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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Vegan Coconut Bars

    Last Updated on March 17, 2023, First Published on August 2, 2018 5 Comments

    Prep 45 minutes
    Total 1 hour 15 minutes
    Jump to Recipe

    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).

    oats and dates blended together
    a date-oat base pressed into a loaf tin
    creamy coconut filling in a bowl

    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!

    coconut filling being pressed into a loaf tin
    melted chocolate in a bowl
    coconut flakes being sprinkled onto coconut bars

    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:

    • Vegan peanut butter brownies
    • Eggless chocolate chip cookies
    • Chocolate chip baked oatmeal
    some squares of coconut bars topped with chocolate

    Vegan Coconut Bars

    5 from 1 vote
    LEAVE A REVIEW PRINT RECIPE
    PREP45 mins
    TOTAL1 hr 15 mins
    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…ś 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 teaspoon 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!

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      Easy Coconut Ladoo
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      Vegan Halloween Cookies
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      Dairy-Free Cheesecake Bars

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Rating




    1. Autumn Moon

      August 07, 2018 at 8:50 pm

      These look delicious! I will be sure to try out this recipe.

      Reply
      • Shivani Raja

        August 07, 2018 at 8:51 pm

        Thank you so much!! Let me know if you like it 🙂

        Reply
    2. Autumn Moon

      August 07, 2018 at 8:50 pm

      These look delicious!

      Reply
    3. Rae

      November 24, 2021 at 8:13 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Shivani Raja

        November 26, 2021 at 11:40 pm

        Rae - this made my day! I am so glad you and your party guests enjoyed it!! x

        Reply

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