Chocolate Coconut Oat Squares

Name: Chocolate Coconut Oat Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 squares
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup shredded coconut; 1/2 cup almond butter; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

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I love making Chocolate Coconut Oat Squares for a delightful treat that's both satisfying and wholesome. The combination of rich chocolate and nutty coconut gives these squares a unique flavor that my family can’t resist. It's an easy-to-follow recipe that requires minimal ingredients, and it makes for a great snack or dessert option. Plus, the chewy oat base pairs perfectly with the creamy chocolate topping. With just a few steps, I'm always amazed at how quickly they come together and how much everyone enjoys them.

Created by

Celia Winterbourne

Last updated on 2026-01-15T20:23:35.776Z

When I first tried making Chocolate Coconut Oat Squares, I was searching for a healthier dessert that didn't sacrifice flavor. I discovered that using oats as the base not only adds texture but also makes the squares filling. The natural sweetness from the coconut combined with dark chocolate creates a deliciously rich experience. I thought, why not use coconut oil instead of butter? It’s a wonderful alternative that enhances the coconut flavor!

One of my favorite parts about these squares is how versatile they are. The recipe allows for customization; adding nuts or dried fruits can take them to the next level. Even better, they store well in the fridge for snacks throughout the week. Each bite is a blend of chewy, creamy, and crunchy elements that my family loves.

        Why You'll Love Chocolate Coconut Oat Squares
        Decadent chocolate flavor balanced with coconut sweetness
Healthy, chewy oat base that satisfies your cravings
Quick and easy to make, perfect for any occasion

      

The Role of Each Ingredient

Understanding the role of each ingredient in Chocolate Coconut Oat Squares is key to their perfect texture and flavor. The rolled oats provide fiber and a chewy base that holds everything together, enhancing the squares' heartiness. Shredded coconut not only brings a natural sweetness but also adds a delightful chewiness and flavor that complements the rich chocolate. Almond butter acts as a binding agent, helping to keep the mixture together while enriching it with healthy fats and protein.

Sweeteners like honey or maple syrup play a vital role in balancing flavors. They add moisture and sweetness, enhancing the overall taste while also helping to achieve that golden-brown finish during baking. If you prefer a vegan version, using maple syrup is an excellent choice. Just ensure that it seamlessly blends with the almond butter for a uniform texture. The dark chocolate topping enhances the creamy texture and adds an indulgent finish to each bite.

Mastering the Baking Process

Baking is where the magic happens, turning the mixture from a simple blend of ingredients into chewy, flavorful squares. When pressing the oat mixture into the baking dish, take care to pack it down firmly. This ensures that the squares hold together once baked. Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup to help compress the ingredients evenly across the surface for consistent baking. Bake until the edges are golden brown, which typically takes around 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to prevent overbaking.

Melting the chocolate to a smooth, glossy texture is crucial for a seamless topping. If you're using the microwave, stir often to avoid scorching. Aim for chocolate that is just melted; slight residual heat will help it become fluid when poured over the hot oat base. If it becomes too thick, you can add a small drizzle of coconut oil or almond milk to return it to a pourable consistency. This will also help create a beautiful, glossy finish on the squares.

Ingredients

For the Squares

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup almond butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Mix well and then proceed to the next steps.

Instructions

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, shredded coconut, almond butter, honey, and salt until well combined.

Press and Bake

Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Melt Chocolate

While the base is baking, melt the dark chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Add Topping

Once the base is done, pour the melted chocolate over the hot oat mixture and spread it evenly.

Cool and Slice

Let it cool completely before slicing into squares. Enjoy!

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the oat mixture before baking.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Chocolate Coconut Oat Squares store beautifully, making them an excellent choice for meal prep. Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Simply wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy them, you can eat the squares straight from the freezer for a cool treat, or let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will slightly melt the chocolate topping and create that gooey texture that is always a crowd-pleaser.

Customizations and Variations

One of the best aspects of Chocolate Coconut Oat Squares is their versatility. You can easily customize the flavors to suit your preferences. For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the oat mixture. For a fruity addition, fold in some dried fruit such as cranberries or cherries before baking. You can even adjust the type of chocolate, using milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor or dark chocolate for a richer taste.

To make them extra decadent, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before cooling. If you're health-conscious, try replacing half of the almond butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version without compromising moisture. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe easily adaptable for every palate while still retaining its core essence.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the almond butter?

Yes, peanut butter or sunflower seed butter work well as alternatives.

→ How long will these squares last?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the Chocolate Coconut Oat Squares?

Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.

→ Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?

Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar are great substitutes.