Coconut Bars - Vegan

Delicious Coconut and Chocolate Bars: A Simple Recipe for Indulgent Moments

The kids in us love sweets, and we adults want to enjoy them without sacrificing our health. This coconut and chocolate bar recipe is perfect for satisfying both desires, being easy to prepare, healthy, and, moreover, very tasty! You don't need to be a cooking expert – this recipe is so simple that anyone can make it.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12 bars

A little history

Coconut bars have a rich tradition in world cuisine. Over time, different cultures have found ways to use coconut in desserts, thanks to its unique texture and delicious taste. These coconut and chocolate bars are a modern and healthy version of these classic treats, being gluten-free and easily adaptable to individual preferences.

Ingredients

For the coconut mixture:
- 300 g coconut flakes (preferably dried, but fresh for an intense flavor)
- 200 ml coconut butter (make sure it is melted but not hot)
- 200 ml cocoa butter (melted, similar to coconut butter)
- 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar or sweetener (optional, depending on preferences)

For the glaze:
- 200 g dark chocolate (choose one with a high cocoa content, at least 70%)
- 50 g butter or milk (for a creamier glaze)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. If the coconut and cocoa butter are solid, you can bring them to a liquid state by placing the jars in a bowl of warm water or directly over low heat. It is important not to boil them, just to heat them until they become fluid.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the coconut flakes. If you want an even more intense flavor, use freshly grated coconut. Pour the melted coconut butter and cocoa butter over the coconut flakes and mix well until combined. Now is the time to add the powdered sugar or sweetener, depending on how sweet you want the dessert to be. Mix again to evenly distribute the sweetener.

3. Forming the bars: Prepare a tray or container that you have covered with plastic wrap. Pour the coconut mixture into the tray, leveling it with the back of a spoon. Make sure the thickness of the mixture is about 2-3 cm. Press well to achieve a compact texture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour, or until the mixture hardens.

4. Preparing the glaze: Once the coconut mixture has hardened, it's time to prepare the glaze. In a bowl, melt the dark chocolate along with the butter or milk, using either a double boiler or the microwave. Stir constantly to avoid burning the chocolate. Once the chocolate is completely melted and creamy, pour it over the hardened coconut mixture, ensuring it is evenly covered.

5. Final cooling: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then place them back in the fridge for another 30 minutes, so the glaze can harden.

6. Serving: Remove the bars from the tray, remove the plastic wrap, and cut into desired portion sizes. These bars are perfect to be served as a healthy dessert or a sweet snack during the day. You can share them with friends or family – they will surely be appreciated!

Useful tips

- Variations: You can experiment by adding ground nuts or seeds to the coconut mixture for an extra texture. Also, a splash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor.
- Sweeteners: If you want to avoid sugar, the natural sweetener GreenSugar is an excellent choice, having a taste similar to sugar but with lower caloric content.
- Storage: The bars keep well in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for up to two weeks. You can enjoy them as a quick snack or as a dessert at the end of the meal.
- Calories: Each bar has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of sweetener? Yes, you can use any type of sweetener you prefer, but adjust the amount according to your desired sweetness.

2. What can I do if I don't have cocoa butter? You can replace cocoa butter with almond butter or peanut butter for a protein-rich option, but the taste will be different.

3. How can I make the bars less dense? If you prefer a fluffier texture, you can add a few tablespoons of oats or chia seeds to the mixture.

Coconut and chocolate bars are not only delicious but also a healthy dessert option, full of energy. Incorporate them into your snack routine and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 300 g coconut flakes 200 ml coconut butter 200 ml cocoa butter 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar, sweetener (optional) For glazing: 200 g dark chocolate 50 g butter/milk

 Tags:  coconut bars - vegan