Easy Almond Joy Coconut Viral Date Bark Recipe
My Chocolate Viral Date Bark Recipe is a quick, wholesome alternative to candy bars. Made with almonds, almond butter, coconut, and sea salt, it’s inspired by Almond Joy but without refined sugars or artificial ingredients. This gluten-free snack offers all the sweet, crunchy satisfaction you crave.
Why You’ll Love This Viral Date Bark Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in just a few minutes—perfect for busy days.
- Candy Bar Flavor, Cleaner Ingredients: All the flavor of an Almond Joy, but with nutrient-dense ingredients.
- Gluten-Free and Wholesome: Made with almonds, coconut, and almond butter, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Great for Satisfying Cravings: Perfect when you want something sweet and crunchy without artificial ingredients.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting Almond Joy coconut viral date bark recipe:
Medjool dates: You can use another date type, such as Deglet Noor or Halawi. You may need to add a few extra dates to make up for the difference in sweetness.*
Almonds: You can use another type of nut, such as peanuts or walnuts. You can also use seeds, such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Almond butter: You can use another type of nut butter, such as peanut butter or cashew butter. You can also use tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds.
Chocolate chips: You can use another type of chocolate, such as chopped chocolate, melting wafers, or chocolate chunks. You can also use carob chips, a good vegan alternative to chocolate.
Coconut: You can omit the coconut and replace it with dried fruit.
Coarse sea salt: You can use another type of salt, such as table salt or kosher salt. You can also use a pinch of sugar or brown sugar to add sweetness.
*I have not tested this substitution and can not endorse the result.
How to Make My Almond Joy-Inspired Viral Date Bark Recipe
Step 1: Make the Date Layer
Slice 12 pitted medjool dates in half and place them side-by-side, in four rows of six date halves, on a sheet of parchment paper. Cover with a second sheet of parchment paper and roll them out to about 1/8″ thickness using a small rolling pin.
Step 2: Almonds & Almond butter
Spread the almond butter on the smashed date halves. Then roughly chop the almond and sprinkle them on the almond butter layer.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals in the microwave. Remove the bowl from the microwave after each interval and gently stir.
NOTE: Microwaving the chocolate for over 20 seconds at a time could cause the chocolate to overheat and become thick, clumpy, and impossible to melt again to a smooth consistency.
Step 4. Add the Chocolate
Pour the melted chocolate over the bark and gently spread with a spatula. Be sure to cover all the nuts and the date layer.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the chocolate, the coconut, and a few of the chopped almonds. Transfer the bark and the parchment to a baking sheet and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to set. Or, you can place the bark in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes until the chocolate sets. Then either break apart or cut the bark into smaller pieces to enjoy!
Coconut Chocolate Bark Recipe Notes
Choosing Dates: Medjool dates work best for this recipe due to their natural sweetness and chewy texture. If you use other date varieties, you may need to adjust the sweetness.
Rolling Out Dates: Rolling the dates between two sheets of parchment paper makes them easier to work with and creates a uniform layer for the base of the bark.
Chocolate Melting: Be cautious when melting white chocolate to prevent overheating. Use short intervals in the microwave (about 20 seconds) and stir in between. Overheated chocolate can become clumpy and challenging to work with.
Dietary Considerations: This recipe is dairy-free and vegan, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Be sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips or wafers.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- With coffee or tea: Enjoy a piece of date bark alongside your favorite warm drink for a satisfying treat.
- As a topping: Crumble it over yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream for added crunch and flavor.
- On a snack platter: Pair it with fresh fruits and nuts for a healthier take on a dessert board.
- Gift it: Package it up in small bags or containers for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays or special occasions.
Do you love homemade chocolate treats? Check out more of my easy and delicious date bark recipes:
BEST Easy Almond Joy Coconut Viral Date Bark Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 medjool dates
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1/3 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Slice 12 pitted medjool dates in half and place them side-by-side, in four rows of six date halves, on a sheet of parchment paper. Cover with a second sheet of parchment paper and roll them out to about 1/8" thickness using a small rolling pin.
- Spread the almond butter on the smashed date halves. Then roughly chop the almond and sprinkle them on the almond butter layer.
- Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals in the microwave. Remove the bowl from the microwave after each interval and gently stir. NOTE: Microwaving the chocolate for over 20 seconds at a time could cause the chocolate to overheat and become thick, clumpy, and impossible to melt again to a smooth consistency.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the bark and gently spread with a spatula. Be sure to cover all the nuts and the date layer.
- Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the chocolate, the coconut, and a few of the chopped almonds. Transfer the bark and the parchment to a baking sheet and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to set. Or, you can place the bark in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes until the chocolate sets. Then either break apart or cut the bark into smaller pieces to enjoy!
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Nutrition
This recipe has been reviewed by a healthcare professional for its nutritional balance and alignment with healthy eating principles.
