Coconut-Date Power Breakfast Bars

by Cindi Sutter, Founder of The Spirited Table® - Recipe by Chris Morocco - PUBLISHED: MARCH 2016

Photograph by Gentl & Hyers

Five different types of coconut go into our quintuple-threat breakfast (or snack) bars. Nutrient-dense and sweet enough to satisfy even the youngest members of your household. Learn how to make this recipe and more in our online cooking class with Sur la Table.

Serves 8

Ingredients

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
6 oz Medjool dates (about 12), pits removed
¾ cup whole wheat flour
½ cup old-fashioned oats (not quick-cooking)
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp baking powder
1¼ cups almonds, divided
½ cup room-temperature virgin coconut oil
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
⅓ cup coconut sugar
2 Tbsp plus 2 tsp agave nectar or honey
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
½ tsp finely grated lime zest
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly coat an 8x8" baking dish with nonstick spray, then line with 2 sheets of parchment, leaving overhang on all sides. Bring dates and 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid is almost completely evaporated. Let cool.
2. Meanwhile, pulse whole wheat flour, oats, salt, baking powder, and 1 cup almonds in a food processor until almonds are very finely ground, about 1 minute. Add oil, butter, coconut sugar, and 2 Tbsp. agave and pulse to combine. Pulse in sweetened shredded coconut.
3. Transfer coconut-oat mixture to baking dish and pack evenly across bottom of dish, tamping and smoothing with the bottom of a dry measuring cup (the more compact it is, the better it will hold together when baked).
4. Pulse dates, lime zest, and lime juice in food processor, scraping down sides as needed, until smooth. Spread date purée evenly over coconut-oat mixture, leaving a ½" border around edges.
5. Chop remaining ¼ cup almonds and mix in a small bowl with unsweetened coconut flakes, unsweetened shredded coconut, and remaining 2 tsp. agave. Scatter evenly over date purée and press in lightly with your hands. Bake until top and bottom are browned and edges are very firm, 40–45 minutes. Let cool before cutting into eight rectangles.

Cook’s Note

1. Bars can be baked 3 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.