconut butter, coconut oil and continue to process until mixture is sticky and well combined. Add cherries, berries, vanilla and cinnamon and pulse a few times to combine the ingredients. Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your bars.Press the base mixture into the bottom of your pan or dish evenly. Place in the freezer for at least 1 hour to firm. Remove pan remove bar slab using the two ends of the parchment paper and set on a cutting board.Using a sharp knife, cut into 20 bars. You can wrap them in parchment individually storing in the fridge (for up to two weeks) or freezer for longer.Bars will start to melt around room temperate due to the coconut oil, so they will need to be kept chilled to stay firm.
Notes
Make your own coconut butter...
If you are anywhere near the health food or fitness circles, you have no doubt heard of coconut oil by now.
But have you ever heard of coconut butter? Oh my gosh is it good.
It tastes like the most delicious, decadent, oh-so-bad-for-you treat.
Except, it’s not. It’s actually good for you. In fact, coconut butter packs a boatload of benefits:
It’s rich in lauric acid, which boosts immunity and destroys harmful bacteria, viruses, and funguses.
It actually boosts your metabolism, which aids in weight loss and increases energy levels.
Its a superb ingredient for protecting and replenishing the hair and skin
It’s packed with healthy fats, so you feel full longer.
It’s full of essential amino acids, calcium, and magnesium.
Basically, coconut butter is just plain awesome. It’s so creamy, buttery, naturally sweet and full of nutrients, and it’s hard to believe that this tasty Homemade Coconut Butter from scratch is made with one ingredient!
You may not know this, but a jar of high-quality coconut butter can be expensive. Yes, that is one of the reasons that you should make you own - it’s unbelievably easy.
Besides being incredibly good for you, coconut butter greatly enhances the creamy texture of desserts, smoothies, ice creams, fudge and hot beverages. Even a spoonful out of the jar is not a bad thing. 😊
Go here for the recipe: Homemade Coconut Butter
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
