I’m
still comfortably basking in the realm of chocolate goodness but this time the magic
comes in the form of energy bars. That’s
right! These awesome Chocolate Coconut Date Bars are actually
considered to be power bars; homemade power bars. So, forget about shelling out your money on
pre-packaged energy treats and whip up these flavorful super snacks that will conveniently
power you through your most hectic days.
These
Chocolate Coconut Date Bars are laden
with nutrient-rich elements and tons of flavor.
They are fudgy, intensely chocolatey and pleasantly chewy. The bars are not overly sweet and they sport
the right punch of salt to balance out the sweetness and slight bitterness of
the chocolate while the coconut atop is the perfect finishing touch. One tiny bar can effortlessly replace the
mid-afternoon-pick-me-up espresso shot.
Although
they are named energy bars, I personally view these Chocolate Coconut Date Bars as a super easy, no baking required energy
dessert. But whatever you want to call
them, dessert or power bars, the truth remains that nothing beats a homemade
sweet treat. Enjoy!
Chocolate Coconut Date Bars
Adapted
from Bon Appétit (January 2015)
Makes:
12 bars
Ingredients:
·
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
·
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
·
2 cup Medjool dates, pitted
·
¾ cup cocoa powder
·
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, divided
·
¼ cup cacao nibs
·
2 Tablespoons agave nectar
·
1 teaspoon kosher salt
·
2 Tablespoons water
Instructions:
Coat
an 8x8” baking pan with nonstick vegetable oil spray and line it with parchment
paper or aluminum foil leaving overhang on all sides.
In a
food processor, process the dates, cocoa powder, ¾ cup coconut, cacao nibs,
agave nectar, salt and water until smooth (you may need to stop and scrape down
the sides a few times). Press the mixture
firmly into the prepared pan.
Scatter
the remaining ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut over the top and press to
adhere. Cut into bars.
Poftă
Bună! (Bon Appétit!)
