Simple, decadent no bake Coconut Butter Bars with an almond and pecan crust, a layer of coconut butter, a layer of date caramel and topped with dark chocolate. Buttery, sweet and well worth the effort...
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating
Keyword clean eating dessert or snack, coconut butter protein bars, coconut butter protein bars no bake, no bake coconut butter protein snack bars
Servings 12
Ingredients
Base Crust
1/2cupalmonds
1/2cuppecans
1/2cupdates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
1/4cupprotein or collagen peptides powder
Layer 1
1/2cupcoconut butter – store bought or recipe below in notes
Layer 2
1cupdates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
Chocolate Topping
3/4cupchocolate chips
1tablespooncoconut oil
Flaked coconut
Instructions
Note: If you are going to make your own coconut butter do this first so its ready when you go to make the bars. Recipe link below in notes.Line an 7 x 5-inch loaf 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.In food processor, combine all crust ingredients. Blend to a coarse, sticky mixture. Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your base crust.Remove crust from food processor and press into a lined pan.
Layer 1
If not already soft enough to spread, place coconut butter in microwave at 10 second intervals. Or, soften it by submerging the jar in a hot water bath.Pour coconut butter over crust. Place in freezer to firm.
Layer 2
Put dates in food processor and blend until a thick paste forms.Take the bars from the freezer and spread layer 2 on top of layer 1.
Chocolate Topping
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.Once melted, pour over layer 2 and sprinkle coconut flakes on top. Place the bars in the fridge to set. I recommend waiting a few hours before taking the bars out of the fridge. This ensures that each of the layers are fully set.Remove the bars from the baking dish and cut into 12 equal pieces.
Notes
Homemade Coconut ButterIf 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 skinIt’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.Go here for the recipe: Homemade Coconut Butter