Chocolate Coconut Bars

Calling all coconut fans. These delicious Chocolate and Coconut Bars are a great snack that won’t send your blood sugar levels flying sky high. Coconut butter and oil are the richest natural sources of MCTs (Medium-Chain Triglyceride). MTCs can help with improving glucose tolerance as they are used for energy rather than being stored in the body like other types of fats.

You will be able to happily and healthily satisfy your sweet tooth with these wholesome chocolate coconut bars. Three layers combined into one of the best healthy treats you will ever taste. The creamy coconut layer and delicious chocolate mousse topping will melt in your mouth.⠀

 

Course Dessert, Snack

Ingredients

Base

• 1 cup almonds or walnuts or a mix
• 1/2 cup dates, soaked at least 30 minutes and drained
• 1 cup desiccated coconut
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup cocoa or cacao powder

Coconut Filling

• 1 13.5oz coconut cream or milk, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
• 1 cup coconut butter, store bought or recipe below in notes
• 1 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

Chocolate Mousse Topping

• 1 13.5oz coconut cream or milk, full fat (solid part only) see note below
• 8 oz chocolate chips (about 1½ cups)

Instructions

Base

• Line an 8 inch square brownie pan with cling film.

  In a food processor add almonds and process until broken down and crumbly.  Add dates, coconut, coconut oil and cocoa powder and process into a thick sticky dough.

  Press into the base of the brownie pan and place in freezer for about 10 minutes.

Coconut Filling

• Note: You will need to place 2 cans of coconut cream or milk (1 for the coconut layer and 1 for the chocolate topping) in the refrigerator for at least two hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.

  Open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and floated to the top for both the coconut filling and the chocolate topping.

  Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, or to drink, or discard.

  To prepare the coconut layer add solid part of coconut cream/milk, coconut oil, coconut butter and honey in a small saucepan and combine over low-medium heat until melted. Fold in desiccated coconut and mix well.

  Pour coconut mixture on top of the base mix in the brownie pan and place back in the freezer to firm up.

Chocolate Mousse Topping

• Fill a small saucepan with an inch of water and place a heat-safe bowl over the top of the pot, creating a double boiler. Place the chocolate chips in the top bowl, then bring the water to a boil to gently melt the chocolate chips.

  Stir occasionally, until the chocolate is smooth. (Alternatively, you can use a microwave to melt the chocolate at half power in 20-30-second intervals.)

  Remove the bowl from the heat and use a whisk to stir in the coconut cream. Transfer the melted chocolate to a larger bowl, if needed, for mixing.

  Once the mixture is silky smooth, you can top your coconut layer with this mix or take a further step and whip the frosting so it resembles whipped cream.

  If you wish to do this, place the bowl in the fridge to chill until firm, up to 4 hours. (It can be ready in as little as 1 hour; you will just need to check on it if you are in a hurry. You can also leave it in the fridge overnight.)

  When you are ready to serve this frosting, remove the bowl from the fridge and use a hand mixer (or stand mixer) to whip the frosting until it's lighter in colour and fluffy-looking.

  This frosting is sturdy enough to sit out at a party for a couple of hours, but just like any frosting, it could start to melt if you place it in a warm place for too long.

  Keep any leftovers chilled in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

  This topping will also spread easily on your favourite cake or cupcakes, or you can transfer it to a piping bag to be piped onto cupcakes.

  Feel free to eat this frosting/mousse on its own as a dessert topped with fresh berries or toasted coconut or as a frosting for cake/cupcakes. Yea

Notes

For the recipe for homemade coconut butter go here:  Coconut Butter

Print Recipe

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