Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Snack Bars

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Snack Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted; 1 cup pitted dates; 1/2 cup shredded coconut; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup almond butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I've always been a fan of snacks that satisfy my cravings while still being nutritious. These Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Snack Bars have become my go-to treat! With a perfect balance of rich chocolate, crunchy hazelnuts, and the subtle sweetness of coconut, each bite is a delightful journey. They're packed with wholesome ingredients and easy to make, making them ideal for a quick snack or an on-the-go breakfast. I'm excited to share this delicious recipe that’s sure to please everyone!

Created by

Eleanor Briggs

Last updated on 2026-01-18T03:25:14.967Z

After experimenting with various snack recipes, I landed on these Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Snack Bars that knocked my socks off! The combination of toasted hazelnuts and shredded coconut gives the bars an amazing texture, while the dark chocolate perfectly balances the sweetness. I recommend using high-quality chocolate to elevate the flavor!

I found that letting the bars chill for a bit longer enhances their firmness, making them easier to cut into perfect squares. If you want a bit more crunch, feel free to add some chopped nuts or seeds. These bars are not only tasty, but they're a great source of energy!

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy hazelnuts
Deliciously chewy texture with a hint of coconut
Perfect for a quick breakfast or midday treat

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Snack Bars plays a crucial role in developing the flavor and texture. For instance, using toasted hazelnuts not only enhances the nutty flavor but also adds crunch to the bars. Ensure that you toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until they are fragrant and golden. This step elevates their natural oils, creating a richer taste in the final product.

Another critical ingredient is the medley of pitted dates used to bind everything together. They provide natural sweetness and stickiness, eliminating the need for refined sugars or additional sweeteners. When choosing dates, opt for moist varieties, such as Medjool dates, which are softer and make it easier to blend into a cohesive mixture. If your dates are a bit dry, soaking them in warm water for about 10 minutes can help soften them up.

Mastering the Chilling Process

Refrigerating the bars is essential for achieving the right texture. After pressing the mixture into the pan, allow it to chill for at least 2 hours, but for best results, overnight chilling is recommended. This allows the almond butter and chocolate to set properly, resulting in a firm but chewy bar that holds its shape when cut. If you’re short on time, place the pan in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes as a quicker alternative.

When cutting the bars, use a sharp knife for clean edges. I find that warming the knife’s blade slightly under hot water before slicing can prevent sticking and ensure smooth cuts. Depending on your preference, you can cut these into larger bars for a substantial snack or smaller squares for bite-sized treats. Experimenting with different shapes can also make them more appealing, especially for serving to guests.

Ingredients

Snack Bars

1 cup hazelnuts, toasted
1 cup pitted dates
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup almond butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and prepare to enjoy!

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

In a food processor, combine the toasted hazelnuts, pitted dates, shredded coconut, dark chocolate chips, cocoa powder, almond butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and starts to stick together.

Press into a Pan

Line an 8x8 inch square pan with parchment paper. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and press down firmly to ensure it holds together.

Chill and Cut

Refrigerate the pressed mixture for at least 2 hours or until firm. Once set, lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into bars.

Enjoy

Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, and enjoy them as a snack or dessert!

These bars can also be frozen for longer storage!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize these bars by adding your favorite nuts or seeds. You can also vary the sweetness by adjusting the quantity of dates used.

Storage and Shelf Life

These snack bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them an ideal make-ahead option for busy days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To do this, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months, and you can enjoy them straight from the freezer or let them thaw for a few minutes before indulging.

To maintain their freshness, be careful not to expose the bars to moisture. Using a paper towel as a barrier between the bars and the container can help absorb any excess humidity. This is particularly important if you live in a humid climate, as moisture can lead to changes in texture and potentially spoil the bars over time.

Variations and Customizations

While the original recipe is delightful as is, feel free to experiment with add-ins or substitutions based on your preference. For instance, you can swap out shredded coconut for chopped dried fruit like apricots or cranberries for a different taste profile. You could even incorporate seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, for an added crunch and nutritional boost.

Another fun twist is to add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling for a salty-sweet combination that enhances the rich chocolate flavor. If you prefer a sweeter bar, consider increasing the number of dates or adding a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to further sweeten the mix.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?

Absolutely! You can substitute hazelnuts with almonds or walnuts for a different flavor profile.

→ Are these snack bars vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal products.

→ How long do these bars last?

They can last up to a week in the fridge. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ Can I make these without a food processor?

While a food processor makes it easier to combine the ingredients, you can finely chop the ingredients by hand and mix them in a bowl.