Coconut Date Bars Recipes

COCONUT DATE BALLS

Steps:

• Pit the medjool dates and soak them in warm water for 10 minutes until they soften
• Place the pitted dates and pecans in the bowl of a large food processor. Blend on high until a thick "dough" is formed and the mixture feels sticky.
• Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and use your hands to roll it into a ball. If you have time you can let them set in the fridge for 5 minutes.
• Roll the energy bites into desiccated or shredded coconut pressing gently so they adhere. Makes about 12-14 bites.

BUTTERY COCONUT BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 13x9-in. baking pan with parchment, letting ends extend up sides., In a large bowl, mix flour, brown sugar and salt; stir in 1 cup melted butter. Press onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake until light brown, 12-15 minutes. Cool 10 minutes on a wire rack. Reduce oven setting to 325°., In a large bowl, whisk the first 7 filling ingredients until blended; stir in 3 cups coconut. Pour over crust; sprinkle with remaining coconut. Bake until light golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Lifting with parchment, remove from pan. Cut into bars.

COCONUT-DATE BARS

Steps:

• Sprinkle 2 tablespoons coconut over the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish. Firmly press dates into coconut, covering bottom of dish. Sprinkle with remaining tablespoon coconut and the walnuts, gently pressing into dates. Cut into 2-inch squares.

COCONUT-DATE POWER BREAKFAST BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, then line with 2 sheets of parchment, leaving overhang on all sides. Bring dates and 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid is almost completely evaporated. Let cool.
• Meanwhile, pulse whole wheat flour, oats, salt, baking powder, and 1 cup almonds in a food processor until almonds are very finely ground, about 1 minute. Add oil, butter, coconut sugar, and 2 Tbsp. agave and pulse to combine. Pulse in sweetened shredded coconut.
• Transfer coconut-oat mixture to baking dish and pack evenly across bottom of dish, tamping and smoothing with the bottom of a dry measuring cup (the more compact it is, the better it will hold together when baked).Pulse dates, lime zest, and lime juice in food processor, scraping down sides as needed, until smooth. Spread date purée evenly over coconut-oat mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.Chop remaining 1/4 cup almonds and mix in a small bowl with unsweetened coconut flakes, unsweetened shredded coconut, and remaining 2 tsp. agave. Scatter evenly over date purée and press in lightly with your hands. Bake until top and bottom are browned and edges are very firm, 40-45 minutes. Let cool before cutting into eight rectangles.
• Do Ahead:
• Bars can be baked 3 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.