Coconut Bars (healthy mounds bar)

Drum roll please!! This is for you Kelli! Coconut Bars with chocolate recipe to follow!! The Pumpkin Cheesecake (dairy-free) recipe will come tomorrow.

In an effort to get more coconut in my diet, I tried a couple different coconut bars. I bought one online(Oskri) sweetened with rice syrup and one at Whole Foods(Coconut Secret) sweetened with coconut nectar. Coconut is a great food for providing fiber, protein and omega 3. The Coconut Secret bar is almost $3. Ouch! That's alot for a 1.75 oz food bar.
 I came across a recipe that perfectly copies the bar I bought at Whole Foods. Almost the entire bar is made with coconut something. Chocolate is the only non-coconut ingredient.

Coconut Secret like Coconut Bars
Like a Mounds Bar or Almond Joy if you add almonds

Can I get a whoot whoot!!

I can share this OH SO EASY recipe thanks to www.tessadomesticdiva.com.

Coconut Secret Coconut Bars/Mounds Bar copycat


Filling:
4 cups grated unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup softened or melted coconut oil
2-4 Tbls Coconut Secret coconut nectar (you can sub in pure maple syrup, honey or agave)
Roasted whole or slivered almonds

Coating:
6 to 8 squares organic unsweetened chocolate
1/4 cup Coconut Secret, coconut nectar (you can sub in pure maple syrup, honey or agave)
1 Tbls coconut oil

1. In a food processor, put the filling ingredients(except almonds) and blend 1-2 minutes until well incorporated and smooth. You made need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple times. 
2. Taste for sweetness and add more if desired(I used the full 4 Tbls and didn't add more).
3. Dump the filling in an 8X8 dish that is lined with parchment paper or wax paper.
4. Mash it into the bottom of the dish. I used the bottom of a glass. Make it pretty, or not. You're going to cover the bottom half with chocolate.
5. This is where you mash the almonds into the coconut mixture. Use as many or as few as you want.
6. Put it in the fridge for about 20 minutes to set.
7. While the filling is in the fridge melt the chocolate in a small pan on the stove over med low heat.
8. Stir in the coconut oil and coconut nectar.
9. Remove and cut into bars. I used a pizza wheel to cut the pieces.
10. Frost one side of each coconut bar and place on parchment paper, chocolate side down.
11. Let chocolate set up.
12. Place in ziplock baggies and store in refrigerator or freezer.

Coconut filling

I have to remind myself these are treats and should not be power loaded before they are done.
The truth is, these are not treats that create an un-natural craving that leads you to a dark pathway of relapse. They are satisfying and provide the good nutrition that your body desires.


Good snacks are easy and fast to make.

Melt chocolate with coconut oil and nectar

Cut into bars

I can't say it enough, Good wholesome food is as quick and easy to make as food from a plastic wrapper or box. Stock your kitchen with ingredients that make it easier to throw together an incredible meal, dessert or snack and you will feel so much better.
Enjoy!!