Vegan Coconut Bars

These vegan coconut bars feature a date and oat base, a sweet coconut layer, and a dark chocolate topping. They're also gluten-free!
some squares of coconut bars topped with chocolate

Incoming: vegan coconut bars. Aka your new no-bake dessert obsession!

These healthy(ish) bars feature a date-oat base, a sweet coconut layer, and a thick slab of daily chocolate. Because chocolate is ALWAYS a good idea.

Psst! If you’re a chocoholic like me, you’ll love my chocolate-dipped ice cream sandwiches!

Why you’ll love this recipe

I just know you’ll love this recipe! It’s:

  • Vegan-friendly and gluten-free
  • Made with just 6 healthy ingredients
  • Deliciously coconutty and chocolatey!

How to make coconut bars

As always, you can find the full recipe and instructions at the bottom of this blog post.

Make the base by blending oats and dates until combined (photo 1). Press into a loaf tin lined with greaseproof paper (photo 2).

Prepare the coconut layer by mixing coconut oil, maple syrup and desiccated coconut (photo 3).

Press the coconut mixture atop the base (photo 3). Melt some dark chocolate (photo 4) and pour on top, then sprinkle with coconut flakes (photo 5). Freeze until firm then slice into squares and enjoy!

Notes on this recipe

  • Make sure to use desiccated coconut and not coconut flakes in this recipe. Just like in these homemade coconut ladoos, you’ll want to use the finer form of grated coconut to ensure the texture holds together.
  • To help press the base into the tin, use a square of greaseproof paper and the bottom of a glass to press the mixture down.
squares of chocolate-topped coconut bars

FAQ

Can I use a different chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Of course! Use whatever chocolate of your choosing. Personally I think using entirely white chocolate may make the result too sweet, however swirling white and dark chocolate together is a good (and very pretty) idea!

What can I use instead of maple syrup?

You can substitute agave syrup or honey for the maple syrup.

How long do coconut bars last?

These coconut bars will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

I hope you enjoy this recipe! If you make it, please leave a rating + review below and share your photos on Instagram tagging #shivanilovesfood!

More chocolatey vegan recipes:

some squares of coconut bars topped with chocolate

Vegan Coconut Bars

5 from 2 votes
Leave a Review Print Recipe
Prep45 minutes
Total1 hour 15 minutes
Serves8 pieces
These vegan coconut bars feature a date and oat base, a sweet coconut layer, and a dark chocolate topping. They're also gluten-free!
Author: Shivani Raja

Ingredients

For the base:

  • â…œ cup/ 75 grams Pitted Dates
  • ½ cup/ 50 grams Rolled Oats
  • 1 heaped tsp Coconut Oil

For the Coconut Layer:

  • 3 tbsp/ 40 grams Coconut Oil
  • 2 tbsp/ 30 grams Maple Syrup or agave syrup
  • 1 cup/ 80 grams Dessicated Coconut

For the Chocolatey Topping:

  • 4 oz/ 115 grams Dark Chocolate
  • 1 tsp Coconut Flakes for decoration

Instructions

  • Make the base: Add the base ingredients to a blender/food processor reserving 20 grams (a few tablespoons) of the oats. Mix well until a sticky dough forms. Transfer to a bowl, and use your hands to mix in the remaining oats.
  • Press the base mixture into a loaf tin lined with grease-proof paper. Chill in the freezer for 5 minutes whilst you prepare the next layer.
  • Make the coconut layer: In a medium-sized microwaveable bowl, melt the coconut oil. Mix in the maple syrup and dessicated coconut and stir to combine. Press this mixture on top of the base layer and return to the freezer for a further 10 minutes.
  • Make the chocolate layer: Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave on medium heat stirring every 30 seconds. Pour over the coconut layer and decorate with coconut flakes (optional). Return to the freezer for a further 15 minutes or until firm.
  • Remove from the freezer a few minutes before slicing into 8 squares with a flat-edged knife. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • These vegan coconut bars will last in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 257kcalCarbohydrates: 26.7gProtein: 2.3gFat: 17.7gSaturated Fat: 14.1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 36mgFiber: 4gSugar: 16.5g
Tried this recipe?Mention @shivani.lovesfood or tag #shivanilovesfood!

7 thoughts on “Vegan Coconut Bars”

    1. 5 stars
      Thinking of making this for an evening party at a park. Will it melt or not taste as it should if left out on the table for about an hour or 2?

  1. 5 stars
    I made this for a 21st Birthday Party, for a vegan dessert option, and despite being a lazy vegan/vegetarian cook who has never, ever used dates before, I found it simple to make and delicious-er to eat, even while preparing mountains of other vegan food. I know the 2 other attending vegans were surprised and touched to see not just options but food options we had to put signs on saying “Vegans go first!” as it was the kind of food that everyone wants to pick up and try. And on that note, I never saw a single piece of this dessert again, no leftovers!

    I had no Maca powder, but I will try to get some, as I’ll definitely be making this again, but I can assure people it’s absolutely delicious even without.

    Thank you for making food that tastes as good as it looks in the pictures.

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