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Chewy Coconut and Dried Fruit Bars

January 25, 2018 By Patricia 104 Comments

Chewy Coconut and Dried Fruit Bars a great way to enjoy a sweet treat with a healthy vibe. These bars are filled with fruit, flakes, and puffed rice for a snack you’ll really enjoy!

Chewy Coconut and Dried Fruit Bars are a super-tasty treat with a healthy vibe. You'll love these chewy fruit and coconut bars!

Eating healthy includes getting your fill of good-for-you foods like veggies and fruit. If you’re looking for healthier eating ideas and snack options, try adding dried fruit to your day. In this recipe, I’m using prunes — or dried plums — as one of the main ingredients!

I used Sunsweet® prunes and plum juice to make these deliciously moist Chewy Coconut and Dried Fruit Bars. No plum juice on hand? No problem! Use apple juice instead.

Delight in Chewy Coconut and Dried Fruit Bars

This snack tastes like a decadent dessert, but it’s so much better for you than what you might find from a vending machine, the cafeteria, or even in a bakery.

Dried fruit is a great addition to recipes, and a great snack idea, too, especially during the winter months when fresh fruit isn’t always available.

Chewy Coconut and Dried Fruit Bars are a delicious and healthy snack

Let’s not forget that dried fruit is super portable. You can easily pop a bag of it into your work bag or backpack to snack on during the day. Toss it into your a.m. cereal, oatmeal, or salad for added flavor and fiber.

Needing even more of a bar fix? Try my Blueberry-Pistachio Marshmallow Cereal Bars. They’re a great reminder of your favorite childhood snack, but a little more grown up!

Another healthy treat that is super easy to make are Homemade Larabar Cherry-Chocolate Chip Bites. I used dates as the main ingredient for some healthy sweetness. 

Chewy Coconut and Dried Fruit Bars are a great treat with a healthy vibe. You'll love these chewy coconut bars with dried fruit for their flavor and healthy vibe.

 

Don’t think of prunes as your grandma’s snack. Unless you’re thinking about how smart grandma is! Prunes are a great source of fiber and have so many other good things going for them. 

Studies suggest the following positive effects from certain nutrients in prunes:

  • Bone Health: Prunes may promote healthy bones. Dr. Bahram H. Arjmandi of Florida State University says, “Dried plums (prunes) are the most bone-friendly fruit that I have seen in decades. They are nature’s solution to maintaining good bone health.” Dr. Arjmandi hypothesizes that the many compounds and nutrients contained in prunes, such as vitamin K, potassium, copper and boron, likely work synergistically to have this positive effect. Additional research is currently being conducted to learn more about prunes and bone health.
  • Potassium: Potassium may help prevent hypertension and stroke and play a role in helping support cell energy by regulating fluid balance, nerve impulses and muscle contraction to increase energy.
  • Fiber: A diet containing foods with fiber can replace fats and sweets, and contributes to heart health.
  • Regularity: A fiber rich diet may contribute to maintaining a consistent digestive tract which helps lead to improved digestive health.

Full of flavor and healthy ingredients, Chewy Coconut and Dried Fruit Bars make a great snack or dessert

 

Whether you enjoy Chewy Coconut and Dried Fruit Bars at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as dessert, you’ll feel good knowing that healthy dried plums are included in each bite.

These bars are rich and decadent, but they won’t ruin your healthy-eating resolution. Try them soon!

Chewy Coconut and Dried Fruit Bars are sweet and delightful! These chewy bars have a healthy vibe for a snack or dessert.

Patricia Conte/Grab a Plate

Yields Makes 9 bars

Chewy Coconut and Dried Fruit Bars
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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups brown rice cereal (or regular puffed rice cereal)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, plus extra to garnish on top
  • 1-1/2 cups diced prunes
  • 5 tablespoons light plum juice (or apple juice)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup berry yogurt, like blackberry or blueberry

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the cereal and the coconut flakes, and mix to combine. Set aside.
  3. Add the diced prunes and the juice to a food processor and blend until smooth. Remove and set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl, add the brown sugar and egg. Use a blender to combine until smooth. Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and yogurt, and continue to mix until combined and smooth.
  5. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, and use a wooden spoon to mix to combine. Fold in the dried plum mixture and combine. The batter will be stiff and a little dry.
  6. Transfer to the baking dish and lightly press down and even out over the top.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for several minutes. Remove from the baking dish using the overhanging parchment paper, and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Sprinkle a bit of the coconut over the top.
  8. When completely cool, remove the paper and cut evenly into 9 squares.
7.8.1.2
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https://www.azgrabaplate.com/chewy-coconut-and-dried-fruit-bars/
 

 

Filed Under: Dessert, Recipes, Snacks Tagged With: bars, dried fruit, healthy snack

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Comments

  1. Joanie @ ZagLeft says

    January 26, 2015 at 3:16 pm

    Eating healthier is definitely on my resolutions list. These would make a great after school snack for my daughter. Pinning!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 2:58 am

      It's always on my list, even if I'm not always so successful ;) Hope you try & like these. Thanks, Joanie!
      Reply
  2. Dan from Platter Talk says

    January 26, 2015 at 3:55 pm

    Love the additions of prunes in these, a perfect balance to the coconut. Great job on these wonderful bars!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 2:59 am

      I appreciate your kind words, Dan! I've always been a prune fan, too!
      Reply
  3. Jameson Fink says

    January 26, 2015 at 4:11 pm

    Great idea to crumble up and add to your morning oatmeal for some much-needed crunch!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 2:59 am

      Thanks for stopping by, Jameson! Yes, crumble on frozen yogurt, too, for an extra treat!
      Reply
  4. Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads says

    January 26, 2015 at 4:38 pm

    I loved these Sunsweet products!! Your bars look fantastic!!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 3:00 am

      I really enjoyed them, too, Sheena. I really liked the PlumLight Juice! Thanks so very much!
      Reply
  5. Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says

    January 26, 2015 at 5:18 pm

    Coconut and dried fruit! Cannot go wrong here!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 3:01 am

      Hi Kacey - thanks so much for stopping by! I really liked this pairing!
      Reply
  6. Amy @ A Healthy Life For Me says

    January 26, 2015 at 6:55 pm

    These look like gooey perfection!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 3:01 am

      Ah, thanks so much, Amy!
      Reply
  7. Becky | The Cookie Rookie says

    January 26, 2015 at 7:46 pm

    WOW!!! What an amazing idea! So creative and yummy :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 3:01 am

      Hi Becky - thanks so much for your kind words! I'm enjoying these :)
      Reply
  8. Nicole Neverman says

    January 26, 2015 at 8:10 pm

    These bars look really delicious! What a great healthy snack idea :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 3:01 am

      Thanks, Nicole! I can use all the healthy snacks I can get ;)
      Reply
  9. Rachael says

    January 26, 2015 at 8:26 pm

    These look delicious! I love healthy choice snacks.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 3:02 am

      Hi Rachel! Thanks so very much!
      Reply
  10. Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says

    January 26, 2015 at 8:30 pm

    These look fantastic, and I just love all the healthy goodies, jammed into totally portable, on-the-go squares! Great nutrition information, too! So glad to have found your site via Afternoon Delight! Can't wait to pin this to share with my own followers! :D
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 3:02 am

      Hi Shelley! Thanks so much! I'm new to the group, too. Happy to connect with you!
      Reply
  11. Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says

    January 26, 2015 at 8:56 pm

    Utterly wonderful. Tantalizingly delicious and still healthy? Great job.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 3:03 am

      Thanks, Michelle! I really appreciate it!
      Reply
  12. Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says

    January 26, 2015 at 9:18 pm

    Your fruit bars look great! I think my kids would love these!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 3:04 am

      Hi Michelle! Thanks - yes, I think these are a perfect, kid-friendly treat!
      Reply
  13. amanda @ fake ginger says

    January 27, 2015 at 3:21 am

    These look amazing. I loooove prunes! I've done okay with my resolutions. I'm trying to do better this week but at least I'm not failing completely, right?
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 5:56 am

      Totally right, Amanda!! I'm up & down, too - thanks so much for stopping by!
      Reply
  14. Angie@Angie's Recipes says

    January 27, 2015 at 3:48 am

    These fruit bars look amazingly beautiful and tempting with all the great ingredients. I surely would love to munch one before running!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 5:57 am

      Hi Angie - Thanks for the kind words! These would be good fuel for running (or running around, in my case) :)
      Reply
  15. Nutmeg Nanny says

    January 27, 2015 at 3:57 am

    I truly do love prunes and love them even more that you threw them into a fun bar.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 5:58 am

      Thanks so much! I love them, too. Always have ;)
      Reply
  16. Ginny McMeans says

    January 27, 2015 at 1:12 pm

    You can't go wrong with this good looking fruit bar!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 3:07 pm

      Thanks very much, Ginny!
      Reply
  17. Erica (@Erica's Recipes) says

    January 27, 2015 at 2:42 pm

    Ahhhh, so I pop over and now I see there's a little prune bonus to these treats! Pretty slick - bet they taste amazing!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 3:07 pm

      Ha! Lots of goodies in these bars! I love prunes! Thanks, Erica!
      Reply
  18. Sherri@The Well Floured Kitchen says

    January 27, 2015 at 2:54 pm

    This is such a creative idea! I never would have thought to use prunes in a bar like this. And it looks amazing- pinned :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 3:08 pm

      Hi Sherri! Thanks so much - appreciate you stopping by... and pinning!
      Reply
  19. Linda (Meal Planning Maven) says

    January 27, 2015 at 3:22 pm

    These bars are my absolute perfect snack and I so can't wait to try them! Beautiful photos as always Patricia!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 9:30 pm

      Hi Linda - glad to hear these are a favorite! I love them, too. Thanks so much!
      Reply
  20. Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says

    January 27, 2015 at 6:01 pm

    that's a great looking bar!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2015 at 9:30 pm

      Thanks, Dorothy! We love them in my home!
      Reply
  21. Petra says

    January 2, 2017 at 3:35 pm

    These look really good! I don't like the taste of coconut...is there anything that could replace coconut?
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:16 am

      Thanks Petra! I'm not sure what you could use to replace it -- maybe try adding a little more of the brown rice cereal and use some toasted, chopped nuts, too. I haven't tried it that way, so let me know how it works!
      Reply
  22. Kara says

    January 2, 2017 at 3:36 pm

    These sound delicious and my daughter would love them. Will definitely try this out.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:11 am

      Thanks very much, Kara! I hope you both enjoy them!
      Reply
  23. Gurki | This Girl's Recipes says

    January 2, 2017 at 3:46 pm

    Not only do they look so delicious, I love that they are soo healthy. Perfect to start New Year on the right note!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:10 am

      Thanks so much, Gurki! Hope you like them!
      Reply
  24. carolina santamaria says

    January 2, 2017 at 3:48 pm

    You got me at "something sweet with a healthy vibe." I loved this recipe and will for sure try it myself. It looks delicious and is not compromising my NY resolutions! The dried plums are the perfect touch! I love the so much! thanks for sharing this!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:10 am

      Oh! Thanks for your kind words, Carolina! Can't wait for you to try them! Enjoy!
      Reply
  25. Imaobong says

    January 2, 2017 at 4:43 pm

    I've had this once -- it's absolutely yummy and healthy too, I've never made it at home but now that I have the recipe, I'm definitely giving it a try!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:09 am

      hanks, Imaobong! I hope you love 'em!
      Reply
  26. candy says

    January 2, 2017 at 4:43 pm

    I dehydrate tons of different fruit and these bars would work great with what I have on hand. Looking forward to making and eating these.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:09 am

      Oh, very cool! I hope you give them a try and love them like I do! Thanks, Candy!
      Reply
  27. Bonnie McConaughy says

    January 2, 2017 at 4:56 pm

    Those look so good and like a great treat and snack to grab while still being healthy!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:09 am

      Yes! That's what I like about them! Thanks, Bonnie!
      Reply
  28. Ola says

    January 2, 2017 at 7:07 pm

    I am SO trying this! IT sounds delicious, which is not what most people would think her you mention prunes but if they are carefully concealed, it works !
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:08 am

      Haha! That's for sure! They get sort of a bad rap, but they're soooo good, and good for you! Thanks, Ola!
      Reply
  29. Amy Shellman says

    January 2, 2017 at 9:48 pm

    These look so good. What a wonderful alternative to processed granola bars.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:08 am

      Thanks so much, Amy!
      Reply
  30. Lynne | 365 Days of Baking and More says

    January 3, 2017 at 12:37 am

    These are perfect after all those sweets after the holidays! I won't feel guilty about eating them either!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:07 am

      That's right, huh!! Thanks, Lynne!
      Reply
  31. Kasey says

    January 3, 2017 at 3:16 am

    YUM these look great! I wish I liked coconut so I could try one!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 3, 2017 at 11:54 pm

      Haha! Thanks, Kasey!
      Reply
  32. Ali Rost says

    January 3, 2017 at 3:26 am

    These look amazing! Just in time for healthier New Year's Resolutions :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 3, 2017 at 11:54 pm

      Absolutely! Thanks so much, Ali!
      Reply
  33. Taylor Kiser says

    January 3, 2017 at 3:38 am

    These are such a great healthy snack option! They look absolutely delicious!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 3, 2017 at 11:54 pm

      Thanks a bunch, Taylor!
      Reply
  34. Maria says

    January 3, 2017 at 4:11 am

    I love the coconut on these bars! :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 3, 2017 at 11:53 pm

      Thank you :)
      Reply
  35. Chelsea Pearl says

    January 3, 2017 at 6:06 am

    These bars look scrumptious! I'm a big granola bar fan but I haven't yet made them myself at home.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 3, 2017 at 11:52 pm

      Thanks so much, Chelsea! These are really easy to make, too!
      Reply
  36. Amrita says

    January 3, 2017 at 7:23 pm

    These look delicious and sound healthy.Will make them for kids snacks
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 3, 2017 at 11:48 pm

      Thanks, Amrita! For sure!
      Reply
  37. Nicole Parise says

    January 3, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    These look really delicious!I have been meaning to make some bars, and these seem perfect! xx nicole www.nicoleparise.com
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 3, 2017 at 11:47 pm

      Thanks, Nicole! I hope you give them a go!
      Reply
  38. Jasmine Watts says

    January 4, 2017 at 7:48 am

    Yumm.. These bars look really delicious!! I would love to try this out.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:04 pm

      Thanks so much, Jasmine!
      Reply
  39. Amrita says

    January 4, 2017 at 9:29 am

    This sounds delicious and healthy.All the goodness of coconut and dried fruits in a delicious snack. Going to definitely make this
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:03 pm

      Thanks, Amrita! Hope you love it!
      Reply
  40. Style With Tina says

    January 4, 2017 at 10:55 pm

    I'm not much for coconut, but these look really good and healthy for you too!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 7, 2017 at 12:22 am

      Thank you, Tina!
      Reply
  41. Noelle Lynne says

    January 26, 2018 at 5:35 pm

    Wow these sound delicious! I can not wait to try them, bookmarking this now!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 30, 2018 at 2:40 am

      Thanks, Noelle! I hope you love them like I do!
      Reply
  42. Katerina @ diethood .com says

    January 27, 2018 at 11:52 am

    These bars are amazing!! Full of great flavors!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 30, 2018 at 2:39 am

      Thanks a bunch!
      Reply
  43. Victoria Fiermonte says

    January 27, 2018 at 3:53 pm

    These sound so good! I have a bunch of prune juice I need to use up, and this will be perfect. :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 30, 2018 at 2:38 am

      Excellent! I hope you try them, and enjoy!
      Reply
  44. Catalina says

    January 27, 2018 at 8:59 pm

    This would be a great school snack for my kid
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 30, 2018 at 2:38 am

      For sure!! Thanks for stopping by!
      Reply
  45. Lauren @ Hall Nesting says

    January 28, 2018 at 6:10 pm

    These would be such a good snack for my kids
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 30, 2018 at 2:38 am

      Oh, yes! I'm sure they'll eat 'em up!
      Reply
  46. Kara says

    January 28, 2018 at 10:16 pm

    wow these look amazing! Def pinning this for later!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 30, 2018 at 2:38 am

      Thank you, Kara! Enjoy!
      Reply
  47. Allyson Zea says

    January 28, 2018 at 11:33 pm

    I can't wait to try these delicious bars!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 30, 2018 at 2:38 am

      Thanks, Allyson!
      Reply
  48. Amy @ Little Dairy on the Prairie says

    January 29, 2018 at 3:17 am

    What a great snack option! I have got to make these!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 30, 2018 at 2:37 am

      Thanks, Amy! I hope you like them - they are g-o-o-d!
      Reply
  49. Krista says

    January 29, 2018 at 2:11 pm

    I love these for a snack this week! Love the dried fruit!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 30, 2018 at 2:37 am

      Thanks, Krista! I love it, too!
      Reply
  50. Jacque Hastert says

    January 29, 2018 at 5:45 pm

    These sound sooo goood!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 30, 2018 at 2:37 am

      Thanks a bunch, Jacque!
      Reply
  51. Kait Around The Kingdom says

    January 30, 2018 at 7:41 pm

    Yum! I'll have to give these a try! Thanks!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 26, 2018 at 11:02 am

      Thanks, Kait! Enjoy!
      Reply
  52. Agness of Run Agness Run says

    January 31, 2018 at 10:32 am

    These fruit bars seem like an ultimate post-workout treat, Patricia! Is it possible to use almond flour instead of an all-purpose one?
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 26, 2018 at 11:00 am

      Thanks so much, Agness! I don't see why you couldn't use almond flour. Let me know if you try it, and how it turns out!
      Reply

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I'm Patricia

Welcome to Grab a Plate!

Growing up surrounded by my Italian family it was always, "grab a plate" whenever anyone came to visit. Food was always a celebration, even everyday meals, and I like it that way. I try to make each meal memorable with my recipes for mainly meatless, mostly healthy, and easy-to-make dishes (with sweet treats in between).

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