If you’re craving a treat that’s both indulgent and wholesome, this Chewy Coconut Bars Recipe is your new best friend. These bars perfectly balance the natural sweetness of shredded coconut with the rich, buttery notes of coconut oil and a hint of vanilla, making every bite satisfyingly chewy and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for an energizing snack or a sweet finish to your meal, these bars bring together simple ingredients to create something truly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chewy Coconut Bars Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, combining to create a perfect harmony of texture and taste that’s both vibrant and comforting.
- 2 1/2 cups shredded coconut, unsweetened: Provides the chewy, tropical base with natural flavor and texture.
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup: Sweetens the bars naturally while helping bind all the ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted: Adds healthy fats and a silky richness that enhances chewiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a subtle aromatic note that lifts the overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons almond flour (optional for added texture): Gives a mild nutty complexity and a sturdier structure to the bars.
How to Make Chewy Coconut Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure your bars come out cleanly and keep their shape perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, blend the shredded coconut, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt thoroughly. This combination ensures that every bite will be moist, chewy, and packed with balanced sweetness and aroma.
Step 3: Add Almond Flour (Optional)
If you want to add a bit more texture and depth, mix in the almond flour now. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference in the final bite, giving the bars a subtle crunch and richness.
Step 4: Press and Shape
Transfer your mixture to the prepared baking pan, then press it down firmly and evenly. This step is key to achieving the perfect chewy texture, so take your time to press it firmly into a uniform layer.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your bars for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the top is lightly toasted. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible by this point!
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Once baked, allow your coconut bars to cool completely in the pan. This gives them time to set properly and makes cutting them into neat squares or bars a breeze. Trust me, this wait is worth it!
How to Serve Chewy Coconut Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an added layer of indulgence, try sprinkling toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the top just before serving. Fresh berries or a scattering of chopped nuts also bring vibrant color and added crunch that elevate these bars to special-occasion status.
Side Dishes
Chewy coconut bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them a fantastic afternoon pick-me-up. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a delightful balance of creamy and fruity flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Arrange the bars in a decorative wooden or ceramic tray lined with banana leaves or colorful parchment paper. You can also cut the bars into bite-sized pieces and serve them on skewers for a fun party finger food presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them fresh and chewy, perfect for snacking or packing in lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, they keep well for up to three months. When you want a treat, just thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly for that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
If you like your bars warm, gently reheat them in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds. This softens them beautifully and brings out the rich coconut aroma that makes this Chewy Coconut Bars Recipe so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that using sweetened shredded coconut will increase the overall sweetness, so you may want to reduce the honey or maple syrup slightly to balance the flavors.
Is it necessary to use almond flour?
No, almond flour is optional. It adds a bit of texture and nuttiness but the bars are delicious on their own with just the coconut and syrup mixture.
Can I substitute coconut oil with another oil?
You can, but coconut oil adds a distinct flavor and texture that complements the coconut perfectly. If substituting, opt for a mild oil like avocado or light olive oil.
How chewy are these coconut bars?
These bars offer a tender chewiness with just the right amount of bite—soft enough to enjoy easily but firm enough to hold together well.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, using maple syrup instead of honey makes this recipe vegan-friendly without losing any flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about homemade treats that manage to be both simple and delicious, and this Chewy Coconut Bars Recipe checks every box. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack, dessert, or to share with friends, these bars are guaranteed to become a beloved favorite. Give them a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chewy Coconut Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These chewy coconut bars are a naturally sweet and satisfying treat made with shredded coconut, honey or maple syrup, and coconut oil. They are easy to prepare, baked to golden perfection, and offer a delightful texture with an optional addition of almond flour for extra richness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups shredded coconut, unsweetened
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons almond flour (optional for added texture)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut with honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated, ensuring a uniform mixture.
- Add Almond Flour (Optional): If you choose to use almond flour, add it now and mix well to distribute it evenly throughout the coconut mixture, enhancing the texture of the bars.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Pour the combined coconut mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon or your hands to create an even, compact layer that will hold together after baking.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Look for the edges to turn golden brown and the top to develop a light brown color indicating doneness.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cut into 12 equal squares or bars and serve.
Notes
- Use unsweetened shredded coconut to keep the bars from becoming overly sweet.
- Honey or maple syrup can be used interchangeably depending on preference or dietary needs.
- For a nut-free version, omit the almond flour.
- Make sure the bars are completely cooled before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
