Primal Coconut Squares

This is the recipe is a great way to satisfy your sugar tooth, while nourishing your body at the same time.  It is a modification of a recipe posted by Riki Shore at Three Squares.  I immediately liked how easy this recipe sounded.   So, I was inspired, but I also saw some ways I could adjust the recipe to make them as nourishing as possible (i.e. swapping out the agave nectar for coconut).

These bars are best consumed right out of the fridge or room temperature (and just like the original recipe, these aren’t a great take-along treat).

I suggest using 75-90% chocolate for the topping to add some more sweetness if you’d like although I used 100% (I like the slight bitterness if real chocolate).

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut shreds
• 2 cups whole raw almonds (soaked overnight)
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil
• 1 Tbsp coconut flour
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1-2 Tbsp coconut nectar (or raw local Honey)
• 1 Tbsp vanilla
• 1 tsp Ceylon cinnamon
• 3 oz at least 80% Dark Chocolate

1. Melt coconut oil in a small saucepan on the stove on low heat. Line a 9×9” baking pan with wax paper and set aside
2. Pulse almonds in food processor until it resembles coarse sand (the goal is something a little coarser than almond meal).
3. Add the rest of the ingredients EXCEPT the chocolate to the food processor and pulse until it forms a textured paste (the bits of almond and coconut shouldn’t be too small).  I also finish with a good stir by hand to make sure all the ingredients are incorporated evenly.
4.  Pour into baking pan and smooth out to the corners.  Refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour.
5. Melt chocolate and drizzle over almond coconut base and spread with a spoon or rubber spatula until evenly coated and sprinkle with coconut flakes, walnut crumbs, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.  Place bars back in refrigerator for approximately 5 minutes, until chocolate is solid but still a little soft (for ease of cutting).  Cut into bars and store in a plastic container in the fridge or freezer.

*Enjoy as is or with a side of chia pudding*