Chocolate Coconut Date Bars

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!)