A “healthy” Mounds protein bar is not sold commercially but can be made at home with whole-food ingredients. Recipes typically call for a creamy coconut filling covered in chocolate. Just 4 ingredients are needed for these babies.

Let the coconut craze continue. I was craving coconut yet again, and wanted to come up with a new coconut recipe. Naturally, it had to be quick, and not contain a bunch of ingredients.

I’m pretty sure I disliked coconut desserts as a kid… Mounds and Almond Joys were far from my list of favorite candies. But, as an adult my taste buds have done a 180. Coconut is one of my favorite baking ingredients and I love any coconut flavored dessert.

This homemade Mounds bars recipe is an excellent replacement for the conventional candy bar. It’s healthy, made with a few wholesome, real-food ingredients and the flavor is phenomenal! Its interesting to note that Mounds was the first coconut-filled chocolate bar to be sold This recipe is 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 or butter 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 no-bake coconut protein bars are both low-carb and 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 are these coconut treats insanely delicious and easy to prepare, they also comes with some surprising health benefits. From vitamins and minerals to plenty of healthy fats that support hormone health and neurotransmitter production, these little delights are the perfect addition to any healthy eating plan. One little bar makes me happy in an instant. It’s soft and chewy and you are going to love this superfood candy. They are really addictive, just like the  traditional Mounds bar, but a whole lot healthier!

You can have some fun with this recipe too. Try rolling the bars in ground almonds, cocoa powder, or toasted coconut. Add in some chocolate chips or freeze dried fruit or dip or drizzle with white or dark melted chocolate for a special occasion. Or top with sprinkles for a party.

I gotta say although this recipe is pretty darn close to the original Mounds bar there are some pretty big differences. You can see what’s in my version below, but here’s what’s in a store bought Bounty bar:

Ingredients: Sugar, Desiccated Coconut, Glucose Syrup (Sources Include Wheat), Milk Solids, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Invert Sugar, Vegetable Fat, Emulsifiers (471, Soy Lecithin), Humectant (Glycerol), Salt, Natural, Flavour (Vanilla Extract), Peanut. Milk Chocolate contains a minimum of 25% Cocoa Solids and 22% Milk Solids. Allergens: Contains Soy, May Be Present Tree Nuts, May Be Present Barley, Contains Milk, May Be Present Egg, Contains Wheat

Not something I want to eat on a regular basis…that’s for sure.

My ingredients in this ‘healthified’ recipe:

Desiccated Coconut, Condensed Milk, Chocolate Chips, Coconut Oil

Just 4 simple ingredients to copy the popular sweet ‘Mounds bar and made them way healthier. Even without sugar these Mounds ‘knock-offs’ taste just like the real thing.  I have left out everything nasty, so you can enjoy tropical tasting chocolate treats completely guilt free. They are paleo, keto-friendly and you will never feel like you are missing out with these in your fridge.

Healthier Mounds Protein Bar Recipe

This easy Mounds bars copycat recipe is a healthy spin on the classic candy bars. They have a delicious, slightly crumbly and slightly chewy coconut cream filling that is perfectly sweet and oh so very “coconutty” that is shaped, chilled and then coated in chocolate. These are a healthy (and delicious) alternative to your favorite coconut candy bar!

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword clean eating candy, clean eating dessert or snack, copycat mounds bar recipe, healthier mounds protein bar recipe, healthier protein bounty bars, protein mounds bar recipe

Servings 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups desiccated coconut
• 1/2 cup condensed milk, store bought or sugar free homemade recipe below in notes

Chocolate Coating

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions

• Note: If you are using homemade condensed milk, make this first so its ready to go when you wish to make the bars. If using homemade, you may need a little bit of extra sweetener to the bar mixture. Taste test the blended coconut filling and add a tablespoon or two or honey or maple syrup if needed. There is sweetener in the chocolate coating and this was enough for me.

  In a medium bowl, combine the coconut and condensed milk.

  Mix until the coconut is fully coated and the mixture is sticky.

  Using your hands, shape the coconut mixture into 8-10 small rectangular bars.

  Place the shaped bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  Freeze the bars for 15-20 minutes, or until firm.

Chocolate Coating

• 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.

  Remove the bars and after checking they are firm and set. Working quickly, using two forks, dip one bar at a time into the bowl of melted chocolate until it is fully coated.Lift the bar from the bowl of chocolate and let any excess drip off, then place it onto a tray lined with baking paper. Repeat with the remaining bars.

  Or hold each one with a fork over the melted chocolate and spoon it over letting the excess drip back into the bowl. 

  Chill until chocolate has set.

  Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.

Notes

Homemade Condensed Coconut Milk

Elevate your dessert game with my sugar free condensed milk recipe.

Avid bakers are all too familiar with sweetened condensed milk, but what about those of us who love to bake but need to cut out excess sugar?

There aren’t too many sugar-free varieties on the market, and the ones I’ve tried… miss the mark. So, I came up with a sugar-free version of classic condensed milk, and now I use it in everything!

There are some recipes that are just better with condensed milk (think fudge and ice cream!)

This is a super simple recipe that creates a delicious sugar free condensed milk, perfect for eating straight out the jar or in your favourite recipes!

Go here for the recipe: Sugar Free Homemade Condensed Coconut Milk

Print Recipe

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