These five-ingredient Coconut Almond Bars are dense and chewy with a consistency like a Larabar. They have a great almond and coconut flavor and are vegan and no-bake!
In a world of nine million fancy (and pricey) snack/energy bars, Larabars and rxbars are toward the top of my store-bought favorites list. I usually reserve them for road trip or flight snacks as a little incentive to motor through the hustle and bustle of travel.
In fact, I packed so many rxbars in a neatly lined-up brick in my carry-on luggage on my last trip that TSA pulled me over several times to determine what the dense mass in my bag was. Just my snacks!
One of the base ingredients in both of my store-bought favorites are dates, which is a key part of the soft but hearty texture we've got going on here in these bars. Sweetness, too!
These coconut almond bars use just five natural ingredients and are prepped in a food processor. There's no baking necessary, too, as all they need is a bit of refrigeration to cool down and firm up.
Ingredients
Dates are a big one! Let's talk type.
In the past I've used Medjool dates, but I've taken to using Deglet Noor if that's what I have on hand. I have a surplus from experimenting with cucidati fillings over the holidays, and I find them to be less expensive at my big chain grocery store.
Either will work, and obviously it speeds things up if you buy them pitted, though I recommend doing a quick check as I've found a pit or two left behind on occasion.
While dates provide some fiber, they don't do much on the protein front. Enter, almonds and almond butter. The almonds add a nice occasional mini crunch to these bars, because little crunchy pieces will remain in the finished product.
Dry (unsalted) roasted almonds are my pick, but raw would work fine too. As for the almond butter, I prefer a no-stir variety as it cuts down on the oiliness factor, but a more natural-style almond butter isn't a deal-breaker. Just be sure to stir it up well in the jar before measuring out.
As for the coconut element in these bars, I like to use unsweetened coconut flakes. Usually found right next to the sweetened and flaked "snowflake" coconut in the baking aisle, this variety brings all that coconut flavor with barely any sugar. On my bag, one two-tablespoon serving lists less than one gram of sugar.
You can use sweetened coconut flakes if that's what you have, but I find it useful to have both kinds on hand. As we know, sweetened coconut works great in desserts (like toasted coconut cookies <--yum) and unsweetened is tops in savory coconut recipes, like coconut macadamia crusted salmon.
Snacks kind of ride the line between where either will be fine.
Flaxseed is the final ingredient here and bulks up the nutrition profile of these coconut almond bars. I buy mine ground and store it in the freezer to keep it fresher for longer. I also love adding a spoonful or two to a cup of Greek yogurt to bump up the fiber and omega-3s.
Instructions
This part's easy. Add all ingredients to the bowl of a food processor and process until everything is evenly combined. There will still be little specks of almonds throughout the mixture.
Then turn out the mixture into a parchment-lined dish and press it into an even layer. Pop the pan into the refrigerator for about an hour, as everything will be a little warm from all the processing. As the bars cool they'll also firm up. Let them firm before slicing.
These bars are dense and chewy, which personally helps me feel that I'm eating a substantial snack and become satisfied. Rather than mindless eating chomping away on pretzels, you know?
One...detractor, let's say, that sometimes comes along with homemade energy bars is that they aren't the best travelers out there, as they tend to lose a bit of structure when they've been left out at room temperature.
I keep these bars stored in the fridge at home, but several times I've taken them to work and left them unrefrigerated for a good 7-8 hours. While they were a little softer, they still held up and weren't messy at all.
Recipe Notes
- These bars are best stored in the refrigerator, though they can withstand eight or so hours outside of refrigeration without becoming messy if you want them to travel to work or school.
No-Bake Coconut Almond Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole pitted dates
- ¼ cup creamy almond butter (I used no-stir)
- ¼ cup roasted almonds
- ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 3 tablespoon ground flaxseed
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend for one to two minutes, or until everything is evenly combined and just about smooth. You may still have little crunchy pieces of almonds remaining.
- Line a 9" x 5" loaf pan (or a small dish) with parchment paper and press bar mixture evenly into about half of the pan. Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes so the mixture sets. Once chilled, cut into bars and store in the fridge.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate. As it can vary due to many factors (brands used, quantities, etc.), we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Food Safety and Nutrition Disclaimer
Julie says
Love these!
Kristen says
I adore homemade energy bars--such cleaner ingredients and the combo of almond and coconut really hit the spot.
Linda says
I just love your energy bars ! My son would appreciate me making something new for him to take to work as he is in the gym every day and needs all that he can get 🙂
Steph says
Any idea what the nutritional content is per serving?
Alyssa says
Hi Steph, I've just updated the recipe with the nutritional info. Of course it may vary slightly depending on the brand of ingredients used, but it should be pretty close!
Ashley says
Hi there! Can I use something other than coconut flakes?
Alyssa says
Hi Ashley, I've never made these bars without the coconut flakes so I couldn't say for sure, but I think they could work without. I'd maybe try increasing the almonds by an extra tablespoon or two, or an extra tablespoon of the ground flaxseed? Let me know if you give them a try!
Danielle says
These bars look delicious, Alyssa! I love making homemade snack bars to bring to work and just to have for the week. I think I need to pick up the stuff to make these!
Alyssa says
Thanks Danielle! I'm definitely on the homemade snack bar train now.
Ashley@CookNourishBliss says
Larabars are a staple for traveling for us too! Love this homemade version ... especially with the almond coconut flavor!
Alyssa says
Thanks Ashley!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Wait, only FIVE ingredients are standing between me and these energy bar beauties?? I'm so in. I LOVE larabars so these are right up my alley! Perfect weekday afternoon energy boost. Or anytime?? 😉
Alyssa says
Oh anytime, for sure! 🙂 Thanks Sarah!
Rachel @the dessert chronicles says
I am a huge fan of larabars and these look just as amazing, if not better! I'm always looking for great homemade granola bar recipes, so I def need to try these out!
marcie says
I love energy bars, and the almond butter-coconut thing sounds extra delicious! These would be such a great post-workout snack. 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I'm loving your almond butter recipes, Alyssa! These bars look SO good! I'm in awe of the texture. I wish I could just reach right through my screen and grab one! These sound perfect to offset all of the game day snacks I ate yesterday! 🙂
Bethany @ athletic avocado says
These energy bars look on point! I love all the healthy ingredients in them 🙂
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
Hi Alyssa!
I've been buying something similar to this lately, to eat at work. But it's so much more fun to make your own! And to add whatever you like.
I love the idea of adding almond butter and coconut. Some of the ones I've bought lately have been a bit bland, but not these! Mmmm!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Any homemade bar or bite I make goes straight in the freezer! I love the chewy firmness that comes about and eating them straight cold from the freezer!