Are you craving a sweet treat that’s easy to make and delicious? Look no further! These Chocolate Drizzled Coconut Bars are a no-bake delight that combines coconut and chocolate in every bite. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Follow along as I guide you through each step to create this irresistible dessert that will keep you coming back for more!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses just a handful of wholesome ingredients, making it easy to whip up at any time.
- Deliciously Decadent: The combination of coconut and dark chocolate provides a rich flavor that feels indulgent without being overly sweet.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These bars are great for meal prepping, allowing you to have a healthy snack ready for the week.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe by adding nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for chocolate drizzle)
Optional Ingredients
– Nut butter (for added richness)
– Sea salt (for topping)
These ingredients come together to create a treat that is both simple and delicious. The unsweetened shredded coconut gives the bars a chewy texture. Almond flour adds a nutty flavor and makes them gluten-free. Maple syrup acts as a natural sweetener, while melted coconut oil binds everything together. Vanilla extract brings warmth and depth to the flavor. The dark chocolate chips and drizzle add a rich finish that makes these bars irresistible.
If you want to add a little more richness, consider using nut butter. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors. These simple ingredients ensure that you can whip up these bars quickly and easily.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
– Preparing the baking dish: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides. This helps you lift the bars out later.
– Mixing dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add 2 cups of unsweetened shredded coconut and 1 cup of almond flour. Stir them well to mix evenly. This step is key for a good texture in your bars.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
– Combining melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla: In another bowl, mix 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir until everything is fully combined. This mixture adds sweetness and flavor to the bars.
Assembling the Bars
– Incorporating dry and wet mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until it is well blended. You want a thick, sticky dough.
– Transferring to the baking dish: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly with your hands or a spatula. Make sure it is an even layer for best results.
Baking Process
– Preheating the oven: You already preheated the oven. This is important for getting the right texture.
– Baking duration and indicators: Bake the bars in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for golden brown edges. This shows they are done. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.
Chocolate Drizzle
– Melting chocolate chips with coconut oil: For the drizzle, take 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Melt them together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time. Stop when it’s smooth.
– Applying drizzle technique: Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled bars. Let the chocolate set at room temperature or pop them in the fridge to speed up the process.
Tips & Tricks
Storage Tips
To keep your chocolate drizzled coconut bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can keep them at room temperature for a few days. However, if you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. The cold helps maintain their texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
When you present these bars, slice them into neat squares. Arrange them on a nice plate or a wooden board for a rustic look. You can pair these bars with coffee or tea. The rich chocolate and coconut flavors go great with both drinks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overmixing or undermixing the batter. This can change the texture of the bars. Aim for a good mix, so everything combines well. Another mistake is not pressing the mixture firmly enough in the baking dish. Pressing it down helps the bars hold together better after baking.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Coconut: For an even more intense coconut flavor, consider using fresh shredded coconut instead of the unsweetened dried version.
- Chill for Better Slicing: After drizzling with chocolate, refrigerate the bars for about 15 minutes to help the chocolate set and make slicing easier.
- Experiment with Sweeteners: You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
- Customize Your Toppings: Add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or seeds on top of the chocolate drizzle for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
Variations
Vegan Options
You can easily make this recipe vegan. Use agave syrup instead of maple syrup for sweetness. Instead of coconut oil, try using vegetable oil or a vegan butter substitute. Both options will still give you tasty bars.
Gluten-Free Options
These bars are already gluten-free. You can switch almond flour with other gluten-free flours like oat flour or coconut flour. For toppings, try adding shredded nuts or seeds instead of chocolate. They add crunch and flavor.
Flavor Variations
To mix up the flavor, add nuts or dried fruits to the coconut mixture. Chopped almonds or raisins work great. You can also use different types of chocolate for the drizzle. Try milk chocolate or white chocolate for a unique taste. If you love coconut, add a few drops of coconut extract to boost the flavor. Each option makes the bars even better!
Storage Info
Shelf Life
Chocolate drizzled coconut bars last about a week when stored correctly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you notice any discoloration or a change in smell, it’s best to toss them. Mold or an off smell signals spoilage.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze the bars, cut them into squares first. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, move the bars to the fridge for a few hours or leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Gifting Ideas
For gifts, use a clear bag tied with a pretty ribbon. This shows off the chocolate drizzle nicely. You can also place them in a decorative box for a special touch. A handwritten note with serving suggestions adds a personal flair.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?
Yes, you can use sweetened shredded coconut. However, it will change the flavor and texture. Sweetened coconut adds extra sugar, which can make the bars overly sweet. This sweetness may overpower the coconut flavor. If you enjoy a sweeter treat, go ahead and use it. Just remember to adjust the maple syrup amount to keep balance.
How do I cut the bars cleanly?
Cutting bars cleanly is key for a nice look. Use a sharp knife for best results. Warm the knife under hot water for a few seconds before cutting. Dry it off and slice through the bars. This method reduces sticking and helps keep the edges neat. You can also use a ruler to mark even lines before cutting.
What can I use instead of almond flour?
If you need a substitute, there are great gluten-free options. Use coconut flour, which adds a nice flavor. Oat flour is another good choice and works well in this recipe. You may need to adjust the liquid amount since these flours absorb more moisture. Experiment to find which flavor you like best!
These chocolate drizzled coconut bars are simple and full of flavor. We covered all the key ingredients and steps you need. Remember to store them well for freshness. You can even tweak the recipe with vegan or gluten-free options to fit your taste. Enjoy these bars with coffee or tea for a great treat. Whether for yourself or as a gift, these bars will impress. Try making them today and enjoy every bit
