Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Squares
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love whipping up a batch of Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Squares when I need a quick and satisfying treat. These squares come together effortlessly and provide a delightful combination of rich chocolate, crunchy almonds, and chewy coconut. Perfect for a midday snack or a sweet indulgence after dinner, they always hit the spot! Plus, they’re no-bake, making them a breeze to prepare and enjoy. Trust me; once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your recipe repertoire!
As I was experimenting with different snack ideas, I found that combining a few simple ingredients could yield something truly marvelous. The blend of chocolate, almond, and coconut is not only tasty but also satisfying, offering a great balance of flavors and textures. The trick is to use quality chocolate and unsweetened coconut for the best results!
During my attempts to perfect these squares, I discovered that chilling them long enough allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. I recommend letting them rest in the freezer for at least an hour before cutting into them. This ensures a firm, yet decadent texture that makes each bite a heavenly experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Decadent chocolate flavor with a satisfying crunch from almonds
- Coconut adds a wonderful tropical aroma and chewiness
- Quick preparation time, perfect for busy lifestyles
Understanding Key Ingredients
Almond flour is a fantastic gluten-free alternative that adds a rich nutty flavor to the snack squares. This fine flour is made from blanched almonds and serves as the base, providing a tender crumb while binding the ingredients together. The lightness of almond flour helps maintain a soft texture, making your squares chewy without being overly dense. If you're looking to add more fiber, substituting part of the almond flour with ground flaxseed can yield a delightful nutty twist.
The unsweetened shredded coconut not only enhances the texture but also brings a tropical flair to each bite. It contributes natural sweetness and chewiness, balancing the rich dark chocolate. Opting for organic, unsweetened coconut ensures you avoid excess sugars that can detract from the overall taste. I recommend toasting the coconut on low heat for a few minutes before mixing, which amplifies its flavor and adds a beautiful golden hue!
Perfecting the Mixing Process
When melting chocolate, precision is key to achieve that glossy, smooth texture, which is essential for this recipe. If using the microwave, heat the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted. For those opting for a double boiler, make sure the water doesn’t touch the bowl to prevent burning. The melted chocolate should be warm but not hot; this ensures it combines seamlessly with the dry ingredients without cooking them, preserving both texture and flavor.
Mixing the ingredients well in the initial step is crucial. You want the chocolate and sweetener to coat the almond flour and coconut thoroughly for even distribution. If you notice clumps after combining, take your time to break them apart with a spatula, ensuring every piece is enveloped in that luxurious chocolate mix. This attention to detail will pay off in the texture of the final product, yielding perfectly balanced snack squares.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Squares:
For the Snack Squares
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 tsp salt
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help them combine smoothly.
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your delightful treat:
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine almond flour, shredded coconut, and salt. Melt the dark chocolate chips either in the microwave or using a double boiler, then add to the dry ingredients along with honey or maple syrup. Mix until everything is well combined.
Fold in Almonds
Stir in the chopped almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Press and Chill
Line a square baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the dish and press down firmly to form an even layer. Place it in the freezer for about an hour to set.
Cut and Serve
Once set, remove from the freezer and cut into squares. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Feel free to customize your squares by adding dried fruits or other nuts!
Pro Tips
- For an added flavor twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to the mixture.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Squares can be made in advance, making them a convenient option for busy weeks ahead. Once cut, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll remain fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just layer squares with parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to three months, allowing for an easy snack whenever cravings hit.
To defrost, simply take the desired amount out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. They become perfectly soft without losing their flavorful integrity. Avoid microwaving to thaw as this can alter the texture of the chocolate and make it lose its structure.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These squares are versatile and can be dressed up for entertaining or enjoyed as they are. For a simple yet impressive serving idea, drizzle melted extra dark chocolate over the top or sprinkle with sea salt just before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and a touch of elegance to the snack. Pair them with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt for added freshness and contrast.
If you're looking to mix it up, consider adding different nuts or seeds like walnuts or pumpkin seeds for a nutritional boost. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can introduce chewy bursts of flavor. You might also switch out the chocolate for carob chips if you're looking for a caffeine-free option, while still enjoying a rich and delightful treat.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute the almond flour?
Yes, you can use other nut flours like cashew or hazelnut flour for different flavors.
→ How should I store these snack squares?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week!
→ Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! These squares freeze well. Just be sure to wrap them tightly.
→ What can I use instead of honey?
You can substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan option.
Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Squares
I absolutely love whipping up a batch of Chocolate Almond Coconut Snack Squares when I need a quick and satisfying treat. These squares come together effortlessly and provide a delightful combination of rich chocolate, crunchy almonds, and chewy coconut. Perfect for a midday snack or a sweet indulgence after dinner, they always hit the spot! Plus, they’re no-bake, making them a breeze to prepare and enjoy. Trust me; once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your recipe repertoire!
Created by: Phoebe Turner
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 16 squares
What You'll Need
For the Snack Squares
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 tsp salt
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine almond flour, shredded coconut, and salt. Melt the dark chocolate chips either in the microwave or using a double boiler, then add to the dry ingredients along with honey or maple syrup. Mix until everything is well combined.
Stir in the chopped almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Line a square baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the dish and press down firmly to form an even layer. Place it in the freezer for about an hour to set.
Once set, remove from the freezer and cut into squares. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Extra Tips
- For an added flavor twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to the mixture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 5g