Chocolate Coconut Date Squares

Name: Chocolate Coconut Date Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 16 squares
Ingredients: 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted; 1 cup almond flour; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup shredded coconut; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; A pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Baking Moments

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Coconut Date Squares! The combination of rich chocolate and chewy dates creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a hint of coconut, each bite transports me to a tropical paradise. These squares are super easy to prepare and make a wonderful snack or dessert. Plus, they are naturally sweetened, making them a guilt-free indulgence! Trust me, once you try them, you'll find yourself making these regularly for family gatherings or just for a quiet night in.

Created by

Adeline Morris

Last updated on 2026-01-15T16:22:21.380Z

When I first created these Chocolate Coconut Date Squares, I was on a mission to find a healthier sweet treat. After several iterations, I discovered that combining dates with almond flour and cocoa powder provides the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. The addition of shredded coconut brings a lovely texture and flavor that really elevates the squares.

One tip I learned along the way is to use Medjool dates, as their natural sweetness and soft texture make blending easier and create a delectable caramel-like filling. I promise, once you’ve sampled these squares, you’ll be adding them to your recipe repertoire!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Guilt-free treat that satisfies chocolate cravings
Chewy and indulgent with a hint of tropical coconut
No baking required - perfect for last-minute gatherings

Ingredient Insights

The primary star of these Chocolate Coconut Date Squares is the Medjool date. Known for their rich sweetness and chewy texture, they serve as the perfect natural sweetener in this treat. When selecting dates, look for ones that are plump and shiny, as dry dates can lead to a crumbly texture. If Medjool dates are unavailable, you can substitute with other soft varieties but may need to adjust the sweetness based on their natural flavor intensity.

Another essential ingredient is almond flour, which not only provides a nutty base but also ensures the squares remain gluten-free. If you don’t have almond flour on hand, you can grind blanched almonds in a food processor until fine. However, be cautious to avoid turning them into almond butter. This flour contributes to the structure of the squares, holding the ingredients together while allowing for a chewy yet firm bite.

Preparation & Texture Tips

The blending stage in a food processor is crucial for achieving the right consistency of your date mixture. Aim for a sticky, cohesive dough that holds together without being too wet. If your mixture feels too dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of melted coconut oil or a few extra dates one at a time until the desired texture is reached. Conversely, if it's too wet, a little more almond flour can help absorb excess moisture.

When pressing the mixture into your lined baking dish, make sure it's firmly packed and level to avoid uneven squares. Using a spatula to smooth the top aids in both presentation and ensures each square has a consistent texture. The more you press the mixture down, the better they’ll hold their shape when sliced, so don’t hesitate to use your strength here!

Storage & Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Coconut Date Squares store exceptionally well in the fridge for up to a week, thanks to the presence of coconut oil, which acts as a preservative. If you want them to last even longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap the squares individually in parchment paper and store them in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes or pop them in the fridge overnight.

For serving, these squares can be enjoyed as a delightful afternoon snack, a pre-workout energy boost, or even a guilt-free dessert option after dinner. Drizzling them with a little melted dark chocolate adds an extra touch of indulgence. You could also sprinkle a few extra coconut flakes on top before slicing for added texture and visual appeal.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make these delectable squares:

Ingredients

1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
1 cup almond flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Make sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to whip up your Chocolate Coconut Date Squares:

Prepare the Mixture

In a food processor, combine Medjool dates, almond flour, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until the mixture forms a sticky dough.

Shape the Squares

Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into the dish, spreading evenly until flat. Smooth the top with a spatula for a neat appearance.

Chill and Slice

Refrigerate the squares for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Once set, remove from the dish using the parchment paper and cut into squares.

Serve

Enjoy cold or at room temperature as a snack or dessert. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

These squares can also be rolled into balls for bite-sized snacks!

Pro Tips

For a flavor twist, try adding a tablespoon of almond butter or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling.

Variations to Try

If you’re looking to mix things up, there's a myriad of variations you can create with this basic square recipe. For an added crunch, toss in a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. Alternatively, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor profile that beautifully complements the chocolate and coconut.

For a fruity twist, incorporate dried fruits like cherries or cranberries into the mix. They not only enhance the flavor but also add a vibrant color to your squares. Just be mindful of the sweetness level; you may want to reduce the amount of dates slightly if you add particularly sweet dried fruit.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your mixture is too dry after processing, this can often be remedied by adding a bit more melted coconut oil or a splash of water to help it bind. Do this incrementally to avoid an overly wet mixture. If the mixture is too moist, letting it sit in the fridge for a few extra minutes can help firm it up before pressing it into the baking dish.

If your squares crumble when cutting, they may not have been packed tightly enough or refrigerated long enough. Pressing down firmly on the mixture before chilling will ensure a more cohesive square. Remember, each batch can vary slightly based on the freshness of your dates and the humidity of your kitchen, so don’t hesitate to adjust as necessary.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs. For larger gatherings, simply double the ingredients and use a 9x13 inch baking dish. Just remember to adjust the chill time since the thicker layers may take a bit longer to set. You can also create smaller squares by cutting them into bites-sized pieces, which are perfect for party trays or family gatherings.

For smaller quantities, halving the recipe works just as well. Keep in mind that using a smaller baking dish may result in thicker squares, which can be delightful as they will have a more substantial texture. As you experiment with scaling, be sure to taste along the way; sometimes, slight adjustments in sweetness may be needed with different batch sizes!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of nuts instead of almond flour?

Yes! You can substitute almond flour with any other nut flour, such as hazelnut or cashew flour, for a different flavor.

→ How long do these squares last?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Are these squares vegan?

Yes, these Chocolate Coconut Date Squares are completely vegan and made from natural ingredients.

→ Can I freeze the squares?

Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly.