This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
Learn how to make my family’s favorite coconut bars using my no-bake recipe! They’re thick, soft, chewy, and full of addictive coconut flavor.
If your family is as obsessed with coconut as mine is, make my chocolate coconut cookies, chocolate coconut balls, and coconut brownies next.
Table of Contents
Bounty bars and Almond Joys are all fine and good, but sometimes I want a bar that just tastes like coconut. No chocolate, no nuts, nada.
Que, my coconut dessert bars. Two of the three ingredients are made with actual coconut, so you only taste that refreshing, tropical flavor. Plus, the bars are soft, chewy, and gooey. They’re addictive, and I dare you to stop with one!
Why I love this recipe
- Easy. All you need are 3 ingredients and about 5 minutes of prep time.
- Wholesome ingredients. They’re naturally gluten-free and vegan and can easily be made sugar-free.
- No fake coconut flavoring. I made sure these bars actually tasted like they have real coconut inside. No sunscreen flavor here!
- Great for sharing. I frequently bring these bars to parties and potlucks because they’re easy to make ahead of time, and they’re always the first dessert to go.
Key ingredients
- Shredded unsweetened coconut flakes. I suggest unsweetened coconut since the other ingredients are plenty sweet. Also, the more finely shredded the coconut, the smoother the bars will be!
- Coconut condensed milk. Holds the ingredients together and gives the bars a chewy texture. If you’re not strictly dairy-free, you can use regular sweetened condensed milk.
- Confectioners sugar. To sweeten the bars and give them a softer bite.
How to make coconut bars
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep. Line a square baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2- Mix. Stir together all ingredients in a large bowl until you get a thick dough.
Step 3- Chill. Pour the dough mixture into the prepared pan, press into place, and chill until firm.
Step 4- Slice. Once the dough is firm, remove it from the baking pan and use a sharp knife to slice it into bars.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Before slicing, let the bars come to room temperature for a few minutes. This will make them easier to slice without cracking.
- Use a slightly wet knife to slice the bars. I like to run a sharp knife under hot water, then carefully dry it, slice, and repeat.
- If you really must have chocolate, make my chocolate coconut bars instead.
Frequently asked questions
I wouldn’t recommend using coconut cream instead of coconut condensed milk, as the texture isn’t the same, and coconut cream isn’t sweet enough.
Yes, both kinds of coconut will work. Just be sure to use unsweetened versions of the two, as there is already plenty of added sugar.
Coconut Bars
Ingredients
- 3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2/3 cup coconut condensed milk
- 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded coconut, coconut condensed milk, and confectioners sugar and mix until a thick dough remains.
- Transfer the mixture into the lined pan. Using lightly wet hands, press down on top to smooth it out.
- Refrigerate the coconut bars for at least an hour to firm up. Once firm, use a sharp knife to slice into bars.
Notes
Nutrition
More no-bake bar recipes
Originally updated July 2023, updated and republished January 2025
I am making these today for my husbands birthday. We love anything coconut!
Fantastic 🙂 Hope he has a great day!
My husband and I were looking for a healthy snack when I came across your website. I am so impressed. The first thing I made was the Coconut Crack, it is fantastic! It’s a great healthy snack, and it has a great flavor and consistency.
So great to hear that!
Would this work with desiccated coconut instead of shredded? Thanks x
I should think so!
Oooh I want to try these. If I only have coconut flour and not coconut flakes, do you think that would work? I believe the coconut flour is just the flakes ground up into a flour. I have flakes on hand but they are sweetened :/
Hi there! That won’t work, it needs to be the exact 3 ingredients used 🙂
I have tried a few of your recipes and wanted to say that so many of the recipes are so easy to follow and I like that it’s a simple list of ingredients. Baking for my 6 kids who are extremely health-minded some being marathon runners, add son-in-laws and grandbabies we are a family of 16 ! Making healthier treats is our family’s priority. Your photographs are beautifully taken and really motivate me to try the recipe! I loved finding your book at my local library ! I look forward to reading your emails and IG posts! Thank you for sharing your talents!
You are so sweet, Marsha
xx
Oh my word!! By far, my favorite keto food!!! I’m not one to experiment so I appreciate you doing the work on this one. I didn’t know monk fruit sweetened maple syrup even existed but wow! I’ve shared these bars with several people and everyone loves them!
That means so much, thank you, Sherry!
Could not ask for more in a recipe – quick, delicious, easy, healthy. Thanks so much for this recipe!
I added a little almond extract for an almond joy flavor, would even be good with a little melted chocolate drizzled over top. So glad I found your website and cant wait to try more!
I know you mention to use honey in moderation due to its ability to be overpowering. Do we still use the 1/4 cup, or would you decrease?
You’d still need to use the standard amount, to ensure it holds together 🙂
Can I make this without any sweetner?
They won’t turn out at all.
Any thoughts on using Blackstrap Molasses? It’s what I have on hand.
It’ll be overpowering but should work!
Could I use swerve instead of the maple syrup?
I think you’d need a sticky sweetener to keep it all together.
Can we use desiccated coconut?
Could I use powdered sweetener? I could add water and make it into a liquid if necessary. I have spent a lot on sugar aĺternatives and would like to make use of them rather than buying yet another if I could . Thank you
Hi there, I haven’t tried that, I wouldn’t recommend it!
Can you substitute the coconut oil for something else in this??
I’ve only tried coconut oil.