Cocoa, coconut, almond flour, nuts, and protein powder form the healthful base of these bars, sweetened naturally with applesauce and your choice of stevia, unrefined coconut palm sugar, or erythritol (we like Swerve or NuNaturals MoreFiber Stevia Baking Blend). These won’t spike your blood sugar, but they’ll sure satisfy your chocolate cravings. The peanut butter drizzle makes a decorative and delicious finishing touch, though you can leave it out if you prefer.
TIP: If needed, whirl coconut flakes in a mini food processor to get fine flakes.
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        No-Bake Chocolate-Coconut Protein Bars
    
    
                 
    
        
    Ingredients
    
                - 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/3 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup alternative granulated sweetener (such as a stevia or erythritol blend, or unrefined coconut palm sugar)
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (such as hemp or spirulina)
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 3 tablespoons nonhydrogenated creamy peanut butter, melted (optional)
        
    Instructions
    
                - Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper. Measure out all ingredients before proceeding.
- In a medium saucepan, melt coconut oil over low heat. Stir in cocoa powder and alternative sweetener, stirring constantly until smooth. Continue to cook for 3–5 minutes, taking care not to burn.
- Remove saucepan from heat and quickly whisk in ¼ cup applesauce, almond flour, coconut, protein powder, nuts, and coconut flour until thoroughly combined. If mixture looks too crumbly, add a bit more applesauce.
- Spoon mixture into prepared pan and smooth with a rubber spatula. Refrigerate until cool and set, about 30 minutes. Drizzle with melted peanut butter in a crisscross design, if desired. Once peanut butter cools, cut into 16 pieces.
        
    Recipe Notes
    
                Nutrition Facts
        No-Bake Chocolate-Coconut Protein Bars
        
        
            Amount Per Serving        
        
            Calories 173
                        Calories from Fat 108
                    
        
        
            % Daily Value*
        
                
            Total Fat 12g
            18%
        
                        
                Saturated Fat 8g
                40%
            
                                                
                Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
            
                                    
                Monounsaturated Fat 2g
            
                                            
            Sodium 12mg
            1%
        
                                    
                Total Carbohydrates 9g
                3%
            
                        
                Dietary Fiber 2g
                8%
            
                                                
            Protein 5g
            10%
        
                
            * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.         
    PER SERVING: 173 cal, 12g fat (2g mono, 2g poly, 8g sat), 0mg chol, 5g protein, 9g carb, 2g fiber, 12mg sodium