Are you searching for a delicious snack that fits into your paleo lifestyle? Look no further! Today, I’m going to share with you an incredibly easy recipe for Paleo-Friendly Chocolate Coconut Bars. These bars are not only mouthwatering but also healthy, making them a perfect guilt-free treat for any time of the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
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Unsweetened shredded coconut (2 cups): A vital ingredient that gives our bars a tropical, nutty flavor and chewy texture.
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Coconut oil (1 cup, melted): Acts as a binder for our bars and adds a subtle coconut taste.
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Honey (1/4 cup): Our natural sweetener that makes these bars just the right amount of sweet without any refined sugars.
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Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor of our bars, adding a hint of creamy sweetness.
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Salt (a pinch): Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavor of the other ingredients.
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Dark chocolate (1/2 cup, chopped or chips): Look for a variety with a high cocoa content (preferably 70% or higher) to stay within paleo guidelines and add a rich, decadent layer to our bars.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep your pan
Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some to overhang the edges for easy removal later. This no-bake recipe makes the process smooth and mess-free!
Step 2: Mix the base
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the unsweetened shredded coconut, melted coconut oil, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Ensure that all the ingredients are well combined. The mixture should be sticky but manageable. If it’s too dry, feel free to add a little more melted coconut oil.
Step 3: Press into pan
Transfer your coconut mixture to the prepared pan. Using the back of a spoon (or your fingers), press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. This will be the base of your bars, so make sure it’s compacted well to hold together once set.
Step 4: Melt the chocolate
Now for the fun part – the chocolate! Melt your dark chocolate. You can do this either using a double boiler method or in the microwave. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring in between, to prevent it from burning.
Step 5: Add chocolate layer
Once your chocolate is smooth and fully melted, pour it over the coconut base, spreading it out with a spatula to cover the surface. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to help get rid of any air bubbles in the chocolate and to ensure an even layer.
Step 6: Chill and enjoy
Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate has set and the bars are firm. Once set, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the slab out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut it into bars or squares of your preferred size.
Step 7: Storage
If for some peculiar reason you haven’t devoured all these delicious bars right away, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For a longer storage option, you can also freeze them.
Final Thoughts:
And there you have it – delectably indulgent Paleo-Friendly Chocolate Coconut Bars that are easy to make and even easier to love! This recipe is versatile; feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for an extra textural element.
Crafting these bars not only allows you to enjoy a treat that’s aligned with your dietary choices but also ensures you’re indulging in a snack that’s free from preservatives and artificial sweeteners found in store-bought alternatives.
Moreover, this recipe is a testament to the fact that following a paleo diet doesn’t mean you have to give up on your sweet tooth. It’s all about making smart ingredient choices. So next time you crave something sweet, whip up a batch of these chocolate coconut bars and enjoy a guilt-free indulgence. Happy snacking!
