These bars are my healthier homemade take on the classic Samoa cookie. Dates create the sticky, caramel-like layer, while toasted coconut and dark chocolate bring the familiar flavors that make the original so popular. It’s a fun way to recreate that classic combination with a few thoughtful ingredient swaps.
Samoa Cookie Bars
12
Prep time:
25 min
Cook time:
1 hr 45 min (includes chill time)
Ingredients for Shortbread Cookie
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Ingredients for Caramel Coconut Layer
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or nut/seed butter of choice)
- 1 cup pitted medjool dates, soaked for 10 mins
- 1/4–1/3 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
Step 2
Mix together all the cookie ingredients.
Step 3
Press the dough into the bottom of a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Alternatively you can roll/cut or press into individual cookies. Bake for 13-15 minutes (a little less for cookies only, try 11-12) at 350ºF until golden brown. Allow to cool.
Step 4
Combine the soaked and drained dates, almond butter, vanilla, and salt in a food processor. Process, slowly adding water as needed until you have a thick smooth paste. Pulse in the toasted coconut.
Step 5
Spread the date-coconut mixture evenly over the cooled cookie base. Refrigerate or freeze until firm.
Step 6
Place the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir until melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Slice the chilled bars into 12 squares. Dip the bottom of each square into the melted chocolate, then place on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining chocolate over the tops and chill until set.
Nutritional Analysis Per Serving (1 square):
Calories: 330 Total Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 6g, Protein: 6g, Carbohydrates: 24g, Sodium: 105mg, Sugars: 14g, Net Carbs: 18g
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