Homemade Coconut Bars are a delicious treat, especially if you’re missing the Mars dark chocolate Bounty Bars that Mars had the audacity to stop making last year. Making your own allows you to customise the flavour, adjust the sweetness, and with no added sugar these are relatively health. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade Bounty Bars:
Ingredients:
For the coconut filling:
- 2 cups desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup creamed coconut, softened
- 1/4 cup honey (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of salt
For the chocolate coating:
- 8 oz dark chocolate (you can use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan option)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the desiccated coconut, melted coconut oil, softened creamed coconut, honey, and a pinch of salt. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
- Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Transfer the coconut mixture into the lined baking dish and press it down firmly to create an even layer. Use the back of a spoon to help with this. Place the dish in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set.
- After the coconut mixture has set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the dish. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into small rectangular bars or any desired shape.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate until it’s smooth and completely melted. Stir frequently if using a microwave, heating in short intervals to avoid burning the chocolate.
- Once the chocolate is ready, remove it from the heat source.
- Dip each coconut bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off. It is easier to do this using forks to lift out the coated bars.
- Place the coated bars on a parchment-lined tray or baking sheet.
- Once all the bars are coated, put them in the refrigerator to set for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate hardens.
- Your homemade Bounty Bars made with coconut oil, creamed coconut, desiccated coconut, and honey are now ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for freshness.
These bars are a healthier alternative to the traditional recipe with condensed milk and sugar, and they maintain the delicious coconut and chocolate flavors you love. Enjoy your homemade treats!