I think the title says it all (literally), but I have a super easy and yummy treat for you all today!
If you love coconut, this recipe is made for you. If you are on the fence about coconut, you gotta give this one a shot because it is the tastiest way to eat it in my humble opinion (chocolate makes everything better). And if you don’t like it at all, I am sorry because you are missing out on this delectable snack! 
In all honesty, I don’t think I had ever eaten any sort of coconut product in my life before I started a paleo diet. Now, between coconut milk, coconut oil, and shredded coconut, I am consuming it in one way or another pretty much daily! I think it all started with this recipe, when I initially realized how tasty AND full of health benefits coconuts are. (This recipe is adapted from one of my original Paleo Food Blog favorites, Health-Bent.)
I have said it before, and I will say it again. The duration between lunch and dinner is FAR too long to go without eating. It just is. One of the most important things I can do for myself and the people around me is to make sure I have a relatively hearty and healthy snack to eat mid-afternoon. It’s the only way I can sustain my energy levels and ability to be nice to others for the remainder of the day. In fact, my co-workers know this so well about me that they will go out of their way to make sure I have a chance to refuel. 🙂
These bars make THE perfect midafternoon snack. They are one of my favorite treats to make because I know they are full of healthy ingredients to power me through ’till dinner time.
Coconut “meat” (aka shredded coconut) is high in fiber, protein, healthy fats, and protein. This helps maintain energy levels, satiety (feel fuller longer), increases metabolism, and also even serves as an antioxidant, antiviral, AND antifungal! It is also low in sugar and has a low glycemic index (aka low carb). (I nerded out on all this awesome info here).
All of this is to say that these Coconut Bars are not only delicious, but they are highly nutritious as well! They are full of protein and fat which will help you feel full and energized!
Aside from the healthy coconut meat, these bars only contain 5 other wholesome ingredients: Almond Butter (also high in protein!), coconut oil, honey (a natural, good-for-you sweetener), chocolate chips (yum!), and optional vanilla. I just love recipes that have a short ingredient list. And the instructions are just as simple! 
The coconut gets toasted in the oven for a little extra flavor and then just mix it all together and refrigerate!
I have been skimping on my afternoon snacks lately (an orange just isn’t cuttin’ it!) so I am so glad that I have restocked my freezer with this healthy, filling, and tasty treat. I am sure anyone interacting with me anytime past 3 pm will be thankful as well!
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Ingredients
(Feel free to use the links to find the products I use or recommend!)
- 2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/3 cup honey (local is best if you can find it!)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (totally optional, but I do love the taste of vanilla!)
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Turn the oven on to broil at 500º. Spread the coconut on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the oven on the middle rack and broil for about 2 minutes. *Watch very closely because things can escalate very quickly on broil!* When most of the coconut turns a light golden brown color, remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- While the shredded coconut is cooling, mix the almond butter, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla (if using) in a bowl. If they are not in a liquid state, heat them up in the microwave for a few seconds, or in the oven as it cools off (if you don’t own a microwave like us!) until melted.
- Add the shredded coconut and chocolate chips. Mix until evenly combined.
- Pour mixture into an 8×8 dish and flatten the top. Pop into the refrigerator for about an hour, then cut into squares. Remove the squares with a spatula and store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Since these babies are packed full of so much healthy fat, protein, and fiber, you don’t need much to satisfy your hunger!
The chocolate chips add the perfect element of decadence, making this snack feel like a dessert! 
If you are like me and need a fulfilling snack in the middle of the day, or if you just like food that tastes delicious and is easy to make, you gotta make these bars! Promise you won’t regret it 😉
If you would like to check out some other healthy snack/treat recipes, here are some other favorites:
Chocolate Chip Date and Nut Bites
No Bake Grain Free Granola Bars
Paleo No-Bake Nut & Chocolate Bars
A healthy, hearty, and delicious snack made to stabilize your appetite, energy level, and metabolism!
- 2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/3 cup honey local is best if you can find it!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract totally optional
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
-
Turn the oven on to broil at 500º. Spread the coconut on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the oven on the middle rack and broil for about 2 minutes. *Watch very closely because things can escalate very quickly when on broil!* When most of the coconut turns a light golden brown color, remove from the oven and allow to cool.
-
While the shredded coconut is cooling, mix the almond butter, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla (if using) in a bowl. If they are not in a liquid state, heat them up in the microwave for a few seconds, or in the oven as it cools off (if you don't own a microwave like us!) until melted.
-
Add the shredded coconut and chocolate chips. Mix until evenly combined.
-
Pour mixture into an 8x8 dish and flatten the top. Pop into the refrigerator for about an hour, then cut into squares. Remove the squares with a spatula and store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
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