The Perfect Energy Bar when you’re on the run. With a Tropical Flare of Coconut and a touch of the Natural Sweetness of Raisins and Honey, these nut bars are an excellent source of Protein and good fats to keep you energized.

Over the past month, my personal life was a little hectic with running around which ultimately pulled me away from what I love most… being here with you sharing what I’ve baked through photos and stories. ๐
In early December while at work, there was a sudden sharp pain shooting in the center of my lower back and radiated downward through both of my glutes. It was so intense, as if someone stepped with full weight on my lower back and wouldn’t let up. The pain was so excruciating, I was unable to stand for 30 seconds before having to sit. As I walked, I was completely bent over at the waist, grasping onto anything around to help hold me up and of course, in a 2-week timeframe, I was bed ridden for 3-4 days each time.
Thank goodness for Uber eats and Instacart because I literally couldn’t do anything. I must admit, as much as I love my singlehood, during this time it completely sucked… BIG TIME!

I saw a neurosurgeon who ordered an MRI and found that I have a bulging disk (no surprise there!) and degenerative disk disease which is when the disks in between the vertebrae of the spine begin to break down and may cause pain. Plus a bit of osteoarthritis in the facets of L4-L5 of the spine. Sounds scary, right?!
Well, it’s very well possible I’ve had this condition since my mid to late twenties because sciatica pain and discomfort is nothing new. It’s something I’ve dealt with on an almost daily basis since the start of this blog back in 2012/2013 – I just never took care of the issue. Now wiser and have come to grips that I’m no spring chicken, I’ve finally decided to take a deeper look into this problem. After all, this issue has sent me to the ER twice while in my twenties and over the past 8 years, bed ridden for a few days at least once a year. This time however, the pain was worse than ever!

So this past month with doctors appointments, physical therapy and constant schedule changes at the work place, my brain has been in a whirlwind. Trying to remember when to pack lunch, when to bring extra clothes to change into for my PT appointments, checking if I even have an appointment for that date and if I’m supposed to go into the office, has led me to sometimes forget to eat. I’m just not used to running around this much.
Thank God while recovering, there was a brief moment I was able to make these bars and enough of them to where I can easily grab and go. This snack has definitely saved me from those moments when my stomach decided to remind me that I haven’t eaten.

I’ve kept these bars in an airtight container for the past month in the fridge and they are just as good now as when I first made them! They taste great both chilled or at room temperature. I also REALLY love that I can change the additions. These bars have a more tropical flavor with the coconut and are heavy on the nuts with almonds and peanuts. Plus. raisins and honey to add a touch of sweetness. But if you want to add or substitute an ingredient for dark chocolate or different dried fruits or nuts, the possibilities are endless!

If you decide to swap any of the ingredients, try to keep the amounts the same so there is enough coverage by the peanut butter which acts as a binding agent. Overloading the bars or not using enough ingredients could lead to bars falling apart and not holding shape.
Despite the past month [January] getting a little hectic, I’ve been in good spirits lately and know I will be just fine. As long as I can continue to bake and take photos, this will continue to feed my soul… and these bars will too! ๐
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Coconut and Nut Energy Bars
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
The Perfect Energy Bar when you’re on the run. With a Tropical Flare of Coconut and a touch of the Natural Sweetness of Raisins and Honey, these nut bars are an excellent source of Protein and good fats to keep you energized.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (180 grams) rolled oats
- 1 cup (56 grams) dry unsweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup (110 grams) chopped raisins
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup (85 grams) whole spanish peanuts
- 1/2 cup (67 grams) sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons (20 grams) chia seeds
- 1 1/2 cups (341 grams) peanut butter
- 1 cup (227 grams) honey
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil leaving excess hang over on the long sides for easy removal. Generously coat bottom and sides over the foil with baking spray; set aside.ย ย
- In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut, raisins, almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds and chia seeds.
- In a small bowl, heat peanut butter and honey together in the microwave for 1 minute. Add vanilla and stir until combined.
- Add nut-mixture to the oat-mixture. Stir until well combined. Spread mixture into the prepared baking pan. Pat mixture down to form a uniform shape about 1 inch thick.ย
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Do not over bake.ย The center may remain slightly tacky but will firm upon cooling. Leave to cool for a minimum of 1 hour before cutting.ย When ready, cut into 1 1/2 by 4 1/2 inch bars and ENJOY!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: energy bars
Similar Recipe: Cranberry Pistachio Granola Bars
LATEST POSTS
Hey there!
First of all, I just wanted to say that I’m so sorry to hear about your back pain. That sounds absolutely awful, and I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for you to deal with. I’m glad to hear that you’re feeling better now, and that you’re back to doing what you love most – sharing your baking with us!
I can definitely relate to the feeling of being pulled away from the things we love due to the hectic nature of life. It’s so important to take the time to do the things that make us happy, and to prioritize our own well-being. I’m glad that you were able to take some time for yourself and focus on healing, even if it meant being bedridden for a few days.
It’s also great to hear that you were able to rely on services like Uber Eats and Instacart to help you out during that time. It’s amazing how technology has made it possible for us to get the things we need without ever leaving our homes!
Anyway, I just wanted to drop by and say hello, and to let you know that I’m looking forward to seeing more of your delicious baking creations in the future. Take care!
Hi Jack,
Your message touched my heart. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. As it turns out, that back pain which continued over the last 2 years was due to psoriatic arthritis which can sometimes target the spine. I didn’t know I had this condition at the time of writing this post. I’m currently on medication and am feeling like my old self again. Thank God!
But I’m so glad you stopped by and hope you enjoy more of my baking treats and adventures. ๐
Connie | URBAN BAKES
Hey Connie
The coconut nut energy bars are looking delicious I never though anyone could make such healthy and delicious energy bar.
Thank you for sharing this recipe I will try this today for my mother hope she will love it.
★★★★★
Hi Amit,
Glad to see you planned to make them. Did your mother like them?
– Connie
Nice article. I hope you are doing fine now. Not just you, but many people are currently suffering from various body-related issues. It has something to do with our lifestyle.
Appreciate the way you have explained the recipe. It is a good source of energy and is also tasty. Coconut and nuts are two healthy things that you have added together. Keep sharing such information.
Hi Sumit,
Thank you for your kind words. Since December, I’ve had a few ups and downs but overall definitely much better! Glad you like the recipe. The coconut and nuts were surprisingly very tasty together. I’ll definitely keep posting more content like this ๐
– Connie