Raw Vegan Chocolate Coconut Bars

Just made a batch. Reminiscent (taste wise) of the many variations on "Energy balls" or "energy bites" that were so popular a few years ago - just in a pan. I might actually prefer this pan method as I don't have to spend the time to roll the mixture into measured balls and waste so much of it being stuck to my hands during the rolling process. This was a very nice tasting version, my kids liked it, my husband and I liked it. Even better, just cutting small squares as we wanted was perfect - took a small container of 1/2" x 1/2" x 1/2" cubes to snack on for a sporting event and that size was super satisfying after just a few per person. If you're looking for ideas on varying the mix-in's just look up energy balls or bites and you'll find numerous varieties - and then just press it into a pan instead of taking the time to roll up the balls - voila!

Did anyone have a problem with these falling apart? I did everything correctly but they don't look smooth like the photo, very chunky. I think the dates are supposed to be more blended but not sure how to do that without breaking my food processor 😅 Any assistance?

Easy to make and turned out great. A hit with my 7 year old - and he is a very picky eater. For the win...!

Subbed walnuts and cashews for the pecans and used a mixture of almond+cashew butters... wonderful! Kept these in the freezer and then pulled them as needed. Letting them sit for 5-10 minutes gives them the perfect "fudginess" in my opinion :)

YES. These are so good. I subbed in oats for the pecans (because heaven knows our student budget can't handle shelling out 2 of dates AND pecans) and they were marvelous.

could i take out the shredded coconut??

yummy, yummy, yummy, shall I go on? I have already lost track of how many times I've made these. And yes, every time I get to the option of "just stop here and eat the whole thing with a spoon" I have to think about it for a while.

I don't have a food processor. My blender usually struggles to blend/pulse dates without any liquids. Any ideas?

These look fantastic! They're certainly not raw, but they look tasty. Maple syrup and agave syrup, in case you have read the bottle, are extensively boiled to become syrup; cocoa powder is very, very much heat-treated, a lot of nut butters are made with roasted nuts, untreated almonds take a lot of hunting to find in the U.S. since the new regulations (you either have to import them or know a grower), etc. If you're not strict, then stuff your face with them, because they look delicious. I am a little disappointed in Food 52 for slapping the word "raw" on anything that doesn't go into the oven at one's own home.

Amazing! Easy and delicious!

OMG these are soo good. They barely made it into the freezer. Since I do not like pecans I used walnuts.

I used a roasted cashew butter and some toasted coconut from Trader Joe's....so no longer completely raw, but still delicious. I used a bit more cocoa powder (having come off a whole food cleanse I was a little coo-coo for chocolate) and topped them with some maldon salt. About to make my second batch.

I just made this. It took like five minutes and is SO DELICIOUS I can barely keep myself from eating the whole pan. For doesn't like coconut, you can't really taste it anyway.

these were easy to put together and probably too easy to get rid off, if you know what i mean :) they had great flavor and i liked their consistency. these'll be a favorite with friends, coworkers and anyone else that stops by.

These look awesome to me! I have stopped eating gluten, dairy, and sugar, and have been searching for something I can bring to share on a long car ride next weekend and not appear like a joyless food crank. Have you tried playing with the flavorings? I am thinking about cardamom, cinnamon, orange flower water, pistachio or walnut oil instead of coconut.

Has anyone tried a substitution yet for the coconut that works AND tastes great? I love coconut, but some family members don't. Thanks!

Frosted flakes or rice ceral; bran; oats; ground nuts or even chopped dried fruit

These look delicious, however I'm not a fan of coconut. Is there anything you recommend instead of the shredded coconut ?

Yes, you are probably right . . . but I usually soak my dried fruit (cherries or cranberries) in hot wine to plump them up and the jam I buy from Israel is really like dried fruit. With a little melted chocolate they should bind together very well (just in case I didn't have any dates on hand). My mind is just thinking thru my fingers - being at home late at night and wanting a snack - what could I use and these things popped into my mind. I try to be resourceful because we live 15 miles away from the nearest grocery store.

I'm guessing any dried fruit (cherries, apricot jam, cranberries) would work with any nut (pecan, hazelnut, pistashio, walnut) of choice as well as dark chocolate or milk chocolate or white chocolate