Coconut Almond Butter Bars
These no-bake coconut almond butter bars are a quick and healthy treat. Packed with wholesome ingredients like almond butter, coconut, and oats, they make a perfect snack or dessert. Simple to prepare and deliciously satisfying, these bars are sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients:
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1 cup almond butter (smooth or crunchy)
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1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
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1/2 cup rolled oats
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1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
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1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
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Pinch of salt (optional)
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2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
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Extra shredded coconut for topping (optional)
Full Recipe:
1. Prepare the Mixture:
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In a mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, shredded coconut, rolled oats, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (if using).
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Add the melted coconut oil and mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined.
2. Press into a Pan:
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Line a small baking dish (8×8-inch or similar) with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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Transfer the almond butter mixture into the pan and press it down evenly to form a flat, compact layer. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press it firmly.
3. Chill:
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Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to firm up.
4. Slice and Serve:
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Once chilled and set, remove the bars from the refrigerator and slice them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred serving size.
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Optionally, sprinkle with extra shredded coconut on top for added texture and flavor.
Notes:
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Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup depending on how sweet you like your bars. You can even omit the sweetener if you prefer a less sweet version.
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Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze them for longer storage (up to 1 month).
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Allergy-Friendly: If you need to make these bars nut-free, you can substitute the almond butter with sunflower seed butter.
Tips:
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For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a few chocolate chips to the mixture for added flavor.
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Making Them Crunchier: If you want a crunchier texture, try adding some chopped nuts or seeds to the mixture.
Servings:
This recipe makes about 12-16 bars, depending on the size you cut them.
Nutritional Info (per bar, based on 12 servings):
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Calories: 160 kcal
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Carbs: 14g
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Fat: 12g
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Protein: 4g
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Fiber: 3g
Benefits:
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Healthy Fats: The almond butter and coconut provide healthy fats that are great for energy and supporting brain function.
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High in Fiber: The oats and coconut provide dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety.
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Quick and Easy: With no baking required, these bars come together in minutes, making them a convenient snack or dessert option.
Q&A for Coconut Almond Butter Bars:
Q: Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter? A: Yes, you can substitute peanut butter for almond butter. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Q: Can I make these bars without oats? A: Yes, you can use a different base like quinoa flakes, ground flaxseed, or chia seeds if you prefer a gluten-free or lower-carb version.
Q: How can I make these bars sweeter? A: You can increase the amount of honey or maple syrup, or even add a tablespoon of coconut sugar or stevia if you want to adjust the sweetness.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips to the bars? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips or even cacao nibs to the mixture for an extra chocolatey flavo