Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Squares
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love creating quick and delicious treats, and these Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Squares are one of my all-time favorites! They combine rich chocolate, crunchy almonds, and a hint of coconut, resulting in a mouthwatering snack that's perfect for any time of day. Each square is packed with flavor and energy, making them a fantastic option for a midday pick-me-up or a post-workout treat. Once you get a taste, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds!
When I first made these Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Squares, I was stunned by how easy they were to whip up, yet how impressive they looked! I made them for a small gathering, and they vanished in minutes—people loved the combination of textures and flavors. I’ve found that slightly toasting the almonds before adding them enhances their nuttiness and complements the chocolate beautifully.
What I really appreciate about this recipe is its flexibility. You can swap out the nuts or adjust the sweetness to suit your taste, making it a versatile addition to my snack repertoire. Each square has just the right amount of crunch and sweetness, striking a perfect balance that keeps everyone coming back for more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Decadent chocolate flavor balanced with nutty almonds and tropical coconut
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect snack for busy days
- Healthy ingredients that satisfy sweet cravings without guilt
Understanding the Ingredients
The richness of these Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Squares comes largely from the combination of dark chocolate chips and almond butter. Dark chocolate, with its intense cocoa flavor, adds depth, while almond butter contributes creaminess and nuttiness. Opt for a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a more pronounced chocolate flavor. Additionally, choose an unsweetened almond butter to control the sweetness levels and ensure the perfect balance in your snack squares.
Incorporating rolled oats not only adds texture but also serves as a source of healthy fiber. They help bind the mixture together, providing a chewiness that complements the crunchy almonds and coconut. If you're seeking a gluten-free option, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. You can also achieve a different texture by pulsing the oats in a food processor to create a finer meal, resulting in denser squares.
Perfecting the Preparation
When melting the chocolate, using a double boiler is an excellent technique to prevent scorching. If you don't have one, simply place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring that the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir gently until the chocolate is glossy and fully melted. This method allows for even heating, which minimizes the risk of burning and encourages a smooth, pourable consistency.
It’s crucial to mix the ingredients thoroughly after combining the melted chocolate with the other items. Ensure all the oats, shredded coconut, and almonds are evenly coated with the chocolate mixture. This ensures that every bite of your snack square has a balanced amount of flavor and sweetness. If the mixture feels too dry, a little extra almond butter or honey can be added to achieve the desired consistency before pressing it into the dish.
Ingredients
For the Snack Squares
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Combine the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well to achieve an even texture.
Instructions
Melt the Chocolate
In a medium saucepan, melt the dark chocolate chips over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth.
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted chocolate with almond butter, honey or maple syrup, rolled oats, shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and sea salt. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Prepare the Baking Dish
Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
Chill and Set
Refrigerate the dish for at least 15 minutes until the squares are firm. Once set, lift out and cut into squares.
Enjoy your healthy snack squares as a sweet treat anytime you like!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to customize these snack squares by adding dried fruits or using different nuts. Just ensure you maintain the right proportions to keep the texture intact.
Storing and Serving
Once your squares are cut, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This not only helps in preserving their freshness but also enhances the textures, as the squares become firmer and easier to grab and bite into. You can also freeze the squares for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap each one individually for easy access.
Serving these snack squares is versatile. They make great on-the-go snacks and are fantastic in lunchboxes, accompanied by fruits or yogurt. You could even drizzle a little extra melted chocolate on top for a decorative touch before refrigerating them again. For a fun twist, consider serving them with a side of nut butter or a yogurt dip, which complements the flavors beautifully.
Variations and Customizations
Feel free to experiment with different nuts or seeds to customize your squares. Pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds can be fantastic substitutes for almonds, offering new textures and flavors. If you enjoy fruity notes, consider adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to the mixture for added sweetness and chewiness, just be aware that this may alter the overall consistency.
For those who want a bit of extra crunch, adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds can also enhance the nutritional profile. These tiny seeds provide omega-3 fatty acids and additional fiber. If you prefer a sweeter version, try using cacao nibs in place of some chocolate chips for a mildly sweet yet bitter contrast. Adjust the honey or syrup based on your taste preference to find the perfect balance.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give a sweeter taste, but dark chocolate adds richness.
→ How should I store these snack squares?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Is it possible to make these nut-free?
Yes, use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter and skip the almonds.
→ Can I freeze the snack squares?
Yes, they freeze well! Just wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe bag.
Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Squares
I absolutely love creating quick and delicious treats, and these Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Squares are one of my all-time favorites! They combine rich chocolate, crunchy almonds, and a hint of coconut, resulting in a mouthwatering snack that's perfect for any time of day. Each square is packed with flavor and energy, making them a fantastic option for a midday pick-me-up or a post-workout treat. Once you get a taste, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds!
Created by: Brianna Tate
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 16 squares
What You'll Need
For the Snack Squares
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
How-To Steps
In a medium saucepan, melt the dark chocolate chips over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted chocolate with almond butter, honey or maple syrup, rolled oats, shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and sea salt. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
Refrigerate the dish for at least 15 minutes until the squares are firm. Once set, lift out and cut into squares.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to customize these snack squares by adding dried fruits or using different nuts. Just ensure you maintain the right proportions to keep the texture intact.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 4g