3.30.2014

Crispy Chocolate Coconut No Bake Energy Bars and This Week's Eats 3.30.14

After making those Shutterbean energy bars (that freeze so nicely), I got on a bit of an energy bar kick in the last couple of weeks.  I've experimented with a lot of different recipes, combining them and making substitutions.  My favorites always start with dates, and must include chocolate, almonds and coconut.  I've come up with a winner that hopefully you'll enjoy, too:





Crispy Chocolate Coconut No Bake Energy Bars

  • 1/2 Cup Almond Butter
  • 2 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
  • 8 Medjool Dates (pitted)
  • 1/2 Cup Almonds
  • 1/2 Cup Walnuts
  • 1/2 Cup of Crispy Rice Cereal (like Rice Krispies, I stole some of my kids Nature's Path Chocolate Koala Crisp for extra chocolatey goodness)
  • 1/4 Cup + 2 Tablespoons (divided) Shredded Sweetened Coconut
  • 2 Tablespoons Chia Seeds
  • 1/4 Cup Honey
  • 1/3 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips
Set aside the 2 tablespoons of coconut and chocolate chips, then combine all remaining ingredients in the bowl of a food processor.  Chop until it forms a thick dough and all of the dates are well incorporated, about five minutes.  (If your dates are really dry, soak them in some warm water for a few minutes and drain before using.)  Add in chocolate chips and give dough a few quick pulses, just to incorporate.  Press dough evenly into an 8x8 pan lined with parchment paper or coated with cooking spray.  Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of coconut evenly over the top and press into the dough.  Freeze about 2 hours or until set.  Cut into whatever size bar you like.  

For a snack size, you can cut into 16 squares.  I like to eat them for breakfast, so I make 8 bars and put them back into the freezer in between pieces of parchment.  When I'm ready to eat one, I just take a bar out and let it thaw for a few minutes on the counter - yep, just a couple of minutes and they're good to go straight from the freezer!


This week's eats:

As always, I'm linking up with Org Junkie, Mommy Run Fast and Jill Conyers - be sure to check out all the great weekly menus!


4 comments:

  1. Ooh, I could eat one of those bars right now! I love the addition of rice cereal for a little crunch. Have a great week!

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  2. These energy bites look delicious!

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  3. Everything you've got planned out looks absolutely delicious! I will definitely save the energy bars recipe and start shopping for ingredients! :)

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  4. The bar recipe sounds yummy! Minus the coconut :)

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