Coconut anything? Yes, please! These protein bars are perfect for any coconut-lover. If you like Mounds Bars or basically anything sweet that’s coated in chocolate…this is the bar for you.  I was inspired to come up with another protein bar, so I was looking up some various flavor combinations. I came across this recipe on Pinterest, but made some modifications. Sure looks good, doesn’t it?!  Let me know how you like it!

Chewy Coconut Chocolate Protein Bars

Makes 16 bars

Ingredients

Base

1/2 cup coconut butter (*not the same as coconut oil)
2 Tbsp unsweetened applesauce
2 Tbsp honey (or agave)
1/4 tsp coconut extract (could omit)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 x 30 gram scoops whey protein vanilla (I used Whey Gourmet Naturelle Vanilla)
3 Tbsp ground flax seeds
2 Tbsp coconut flour

* Coconut butter or spread is made from the whole coconut flesh, not just the oil. Some brands I’ve used are Nutiva, Artisana & Wilderness Naturals. Can be found at Whole Foods, local health food stores and other stores that stock natural health products.

*Note: I tried this recipe again with coconut flour only and no flax (5 Tbsp coconut flour total) and it didn’t come out chewy. I think the extra coconut flour made it too dry. So for the ultimate chewiness, use the ratios as above (3 Tbsp flax, 2 Tbsp coconut flour)

Chocolate Topping

2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
25 drops liquid stevia (I used NuNaturals Chocolate Liquid Stevia)
1 Tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips
Pinch salt

*Optional* Unsweetened shredded coconut sprinkled on top

Directions

Melt coconut butter in microwave.  It way not get to liquid, but it will soften up a lot.  To the melted coconut butter, add in applesauce, extracts and honey and stir until blended.  Next, add in the dry ingredients (protein powder, coconut flour, flax). Mix until combined with a wooden spoon, then use your hands. If you want, you could also use a food processor to mix everything together.

Press the coconut mixture into a greased or sprayed 8×8 dish or pan.  Place in the freezer.

Meanwhile, make the chocolate topping. Melt the coconut oil in the microwave or on the stove. To the warm coconut oil, add in the 1 Tbsp chocolate chips and stir until they melt. Add in the cocoa powder and stevia and stir to combine (I whisked with a fork). Add more stevia if you like to achieve desired sweetness. Add the pinch of salt and stir (could omit, but I find it brings out the chocolate flavor better)

Remove the coconut base from the freezer and pour the chocolate over top and tilt the pan to cover the chocolate over the entire base.  Sprinkle with coconut (optional) and return to the freezer to set (approx 40 minutes).  Cut into squares and keep it stored in the freezer.  I find its chewy right out of the freezer (they don’t go rock-hard).

Nutrition (per bar)   Calories: 115   Fat: 8 g   Carbs: 6.5 g   Fiber: 4 g   Sugars: 3 g   Sodium: 53 mg   Protein: 5 g