RAW VEGAN CHOCOLATE COVERED COCONUT BARS

If you’re a coconut fan, you’ll love these raw vegan chocolate covered coconut bars. If you’re not, you just might be converted. They are full of wholesome, plant-based ingredients, super healthy (for a dessert), and contain coconut in 4 different forms. This easy no bake vegan dessert recipe proves just how delicious healthy, allergy friendly sweets can be.

First of all, these chocolate covered coconut bars are not homemade Bounty bars. They are so much more. They are Bounty bars raised to the power of more allergy friendly, more healthy and definitely 100% more delicious. (I’ve been informed that “Bounty” doesn’t really ring a bell for the USA folks… we’re talking about Mounds bars-type thingies. Cultural differences, what can you do.)

I am not exaggerating.
They are full of wholesome, plant-based ingredients.
There are no additives, no flavourings, no refined sugars, and no “what’s-that?” ingredients.
They are gluten, dairy, egg, peanut, soy and refined sugar free, as well as vegan and paleo.
They feature coconut in 4 different forms – and trust me, it shows… in the best possible way.
Even if you’re not a fan of coconut, you just might be converted. Why? Because delicious does not cover just how AMAZING these chocolate covered coconut bars truly are.

Ingredients

• For coconut almond base:
• 1 cup ground almonds
• 1 cup dessicated coconut
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• For coconut cream centre:
• 3 cups coconut cream (Note 1)
• 3/8 – 1/2 cup maple syrup (Note 2)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cup dessicated coconut
• 1/2 cup creamed coconut
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• pinch of salt
• For chocolate shell:
• 1 cup melted coconut oil
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• You will also need:
• 8 x 8 inch (21 x 21 cm) baking tray at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep (or other dimensions; if needed adjust the ingredient quantities)
• baking/greaseproof paper
• wire rack

Instructions

1. For coconut almond base:
2. Line the baking tray with baking/greaseproof paper.
3. In a bowl, combine all coconut almond base ingredients and mix them until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Press the coconut almond base mixture into the lined baking tray, until you get a compact even layer.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1/2 hour or until firm.
6. For coconut cream centre:
7. In a bowl, combine all coconut cream centre ingredients and mix well. If needed, adjust the sweetness.
8. Transfer the coconut cream mixture onto the firmed up coconut almond base.
9. Using a spoon or a spatula, smooth out the coconut cream mixture so that you get a smooth, level top.
10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
11. For chocolate shell:
12. In a dry bowl, combine all chocolate shell ingredients. (If the bowl and the mixing utensils aren't completely dry, the mixture can split and is then only suitable for making truffles).
13. Mix well until you get a smooth mixture, with a melted chocolate consistency.
14. Assembly:
15. Remove the firm coconut bar block from the fridge, and out of the baking tray, and cut it into evenly sized pieces/bars.
16. Position a wire rack over another baking tray or a (rimmed) plate and place the coconut bars onto the wire rack.
17. Pour the chocolate shell mixture over the coconut bars, allowing the excess chocolate to drip onto the baking tray or plate. The chocolate will begin setting immediately because the bars are still cold.
18. Place the chocolate covered coconut bars onto a plate and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is completely set.
19. Enjoy!

Storage:
The chocolate covered coconut bars keep well in the fridge for about 1 week or in the freezer for about 3 – 4 weeks (but only if you hide them really really well).

Recipe Notes
Note 1: The easiest way to obtain coconut cream is to buy coconut milk that doesn't contain too many stabilisers and emulsifiers. Place it in the fridge overnight and don't shake it! When you open it, the coconut cream should have separated from coconut water (which is great in smoothies).

Note 2: The amount of maple syrup depends entirely on how sweet you want your coconut bars to be. Add it gradually – you can always add more, but you can't take it away.

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