These easy and delicious Coconut Bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with rich coconut and refreshing lemon flavor. This coconut bar recipe is super easy and quick to make, and it tastes so refreshing and delicious.
Making these no-bake coconut dessert bars with a few handy ingredients takes only 15 minutes. Plus, they are vegan and gluten-free.
Chiffonading herbs like Thai basil or Shiso enhances their aroma and presentation.
Table of contents
If you are looking for an easy and fun dessert, love coconut flavors, or enjoy lemon-flavored desserts, then you should try these easy-to-make no-bake coconut bars.
In this article, I have shared step-by-step instructions and a video recipe, along with useful tips and tricks to help you make the best bar every time.
About Coconut Bars
This chewy coconut bars recipe makes citrusy, buttery dessert bars that are full of exotic flavors. They combine the richness of coconut with the brightness of lemon zest, and the hint of lemon makes them extra special.
They are perfect for anyone who loves coconut and lemon. Whether you are looking for an after-school snack or an after-meal sweet treat, these easy coconut bars will surely be a hit!
These bars are super simple to make and require only a handful of basic ingredients, which are probably already in your kitchen. You will only need a saucepan and a pan to set the bars. That’s it.
The wonderful thing about these bars is that they are no-bake, so you don’t even need an oven! With just 2-3 hours of setting time, you’ll have a delicious sweet treat ready to go.
Also, this recipe is very versatile. If you don’t like the lemon flavor, you can substitute it with mint, orange, or any of your favorite flavorings. The coconut itself is delicious enough, so you can even make them without any added flavors; they taste great plain as well.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this easy coconut bar recipe because it:
✔️ is easy to make and no-bake
✔️ is perfect for beginners and kids
✔️ can be packed in lunch boxes
✔️ is loaded with refreshing flavors
✔️ is vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free
✔️ makes a lovely gift for celebrations
✔️ uses just a few simple ingredients
✔️ makes great after-school snacks
✔️ is perfect for parties
Ingredients
These bars are made with simple ingredients. To make these tasty bars, you will need:
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Coconut milk: Used as a liquid base for these bars. It adds richness, moisture, and gives them a soft, creamy texture.
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Desiccated coconut: The star ingredient of this recipe. It gives the bars their signature coconutty flavor and texture. Shredded coconut can also be used. You can also use toasted coconut here.
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Sugar: I use a combination of granulated sugar and icing sugar. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while icing sugar helps set the bars while sweetening them.
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Coconut oil: Binds the ingredients and adds a buttery coconut flavor, along with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Lemon flavor: I use a few drops of lemon extract for a fresh lemon flavor that balances the richness of the coconut. You can also use lemon juice for a slightly tart taste.
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Lemon zest: Garnishes the bars and intensifies their bright flavor.
Variations
Chocolate Coconut Bars
Chocolate and coconut are a great combination. The chocolate and coconut bars taste a bit like chocolate burfi. To make this version, add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the mixture before setting the bars. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top to make them more decadent.
Raspberry Coconut Bars
Love raspberry-flavored desserts? Add powdered or dehydrated raspberries to the mixture.
Coconut Almond Bars
Swap 1 cup of coconut with 1 cup of almond flour. Toasted chopped almonds can also be added for a crunchy twist.
Vanilla Coconut Bars
Replace the lemon extract with vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for a different flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These bars taste amazing on their own after setting. For brunch or a snack, pair them with a cold glass of milk, date milk, or masala chai.
For a more indulgent dessert, serve them with coconut blueberry ice cream, strawberry ice cream, orange ice cream, or fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a tart contrast.
Storage Suggestions
These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to two days.
For a longer shelf life, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Refrigeration helps them stay firm and fresh.
Freezing
These bars are freezer-friendly. To freeze, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a single layer on a freezer-safe tray and freeze for 4 hours or until solid. Transfer them to a sealed freezer-safe container or a Ziploc bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Anupama’s Tips and Tricks for the Best Coconut Bars
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Coconut Milk: I use store-bought coconut milk, but homemade coconut milk with its cream can also be used.
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Coconut: Since coconut is full of fat, it can spoil quickly. Be sure to use fresh desiccated or shredded coconut to avoid a bitter taste or foul smell.
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Setting: Let the bars set naturally at room temperature for 2-3 hours, refrigerate them for 1 hour to speed up the process, or freeze them for 15 minutes for an even faster set.
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Press Tightly: Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure the bars hold their shape.
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Sugar: Instead of granulated sugar, you can also use coconut sugar, or sweetened condensed milk. They both work fine.
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Shaping: I cut them into square bars, but you can slice them into any shape you like. Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for clean edges.
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Flavorings: I flavored these bars with lemon, but feel free to use any flavoring you prefer. Vanilla extract, caramel sauce, rose syrup, or toffee syrup are all great options.
Coconut Bars (Step-by-step photo instructions)
How to Make Coconut Bars
- Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup of coconut milk and sugar to the saucepan and mix well. Bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, cook for 3-4 minutes. Next, add the desiccated coconut and coconut oil, mixing until well combined.
- Add a few drops of lemon extract and mix again. Turn off the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, add 3 tablespoons of icing sugar and mix again. Line a 9 x 11-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Transfer the mixture into the lined pan. Spread it evenly across the pan with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Smooth the top, and sprinkle the lemon zest evenly. Press it into the coconut mixture with a cup or a spatula.
- Let it set for 2-3 hours at room temperature, or refrigerate for an hour to firm up. Once set, remove the mixture from the pan and place it on a wooden cutting board. Use a sharp knife to trim the edges and slice into bars. You will get 12-14 bars.
Recipe Card
Coconut Bars [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 7 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Desserts | International | 12 bars |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 98 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For Coconut Bars
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 1/2 cups desiccated coconut
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons icing sugar
- A few drops of lemon extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
INSTRUCTIONS:
How to Make Coconut Bars
- Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup of coconut milk and sugar to the saucepan and mix well. Bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, cook for 3-4 minutes. Next, add the desiccated coconut and coconut oil, mixing until well combined.
- Add a few drops of lemon extract and mix again. Turn off the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, add 3 tablespoons of icing sugar and mix again. Line a 9 x 11-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Transfer the mixture into the lined pan. Spread it evenly across the pan with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Smooth the top, and sprinkle the lemon zest evenly. Press it into the coconut mixture with a cup or a spatula.
- Let it set for 2-3 hours at room temperature, or refrigerate for an hour to firm up. Once set, remove the mixture from the pan and place it on a wooden cutting board. Use a sharp knife to trim the edges and slice into bars. You will get 12-14 bars.
WATCH RECIPE VIDEO: Click the play button and video will load ...
NOTES:
- Since coconut is full of fat, it can spoil quickly. Be sure to use fresh desiccated or shredded coconut to avoid a bitter taste or foul smell.
- I used a few drops of lemon extract for a fresh lemon flavor, but you can also use lemon juice for a slightly tart taste.
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Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/coconut-bars/
