Coconut Chocolate Chip Larabars

$To make Coconut Chocolate Chip Larabars, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup dates, pitted - 1 cup raw almonds - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if desired) - 1 tablespoon coconut oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of sea salt Each ingredient in these bars brings great value. Dates serve as a natural sweetener. They are full of fiber and energy. Raw almonds add protein and healthy fats. They help keep you full and satisfied. Unsweetened shredded coconut gives a nice texture and flavor. It also provides healthy fats. Dark chocolate chips add a touch of sweetness and rich taste. They can even boost your mood! Coconut oil helps bind everything together. It adds a creamy flavor that enhances the taste. Lastly, vanilla extract brings warmth to the bars, making them even more delicious. You can make these bars your own with easy swaps. If you don’t have dates, try using dried figs or prunes. They will still add natural sweetness. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seeds instead of almonds. They give a nice crunch too. If you want to change the flavor, try using maple syrup instead of coconut oil. It will add a different sweetness. You can also mix in other toppings like chia seeds or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. The options are endless! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make these Coconut Chocolate Chip Larabars, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need dates, raw almonds, shredded coconut, dark chocolate chips, coconut oil, vanilla, and sea salt. 1. Combine Ingredients in a Food Processor: First, place the dates and almonds in your food processor. Pulse them together until they look like fine crumbs. This step breaks down the nuts and softens the dates. 2. Add the Rest: Next, add the shredded coconut, dark chocolate chips, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. 3. Pulse Until Clumpy: Pulse the mixture again. You want it to stick together when pressed. This means it's ready for the next step. 4. Prepare Your Dish: Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later. 5. Press the Mixture: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down evenly. Make sure it’s compact and flat. 6. Refrigerate: Put the dish in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the bars firm up. 7. Cut the Bars: Once firm, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into bite-sized squares with a sharp knife. Using a food processor makes this recipe easy. Here are some tips: - Pulse, Don’t Blend: Pulsing gives you better control. It prevents the nuts from turning into butter. - Scrape the Sides: Stop and scrape the sides of the bowl. This helps mix everything evenly. - Don’t Overprocess: You want a sticky texture, not a smooth paste. Getting the right texture is key for these bars. Here’s how to ensure you achieve it: - Sticky Mixture: The mixture should hold together when squeezed. If it’s too dry, add a little more coconut oil. - Press Firmly: When you press the mixture into the dish, use your body weight. This makes the bars hold their shape better. - Chill Well: Don’t skip the chilling step. It helps the bars become firmer and easier to cut. With these steps, you'll make tasty Coconut Chocolate Chip Larabars that are healthy and fun to eat! Store your Coconut Chocolate Chip Larabars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you want to store them longer, try freezing them. Wrap each bar in parchment paper before placing them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you want to enjoy one, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. These bars are great on their own, but you can make them even better! Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy snack. For a fun twist, serve them with fresh fruit like bananas or berries. You can also crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for added texture and flavor. This adds a nutritious punch to your breakfast or snack! To boost the flavor of your Larabars, try adding spices. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth. You can also swap the dark chocolate chips for white chocolate or even mint-flavored ones. If you like a crunchy texture, mix in some seeds like chia or flaxseeds. These small changes can take your bars to a new level of deliciousness! Pro Tips Use fresh dates: Fresh, soft dates will blend more easily and yield a tastier bar. If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using. Customize your nuts: Feel free to swap the almonds for other nuts like cashews or walnuts for a different flavor profile. Chill for better texture: Allowing the bars to chill in the refrigerator helps them firm up, making them easier to cut and enhancing their chewiness. Experiment with mix-ins: Consider adding chia seeds, flaxseeds, or a pinch of cinnamon for an extra nutritional boost and flavor variation. {{image_2}} You can mix and match flavors for your Coconut Chocolate Chip Larabars. Here are a few ideas: - Peanut Butter & Banana: Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter and half a ripe banana. This gives a creamy texture and rich flavor. - Cocoa & Mint: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. This makes a refreshing treat. - Almond Joy: Use 1/2 cup of chopped almonds and a touch of almond extract. You get that classic candy bar taste. These combinations add fun twists to the basic recipe. Feel free to get creative! You can easily adjust this recipe to meet dietary needs: - Nut-Free: Substitute nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. This keeps the bars crunchy and nutritious. - Sugar-Free: Use unsweetened coconut and omit the chocolate chips. You can also add a bit of stevia or monk fruit sweetener for added sweetness. - Gluten-Free: This recipe is already gluten-free, so you can enjoy it without worry. These simple swaps help you cater to different diets while keeping the bars tasty. The type of chocolate you use can change the flavor of your bars: - Dark Chocolate: This is the original choice. It adds richness and pairs well with coconut. - Milk Chocolate: For a sweeter taste, use milk chocolate chips. This option is great for kids. - White Chocolate: This adds a creamy and sweet flavor. Pair it with dried fruits for a new twist. Experimenting with chocolate types allows you to find your favorite flavor. Each option has its own unique charm! To keep your Coconut Chocolate Chip Larabars fresh, store them in an airtight container. I find that glass containers work best. You can stack the bars with parchment paper between them. This prevents them from sticking together. Keep them in the fridge for the best taste. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to a week. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. Simply wrap each bar in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat one, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. They will taste just as good as fresh! These bars can last up to two months in the freezer. In the fridge, they are best enjoyed within a week. To keep them fresh longer, check for any signs of spoilage. If they smell off or look strange, it’s best to toss them. Always trust your senses! Enjoy your yummy, healthy snack! Coconut Chocolate Chip Larabars can last up to two weeks in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, freeze the bars. They can stay good in the freezer for about three months. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Yes, you can use other nuts! Cashews, walnuts, or pecans work well. Each type of nut will change the flavor a bit. Just remember to use raw nuts for the best taste and health benefits. This flexibility lets you tailor the bars to your taste. Yes, these bars are vegan! They have no animal products. The key ingredients like dates, nuts, and dark chocolate are all plant-based. You can enjoy them as a tasty snack without any worries. In this post, we explored how to make homemade Larabars. We covered the ingredients, their benefits, and tasty substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for using a food processor, and how to get the right texture. We discussed storage methods and variations to keep your bars exciting. Finally, I answered common questions about shelf life and dietary needs. Homemade Larabars are fun to make and enjoy! They offer endless options for flavor and nutrition.$

Coconut Chocolate Chip Larabars

Delicious and nutritious no-bake bars made with dates, almonds, coconut, and chocolate.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 40

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup dates, pitted
1 cup raw almonds
0.5 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
0.25 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch sea salt

Instructions

In a food processor, combine the pitted dates and raw almonds. Pulse until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
Add the shredded coconut, dark chocolate chips, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the food processor.
Continue to pulse the mixture until it starts to clump together. You want it to be sticky enough to hold its shape when pressed.
Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Transfer the mixture to the lined baking dish and press it down evenly using the back of a spatula or your hands. Ensure the surface is compact and level.
Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set. Once firm, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper.
Cut into bite-sized bars or squares with a sharp knife.

Notes

Serve the bars on a wooden platter, sprinkled with a bit of extra shredded coconut for a touch of elegance. Wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for a homemade gift idea!

Keyword healthy, larabars, no-bake, snack, vegan