Chocolate Coconut Cashew Bars

Love coconut and chocolate together? Got ya covered with these no bake heavenly “to-die-for’ bars. They consist of a base layer of cashews and coconut topped with a chocolate coconut frosting for a rich, delectable dessert or healthy treat.

Made with simple, clean ingredients they are perfect as gift-giving treats or when you are craving candy bars only these are way better! You can also customize them easily with your own creative twists!

Are coconut products healthy?

As a long term fitness professional who is immersed in the health and wellness field, it’s fun to keep tabs on the latest trends. Traditionally, many trends over the last decade or more have (unfortunately) revolved around elimination diets in which certain foods or food groups are restricted or eliminated entirely. Think grains, dairy, carbs, fats, meat and so on.

In their place came foods marketed as low-calorie, low-fat, low-this,low-that were usually interpreted by novice consumers to mean “healthy”, right?

However, we are now finally starting to see a paradigm shift. People are beginning to change their mindset around food and paying closer attention to not only the nutrition label, but also the ingredients.

Consumers are becoming more interested in ADDING more nutritious ingredients to their diet, as opposed to eliminating foods or entire food groups.

What perhaps is even more exciting is that fat is no longer demonized. Items like coconut oil, avocado oil, and nut flours are being used more widely for their nutritional benefits with less emphasis on their caloric value.

These chocolate coconut bars 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 good for you chocolate coconut 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.

Not only is this candy replacement insanely delicious and easy to prepare, it also comes with some surprising health benefits. From vitamins and minerals to plenty of healthy fats that support hormone health and neurotransmitter production, these scrummy bars are the perfect addition to any healthy eating plan.

One small square 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.

There are 3 different types of coconut products in these bars, they are literally bursting with nutrition and good stuff you can feel good about eating.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword chocolate coconut cashew bars, clean eating candy, clean eating candy recipe, clean eating dessert or snack, coconut cashew bars no bake, healthy coconut bars

Servings 12

Ingredients

Base Layer

• 2 cups cashews, soaked 3+ hours and drained
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

Chocolate Coconut Frosting

• 1 cup coconut butter - store bought or homemade recipe link below in notes
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons milk to thin to desired consistency

Instructions

Base Layer

• If you are going to be making your own coconut butter for the chocolate frosting on these bars, make it first so its ready when you go to make the bars. Recipe link below in notes.

  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 or cutting.

  Add cashews to food processor and blend for 2-3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary from time to time. You want to process the nuts until they start to form somewhat of a paste.

  Add oats, desiccated coconut, coconut oil and honey and blend for another 2-3 minutes, until ingredients form a dough like texture.

  Scoop dough out into the lined pan and press down, spreading evenly to all edges using a spatula or back of a spoon.

  Place in fridge while you make the chocolate frosting.

   

Chocolate Coconut Frosting

• Blend all ingredients in food processor until smooth, adding the milk one tablespoon at a time until the consistency is spreadable.

  Let the food processor run long enough to gently warm and smooth the frosting (one to two minutes in a cooler room temperature when the coconut butter will be quite hard; less in warmer room temperatures).

  Spoon the chocolate topping over the chilled base mixture distributing it evenly with the back of a spoon.

  Sprinkle with coconut flakes and sea salt.

  Freeze for 1 hour or refrigerate for 3 hours before slicing into 12 bars or more smaller squares depending on your preference.

  Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

   

Notes

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.  😊

Once you start using it, you'll find many other ways to sneak it into your diet. 

Coconut Butter Recipe here:

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