Chewy Almond Coconut Squares

When I need something easy and satisfyingly sweet, I turn to these Coconut Date Bars. They come together quick, only need six things from the pantry, and hit the spot when I want a snack with no added sweeteners. They're awesome for prepping ahead and work at breakfast when you're in a rush, for a pick-me-up before hitting the gym, or even as a treat after dinner that you won't feel bad about.

Tasty Ingredients

• Flax seeds: tiny but full of good stuff plus they help hold things together Make sure they're fresh for the best taste and benefits
• Almond butter: keeps everything sticking together and adds richer nutty flavor Look for the runny kind with no extras
• Cashews: make each bite smoother and creamier Pick unsalted and not roasted for the best texture
• Almonds: give a crunchy bite and a nutty kick Use raw whole almonds for the best results
• Unsweetened fine coconut: adds soft coconut taste Go for flakes that are just pure coconut
• Medjool dates: chewy and sweet, they hold the bars together nicely Choose dates that look plump and shiny for easy mixing

Simple Steps

Cut and Enjoy:

When chilled enough, grab the parchment and gently lift out the whole thing Slice into ten even bars using a sharp blade

Chill and Set:

Pop the pan in your fridge for an hour or two or head to the freezer for about half an hour The bars should be firm and easy to pick up

Spread and Press:

Move your dough into the pan and push down hard using your hands or a flat cup Try to keep the top smooth and even so they stick well

Blend It All:

Dump dates, coconut, almond butter, and flax seeds into the food processor along with your ground nuts Pulse until you get a sticky dough that holds together

Chop the Nuts:

Throw almonds and cashews in your processor Pulse until mostly ground but with some chunks left

Get the Pan Ready:

Line an 8-inch pan with parchment with extra up the edges for easy lifting Rub a bit of oil if you want to keep the paper in place

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Don’t Miss This

• You won’t find gluten, animal stuff, or refined sugar here
• Throw these in the freezer for later and they’re just as tasty
• Full of good fats and fiber to keep you going longer

Coconut always has me thinking about sandy beach trips with my family. My personal favorite here is Medjool dates With their caramel-like taste it makes skipping regular sugar super easy for me

How to Store

Your bars will stay fresh for up to five days on the counter if you seal them tight. Want them to last longer? Toss them in the fridge and they'll be good for a week or in the freezer for three months. Just let frozen bars sit out a few minutes to soften before munching

Swaps and Extras

Trade almonds or cashews for other nuts like pecans or walnuts if you want. To skip nuts completely use sunflower butter instead of almond butter. Out of flax? Use chia seeds but they give a slightly different feel. If you find your dates tough, soak them in hot water for a few minutes first

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Best Ways to Enjoy

Slice these small for snacks at a party or crumble them over coconut yogurt—boom, easy parfait. They're also perfect before a workout or tucked into lunchboxes for a little sweet hit that comes naturally

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap Medjool dates for regular dates?

Sure can! Regular dates are a bit tougher, so just soak them in warm water for a few minutes first so they're easier to mix in.

→ What's the best way to store these bars?

Stash them in something airtight and leave on your counter for five days. If you pop them in the fridge, they'll be good for at least a week. Or you can freeze for three months and grab whenever.

→ Are these gluten-free and vegan friendly?

Yep! They're made with all plants and no grains at all, so you're totally good for both diets.

→ Can I use different nuts if I don't have almonds or cashews?

Go for it! Try walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts—mix and match however you want.

→ Is almond butter a must, or can you use something else?

Almond butter makes them creamy, but peanut or cashew butter works great if you want to switch it up.

→ How do I make sure these hold together?

Blend everything until it gets sticky, then really press down the mix in the pan. Let them chill so they're easier to slice and stick together nicely.