Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Crispy Bars (Marshmallow-Free)
 
Prep time
Total time
 
For a fun Easter or springtime variation on this recipe, see my Coconut Crispy “Nests” with Jelly Belly “Eggs” Recipe. If you want to keep these soy-free, seek out dairy-free, soy-free chocolate chips or chunks, like the ones from Enjoy Life.
Author:
Serves: 8 to 12 bars
Ingredients
  • 1-1/2 Cups + ¼ Cup Shredded Unsweetened Coconut, plus additional for sprinkling if desired (about 2 Tablespoons)
  • 6 Tablespoons (1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons) Honey or Agave Nectar
  • ½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 2 Cups Gluten-Free Crispy Brown Rice Cereal
  • ½ to ¾ Cup Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips
Instructions
  1. Lightly grease an 8 x 8 baking pan (I use glass)
  2. Place the 1-1/2 cups of coconut in a small food processor or spice grinder (see my notes above), and whiz until it clumps and turns into a paste with a fair bit of residual oil (about 1 to 3 minutes). DO NOT stop short. This must be butter and oil!
  3. Place the coconut paste/oil in a small saucepan, add the honey and vanilla, whisking over medium-low heat (do not be tempted to turn the heat up!) until it is smooth, and all of the residual oil is incorporated (about 3 to 5 minutes). The mixture will be thick and sticky (kind of like melted marshmallows), but smooth and spreadable.
  4. Remove from the heat, stir in the crispy rice cereal and the remaining ¼ cup of shredded coconut. It will be thick, like rice crispy treats, but should combine with gentle stirring.
  5. Press the crispy mix evenly into the baking pan. If needed, you can use plastic wrap or parchment paper between your hands and the mix as you press it in to avoid sticking.
  6. Chill the treats in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes (no longer).
  7. While those are chilling, melt ½ cup of the chocolate chips in a bowl (I microwave them on high for 1 minute, and then stir vigorously until smooth). You might need more depending on how zealous you get with the dipping.
  8. Cut the crispies into squares or bars, big or small. Whatever shape you desire! I usually do 8 longer bars, or 12 smaller treats.
  9. Dip the bars/treats in the chocolate, then turn them chocolate side up and place them on a plate while the chocolate dries.
  10. If desired, sprinkle the treats with coconut while the chocolate is still wet.
  11. I like to store these in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them crisp, but they will keep at room temperature, too. Just don’t expect them to last too long … these get eaten quickly in my house!
Notes
This recipe is Vegetarian, Optionally Vegan, Dairy free, Egg free, Gluten free, Peanut free, Tree Nut free (though they do contain coconut), Optionally Soy free, Wheat free, and Optionally Refined Sugar free.
Recipe by Go Dairy Free at https://www.godairyfree.org/recipes/chocolate-dipped-rice-crispy-bars-recipe