Irresistible Vegan Mint Dark Chocolate Coconut Layer Bars: Your New Favorite No-Bake Treat

Discover the ultimate guilt-free indulgence: luscious vegan and grain-free mint dark chocolate coconut layer bars. Crafted with a rich cacao date-nut base, a creamy, refreshing coconut butter center, and a decadent mint dark chocolate topping, these bars are a simple yet sophisticated delight.



Life has a funny way of making time seem to both drag and fly by, especially as the year draws to a close. Just this morning, I glanced at the "12 04" expiration date on my almond milk, momentarily sighing with relief, thinking I had plenty of time to enjoy it. A quick check of my phone calendar, however, brought a jolt of realization: it wasn't just December, it *was* December 4th. My almond milk was expiring *today*. So, I did what any logical person would do – poured a generous glass and savored every last drop.

This little moment perfectly encapsulates how I've been feeling about the year. It feels like just yesterday we were ringing in a new decade, and now, with Christmas only three weeks away and 2020 on the horizon, time seems to be slipping through our fingers. The end of the year can feel heavy, don't you think? It's a challenging blend of tying up loose ends, pushing through a demanding schedule, and simultaneously trying to envision and plan for what's next. This swirling energy can leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed, seeking a refreshing pause.

If you, like me, are in need of a delightful escape and a moment of pure bliss amidst the holiday hustle, then these Mint Dark Chocolate Coconut Layer Bars are precisely what you need. They're not just a distraction; they're a revelation. Crafted in three distinct, delectable layers, these bars are entirely vegan, grain-free, and naturally sweetened. Plus, the best part? Absolutely no baking is required, making them the perfect effortless treat for any occasion, especially when time is of the essence.



The Inspiration Behind the Layers



The initial spark for these exquisite Mint Dark Chocolate Coconut Layer Bars ignited, as many great ideas do, from a captivating image on Instagram. The visual appeal of beautifully stacked layers in a dessert can be incredibly inspiring, and this particular image set my culinary imagination alight. I found myself contemplating the possibilities – what flavors could truly shine in such a layered format? The wheels began to turn, and a clear vision emerged: a harmonious blend of dark chocolate, creamy coconut, and a refreshing hint of mint.

It struck me that this combination, if executed correctly, could be nothing short of divine. If such a treat didn't already exist in the vegan, grain-free world, then it was my mission to bring it to life. The idea of a bar that captures the essence of a classic peppermint patty – rich chocolate, cool mint – but with an added tropical coconut twist and a healthier profile, was too compelling to ignore. And so, after much delightful experimentation, here we are, with three perfect layers creating a treat that's both nostalgic and uniquely fresh.

These bars are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. They embody that ideal balance of richness and refreshment, making them an incredible alternative to traditional sweets. They're a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Ready to dive into the delightful details of each layer? Let's get started.

Crafting the Perfect Foundation: The Date-Nut Base



Every exceptional layered bar begins with a sturdy and flavorful foundation. If you’re familiar with my recipes here at Flora & Vino, you know my affinity for a well-crafted date-nut base. It’s my go-to for ensuring treats are not only grain-free and gluten-free but often oil-free too, relying on natural goodness for structure and richness. This particular base elevates the experience further with the delightful additions of coconut and raw cacao, providing a deep, satisfying flavor.

Key Ingredients for Your Base Layer:


Chopped Pecans: These provide a wonderful buttery texture and rich flavor. They form the bulk of the base, offering healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds a lovely tropical note and helps bind the base together, enhancing the overall coconut theme of the bars.
Medjool Dates (pitted): The natural sweetening and binding agent. Medjool dates are naturally sticky and provide a caramel-like sweetness, eliminating the need for refined sugars. Their moistness is key to achieving the right consistency.
Raw Cacao Powder: This is where the dark chocolate element of the base comes in. Raw cacao offers a deep, intense chocolate flavor without any added sugar, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the dates.

Tip: If pecans aren't readily available or you prefer another nut, feel free to substitute with walnuts or almonds. They will offer a similar texture and contribute their own delicious nuances to the base.

Preparing Your Base:

The process is remarkably simple: combine all base ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse the mixture until it transforms into a sticky crumble. The ideal consistency is one where, when you press a small amount between your fingers, it holds together firmly. If your mixture feels too dry or crumbly, a quick fix is to add an extra Medjool date or two and pulse again until the desired stickiness is achieved.
Once perfected, press this mixture firmly and evenly into a parchment-lined square baking pan. The parchment paper is crucial for easy removal of the bars later. Place the pan in the freezer to chill and set while you move on to preparing the next luscious layer.



The Dreamy Middle: Sweet Coconut Butter Mint Layer



Ah, the coconut butter mint layer – truly my favorite and, I predict, yours too. This is where the magic happens, delivering that sweet, creamy, and undeniably refreshing burst of minty coconut flavor that defines these bars. My initial thought for the middle layer involved cashews, but after some experimentation, I found the texture and color weren't quite hitting the mark for the vibrant center I envisioned. Then, a memory resurfaced: a seasonal peppermint coconut butter I had years ago, a delightful revelation of sweetness and cooling freshness. That's when I knew: a coconut butter center was the only way to go.

Essential Ingredients for the Middle Layer:



Coconut Butter (softened): This is the star ingredient, providing an incredibly creamy, smooth texture that sets beautifully when chilled. It brings a rich coconut flavor that is simply unparalleled.
Pure Maple Syrup: Our natural sweetener of choice, maple syrup adds a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the mint and coconut. It also contributes to the smooth consistency of the layer.
Peppermint Extract (or Peppermint Oil): Just a few drops are enough to infuse this layer with that invigorating, cool minty essence. If using peppermint oil, remember it's more potent, so start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.




Crafting the Coconut Butter Mint Layer:

The secret to a perfectly smooth coconut butter layer lies in ensuring your coconut butter is fully softened before you begin. Coconut butter tends to solidify at room temperature, so submerging the jar in a bath of hot water in your sink for 10-15 minutes works wonders to make it liquid and runny. This step is critical for a lump-free, silky smooth blend.
Once softened, combine the coconut butter, pure maple syrup, and peppermint extract in your blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed to ensure everything is incorporated. Remove your pan with the set base layer from the freezer, pour this irresistible coconut butter mixture evenly over the base, and spread it out. Here’s a pro tip for a flawless finish: gently tap the baking dish on your counter several times. This simple action helps release any trapped air bubbles, ensuring your bars have a perfectly smooth, unblemished center when you bite into them. Return the dish to the freezer to set for about 30 minutes.



The Grand Finale: Mint Dark Chocolate Topping

With your coconut butter layer rapidly firming up in the freezer, you can immediately begin preparing the final, dazzling layer: the mint dark chocolate topping. This layer is wonderfully straightforward, yet incredibly impactful, providing that satisfying snap and rich chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the mint and coconut beneath.

The Secret to a Simple, Delicious Topping:
For an unparalleled taste and clean ingredients, I highly recommend Hu Kitchen Crunchy Mint Dark Chocolate. This specific bar is a game-changer! It's made with only organic cacao, unrefined organic coconut sugar, organic fair-trade cocoa butter, organic fair-trade cacao nibs, and organic peppermint oil. This commitment to quality and minimal, wholesome ingredients perfectly aligns with the ethos of these bars. The subtle crunch from the cacao nibs and the natural peppermint oil beautifully accent the mint in the middle layer, creating a truly harmonious and cooling top.

Substitution Tip: If you can't find Hu Kitchen Crunchy Mint Dark Chocolate, don't despair! You can substitute it with your favorite high-quality dark chocolate bar (aim for 70% cacao or higher for a rich flavor). If your chosen dark chocolate doesn't have mint, you can add a tiny drop of pure peppermint extract or oil (start with 1/8 tsp and taste) to the melted chocolate to achieve that signature minty kick. Adding 1 tsp of coconut oil to your chocolate as it melts can also help achieve a smoother, more pourable consistency and a shinier finish.

Assembling the Top Layer:
Simply chop your chosen chocolate bar into small pieces and melt it gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring frequently. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize. Once fully melted and smooth, remove the pan with your firm coconut butter layer from the freezer. Pour the warm, melted dark chocolate evenly over the surface and spread it quickly before it begins to set. Return the pan to the freezer for a final chill until the mint dark chocolate layer is completely solid, usually about 30 minutes.


Serving and Storing Your No-Bake Delights



Once the top chocolate layer is firm to the touch, your patience will be richly rewarded! Remove the baking pan from the freezer, gently lift the entire block of layered bars out using the parchment paper, and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the block into your desired number of squares or bars. For the cleanest cuts, you can warm your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each slice.

These Dark Chocolate Coconut Butter Mint Bars are best enjoyed as a refreshing dessert or a satisfying healthy snack. They store exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prep or for having a delicious treat on hand whenever a craving strikes. Simply keep them in an airtight container in the freezer. When you're ready to indulge, for the absolute best texture and to allow the flavors to fully bloom, let them sit out at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving. This slight thaw prevents them from being too hard and enhances their creamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

For an extra touch of elegance, I love to serve mine garnished with a fresh sprig of mint. If you're preparing these for a festive occasion or simply want to embrace the holiday spirit, consider crushing some candy canes or organic peppermint candies and sprinkling them over the top just before the chocolate layer fully sets. This adds a beautiful visual appeal and an extra textural pop of peppermint.



Share Your Delicious Creations!

I genuinely hope you fall in love with these Mint Dark Chocolate Coconut Layer Bars as much as I have. If you decide to make them, please don't hesitate to let me know how they turn out! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more delicious, wholesome recipes for you to enjoy. Be sure to leave a comment, rating, and review below – I always love hearing from you.

And of course, I'd absolutely adore seeing your beautiful creations! Give me a shout on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino so I can admire your layered masterpieces. For more inspiring vegan and gluten-free recipes, don't forget to check out my Pinterest page, where you can pin this recipe and discover others like my equally decadent Cashew Butter Buckeye Brownies and those incredible Raw Vegan “Twix” Bars.

If you've enjoyed this post and want to stay updated with all my latest recipes and healthy living tips, head over to my homepage and subscribe to my newsletter. You'll get fresh content delivered right to your inbox, ensuring you never miss a delicious bite!

Happy baking (or rather, no-baking)!
XO Lauren




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Mint Dark Chocolate Coconut Layer Bars



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														Author: Flora & Vino 


																Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes 


																Yield: 12-16 slices 






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Description

These vegan and grain-free mint dark chocolate coconut layer bars are a delightful no-bake dessert. They feature a rich cacao date-nut base, a creamy, sweet coconut butter center infused with refreshing mint, and a crisp dark chocolate topping. Perfect for a healthy indulgence that's easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

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Ingredients






DATE-NUT BASE LAYER

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (or walnuts/almonds)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
12–15 pitted Medjool dates (add more if mixture isn't sticky enough)
1/4 cup raw cacao powder

COCONUT BUTTER MINT LAYER



1 1/2 cups raw coconut butter, fully softened
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 tsp pure peppermint extract (or 1/4 - 1/2 tsp peppermint oil)

MINT CHOCOLATE LAYER



1 1/2 cups (approx. 2-3 bars) Hu Kitchen Crunchy Mint Dark Chocolate, chopped (or your favorite high-quality dark chocolate)
1 tsp coconut oil (optional, for smoother consistency)


 







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Instructions



Prepare your pan: Line a 9x9 inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Set aside.
Make the base layer: Add all date-nut base ingredients (pecans, shredded coconut, pitted Medjool dates, and raw cacao powder) to a high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse until the mixture forms a sticky crumble that holds together when pressed. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Place the pan in the freezer to chill while you prepare the next layer.
Create the coconut butter mint layer: Rinse out your blender. Ensure your raw coconut butter is fully softened (submerge the jar in hot water if needed) then add it to the blender along with the pure maple syrup and peppermint extract. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary. Retrieve the pan from the freezer, pour the coconut butter mint mixture over the base layer, and spread it evenly. Gently tap the baking pan on the counter several times to remove any air bubbles for a smooth finish. Freeze for 30 minutes to set.
Prepare the mint chocolate top layer: While the middle layer sets, chop your Hu Kitchen Crunchy Mint Dark Chocolate (or preferred dark chocolate) into small pieces. Melt the chocolate in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until fully smooth. If using, stir in 1 tsp of coconut oil for extra shine and a smoother pour. Remove the baking pan from the freezer and carefully pour the melted chocolate over the chilled coconut butter mint layer, spreading it quickly and evenly.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes, or until the top chocolate layer is completely firm to the touch. Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block of bars from the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into 12-16 individual bars. For best texture, let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before enjoying. Garnish with fresh mint or crushed candy canes if desired.
Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to several weeks.





Prep Time: 90 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Blender, Freezer, No-Bake, Food Processor
Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Refined Sugar-Free, Dairy-Free
 




This post is brought to you by Hu Kitchen, but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!