These simple, no-bake coconut bars offer a delightful sweet treat that comes together with just three wholesome ingredients. Perfect for those following paleo or vegan diets, these bars deliver a delicious coconut flavor with a satisfying texture that makes them irresistibly addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These coconut crack bars earn their name honestly—they’re completely addictive! You’ll love how quickly they come together with minimal effort and zero cooking. They’re naturally paleo and vegan-friendly, making them perfect for various dietary needs. The combination of coconut and maple creates a naturally sweet treat without any refined sugar. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep as they store beautifully in the refrigerator or freezer.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Unsweetened shredded coconut forms the foundation of these bars, providing that classic tropical flavor and distinctive chewy texture. Make sure you’re using unsweetened coconut to control the sweetness level and keep these bars paleo-friendly.
Coconut oil acts as the binding agent in this recipe, helping the bars solidify when chilled. It also adds a subtle richness and enhances the coconut flavor. The oil needs to be melted so it mixes evenly with the other ingredients, but will firm up beautifully when refrigerated.
Maple syrup brings natural sweetness and helps hold everything together. Its rich flavor complements the coconut perfectly without overpowering it. You could substitute honey if you’re not strictly vegan, or try agave nectar as another vegan alternative.
Directions
- In a bowl, combine shredded coconut, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup.
- Stir well until everything is fully mixed together. The mixture should be uniformly moist and hold together when pressed.
- Line a small baking dish with parchment paper and press the coconut mixture into the dish. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create an even, firmly packed layer.
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until firm. The bars need this time to set properly, so don’t rush this step.
- Cut into bars and enjoy! Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 8 servings, with each bar containing approximately 200 calories. The preparation is incredibly quick at just 5 minutes, with no cooking time required. However, you’ll need patience for the 2-3 hour refrigeration period to allow the bars to set properly. Total time from start to finish is about 3 hours, though most of that is inactive chilling time.
Variations
Chocolate Dipped: Melt dark chocolate and dip the bars halfway, then chill again until the chocolate sets.
Tropical Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dried mango or pineapple to the mixture.
Nutty Coconut Bars: Incorporate 1/4 cup of chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for added crunch.
Vanilla Bean: Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean for enhanced flavor.
Spiced Coconut Bars: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warming spice profile.
Storage/Reheating
These coconut bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week. The cool temperature keeps the coconut oil solid and the bars firm.
For longer storage, these bars freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To enjoy from frozen, simply thaw in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. These bars are meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating is not necessary or recommended, as they will melt due to the coconut oil base.
FAQs
Why are my coconut bars not holding together?
The most common reason is insufficient chilling time. Make sure to refrigerate for the full 2-3 hours. Also, check that you used the correct amount of coconut oil, as this is what helps bind the bars when chilled.
Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?
Yes, but reduce or eliminate the maple syrup to avoid an overly sweet result. Sweetened coconut will also make these bars non-paleo, so keep that in mind if following a strict paleo diet.
How do I know when the bars are ready to cut?
The bars are ready when they feel firm to the touch and don’t give when pressed gently. If they still feel soft after 3 hours, allow them to chill longer.
Why are these called “crack” bars?
The term refers to how addictively delicious they are—not any illicit substances! Their simple yet irresistible nature makes it hard to stop at just one.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely! Honey works well as a substitute if you’re not strictly vegan. Use the same amount as the maple syrup called for in the recipe.
My coconut oil solidified while mixing. What should I do?
If your kitchen is cool, this can happen. Simply warm the mixture gently over very low heat or place the bowl over another bowl of warm water while stirring until integrated again.
Do these bars need to be kept refrigerated?
Yes, due to the coconut oil base, these bars will become soft at room temperature. Always store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
Can I add protein powder to these bars?
Yes, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of unflavored or vanilla protein powder. You might need to adjust the amount of maple syrup slightly to maintain the right consistency.
Are these bars kid-friendly?
Most children love these coconut bars! They’re naturally sweet without artificial ingredients, making them a healthier treat option for kids.
Can I toast the coconut first for more flavor?
Absolutely! Lightly toasting the shredded coconut before mixing will add a wonderful nutty dimension to these bars. Just be sure to let it cool completely before mixing with the other ingredients.
Conclusion
These 3-Ingredient Paleo Vegan Coconut Crack Bars prove that sometimes the simplest recipes yield the most satisfying results. With minimal effort and just a handful of natural ingredients, you can create a treat that satisfies sweet cravings while aligning with paleo and vegan lifestyles. Their make-ahead friendly nature makes them perfect for busy weeks when you need a quick, healthy snack or dessert option. Whether you enjoy them as is or experiment with the suggested variations, these coconut bars are sure to become a staple in your no-bake recipe collection.
Print
3-Ingredient Paleo Vegan Coconut Crack Bars
These 3-Ingredient Paleo Vegan Coconut Crack Bars are a delicious and healthy snack made with shredded coconut, coconut oil, and maple syrup, perfect for a quick and easy treat.
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine shredded coconut, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup.
- Stir well until everything is fully mixed together.
- Line a small baking dish with parchment paper and press the coconut mixture into the dish.
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until firm.
- Cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Use high-quality shredded coconut for the best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Paleo/Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
