By Karyl Laeving. Updated December 18, 2025. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 128 votes.
Rich, chewy, and deeply chocolatey, these Coconut Chocolate Energy Squares are the ultimate healthy sweet bite. This no-bake recipe delivers bold coconut flavor, fudgy cocoa intensity, and natural sweetness in every square, all without refined sugar or baking. If you are searching for the strongest, most crave-worthy coconut chocolate energy squares keyword recipe, this one earns a permanent spot in your fridge.
Table of Contents
Coconut Chocolate Energy Squares (Healthy Sweet Bite)
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Rich, chewy Coconut Chocolate Energy Squares made with shredded coconut, cocoa, nut butter, and natural sweeteners. No bake, refined sugar free, freezer friendly, and the perfect healthy sweet bite for snacks, lunchboxes, or dessert.
Ingredients
2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut (160 g)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25 g)
1/2 cup creamy almond butter or peanut butter (128 g)
1/3 cup maple syrup (80 ml) or honey (112 g)
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted (28 g)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
1/4 teaspoon fine salt (1.5 g)
Optional: 2 tablespoons chia seeds (20 g)
Optional: 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips (45 g)
Instructions
1. Line an 8×8 inch pan (20×20 cm) with parchment paper, leaving overhang for lifting.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together shredded coconut and cocoa powder until evenly combined.
3. Add nut butter, maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil, vanilla, and salt. Stir until thick and uniform.
4. Fold in chia seeds or chocolate chips if using.
5. Transfer mixture to the pan. Press very firmly into an even layer using the back of a spoon or a flat measuring cup.
6. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours until fully set and firm to the touch.
7. Lift out, slice into 12 to 16 squares, and serve chilled or let sit 5 minutes for a softer bite.
Notes
For clean slices, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between cuts.
If the mixture feels too dry, add 1 tablespoon nut butter (16 g). If too soft, add 2 tablespoons coconut (about 10 to 15 g) and chill longer.
Nut free option: swap nut butter for sunflower seed butter.
Storage: refrigerate in an airtight container up to 7 days. Freeze up to 3 months with parchment between layers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Healthy Desserts
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
About This Recipe
What It Is
Coconut Chocolate Energy Squares are no-bake snack bars made from shredded coconut, cocoa powder, nut butter, and natural sweeteners. They slice clean, hold their shape, and taste like a cross between a brownie and an energy bar.
Why It Works
This recipe relies on coconut oil and nut butter for structure, cocoa powder for intense chocolate flavor, and shredded coconut for chew. Chilling instead of baking preserves nutrients and creates a dense, satisfying texture.
When to Make It
Make these coconut chocolate energy squares for meal prep Sundays, lunchboxes, after-dinner treats, or anytime you want a healthy sweet bite that feels indulgent but fuels your day.
Why You’ll Love It
- No bake and beginner friendly
- Naturally sweetened and refined sugar free
- Freezer friendly for grab-and-go snacks
- Rich chocolate flavor without chocolate bars
- Easy to customize with add-ins
Key Ingredients & Notes
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
This is the backbone of coconut chocolate energy squares. Use finely shredded, unsweetened coconut for the best texture. Sweetened coconut will overpower the chocolate.
Cocoa Powder
Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep, brownie-like flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa works well for a smoother taste. According to King Arthur Baking, cocoa quality directly impacts chocolate depth and richness.
Nut Butter
Almond butter or peanut butter both work beautifully. Choose a creamy, natural variety with no added sugar or oils. For nut-free households, sunflower seed butter is a great swap.
Maple Syrup or Honey
Maple syrup keeps these coconut chocolate energy squares vegan and smooth. Honey creates a slightly firmer texture. Both are excellent natural sweeteners. Healthline explains how natural sweeteners can reduce reliance on refined sugar.
Coconut Oil
Melted coconut oil helps the bars firm up when chilled. It also enhances coconut flavor and improves sliceability.
Vanilla Extract and Salt
Vanilla rounds out the chocolate, while a small pinch of salt intensifies sweetness and balances richness.
How to Make Coconut Chocolate Energy Squares
- Line an 8×8-inch pan or 20×20 cm pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
- In a large bowl, mix shredded coconut and cocoa powder until evenly combined.
- Add nut butter, maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Stir until a thick, uniform mixture forms. The texture should be dense and slightly sticky.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly using the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until fully set.
- Lift out using parchment and slice into squares with a sharp knife.
Visual cue: The surface should look matte and firm, not glossy or soft, before slicing.
Pro Tips for Success
- Press the mixture very firmly into the pan to prevent crumbly squares.
- Chill fully before slicing for clean edges.
- Use a warm knife for ultra-smooth cuts.
- If the mixture feels dry, add 1 tablespoon of nut butter.
- If too soft, add 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut.
- Store chilled for best texture and flavor.
- Let squares sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving for optimal chew.
Variations & Substitutions
- High Protein: Stir in 2 tablespoons collagen peptides or vanilla protein powder.
- Crunchy Texture: Add chopped almonds or cacao nibs.
- Extra Chocolate: Fold in dark chocolate chips.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter.
- Lower Sugar: Swap maple syrup for date paste or mashed Medjool dates.
If you love easy no-bake treats, you may also enjoy No-Bake Peanut Butter Yogurt Cups (High Protein) or No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars (5-Ingredient Snack) from FlavorAndRecipes.com, both trending favorites right now.
Serving & Storage
Serving
Serve coconut chocolate energy squares chilled or slightly softened. They pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of almond milk. For a dessert board, serve alongside 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups (Healthy & No Bake).
Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Freezing
Freeze squares for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper.
Reheating
No reheating needed. Thaw frozen squares for 10 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Are coconut chocolate energy squares healthy?
Yes. These coconut chocolate energy squares are made with whole-food ingredients, healthy fats, and natural sweeteners. They are free from refined sugar and preservatives.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes. Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep the recipe fully vegan.
Why are my squares crumbly?
Crumbly squares usually need more moisture. Add extra nut butter or a teaspoon of coconut oil and press firmly.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan or 23×33 cm pan and extend chilling time slightly.
Are these kid friendly?
Yes. They are soft, naturally sweet, and perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
Conclusion
These Coconut Chocolate Energy Squares prove that a healthy sweet bite can be rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy. With bold cocoa flavor, chewy coconut texture, and endless customization, this recipe is built to trend, save, and repeat.
If you try these coconut chocolate energy squares, leave a star rating, share your twist in the comments, and tag your photos. For more trending no-bake ideas, explore No-Bake Brownie Bites (Fudgy & Healthy) and Easy Chocolate Coconut Clusters (Healthy No-Bake) on FlavorAndRecipes.com. Sign up for the newsletter so you never miss what is trending now.
