3 Ingredient Paleo Vegan Coconut Crack Bars (Keto, Sugar Free, No Bake)
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this healthy 3-Ingredient No Bake Paleo Vegan Coconut Crack Bars recipe! Made completely sugar-free, these low carb and keto friendly coconut bars are seriously addictive and take minutes to whip up!
No Bake Coconut Bars
These no bake coconut crack bars really ARE seriously addictive and you have no excuse NOT to make them.
Using just three healthy ingredients and less than 5 minutes to prepare, you’ll never need to buy store bought candy bars or snacks. Did I mention that these addictive coconut bars are also completely paleo and vegan too?
Back in 2014, I first shared a recipe for homemade bounty coconut bars. A few months back, I gave it a protein-rich makeover, along with a few little tweaks. A little over a month ago, I loosely adapted the recipes yet again, to make them keto-friendly and sugar-free.
They also became even easier to make.
It’s rare for me to enjoy a coconut-based snack without some form of chocolate with it because let’s face it- I think nothing beats the chocolate and coconut combination. However, these bars are the exception- I actually found them even more satisfying and delicious WITHOUT some form of chocolate.
Although if you do want some chocolate, this step-by-step recipe video shows just how magical this combination truly is and LOADED with coconut goodness!
Who am I?
Three ingredients. No Baking. 5 minutes. No flour. No grains. No sugar.
No excuses.
How to make Keto Coconut Bars
Since attempting the ketogenic style of eating for one week, I realized that the key to a satisfying snack or dessert really is to focus on healthy fats, especially ones which are naturally sweet. That is why I’m such a huge fan of coconut-based candy or recipes.
Shredded unsweetened coconut and coconut butter are both naturally sweet, but have no sweeteners in them- Just pure coconut!
For today’s recipe, you only need shredded unsweetened coconut, coconut oil, and monk fruit sweetened maple syrup- An all-natural low carb and sugar-free sweetener which mimics the texture of pure maple syrup.
Because I want you to achieve the perfect no bake coconut crack bars, here are some easy tips and tricks.
Types of Shredded Coconut
Coconut flakes, shredded unsweetened coconut flakes, and finely shredded unsweetened coconut flakes all work for these crack bars.
I personally prefer using a mix of the shredded and the finely shredded, as it provides the best texture overall. Feel free to use whichever you have on hand. Just be wary that the larger the flakes/shreds, the more crumbly the mixture will be.
If you do use the larger flakes of coconut, lightly wet your hands before transferring from the bowl to the lined baking tray- It will stop being overly sticky and easy to press into the pan!
Note- Be sure whichever shredded coconut flakes you use, it is unsweetened- Both the sweetened and unsweetened varieties look identical so take note!
A healthy sugar-free sweetener
To keep these no bake coconut crack bars healthy and sugar-free, I used my favorite monk fruit sweetener. What I love about this liquid sweetener is it mimics the taste and texture of real maple syrup, however with some key differences-
- It is sugar free
- Low carb and low G.I.
- Suitable for those following a ketogenic or paleo diet
DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT replace this with generic sugar-free maple syrup or pancake syrup. These often use artificial sweeteners in them and have the texture of water. The bars will simply not form, and you’ll be left with overly fake-tasting piles of coconut.
Not delicious.
A healthy refined sugar-free sweetener
If you can tolerate some form of sugar, you can use a refined sugar-free sticky sweetener. Pure maple syrup, agave nectar, and even honey would all be perfect alternatives.
Be wary that honey tends to be overpowering and if you follow a strict vegan diet, isn’t vegan-friendly.
For all those who have been skeptical of a snack or dessert based purely on coconut and with no sugar whatsoever- This is for you. It’s a deceptively satisfying and naturally sweet treat ready in mere minutes! These healthy no bake coconut crack bars will be your new (legal) addiction.
Looking for more keto friendly snacks to satisfy the sweet tooth? Gotcha covered!
3 Ingredient Chocolate Coconut Keto Cups
No Bake Low Carb Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
3 Ingredient Keto Vanilla Ice Cream
No Churn Brownie Batter Ice Cream
3 Ingredient Paleo Vegan Coconut Crack Bars (Keto, Sugar Free, No Bake) adapted from my no bake chocolate coconut brownies and no bake bounty bars.
Healthy 3 Ingredient No Bake Paleo Vegan Coconut Crack Bars
Ingredients
- 3 cups Shredded unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup monk fruit sweetened maple syrup Can substitute for any liquid sweetener of choice
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch pan or 8 x 10-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside. Alternatively, you can use a loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, add your shredded unsweetened coconut. Add your melted coconut oil and monk fruit sweetened maple syrup (or sticky sweetener of choice) and mix until a thick batter remains. If it is too crumbly, add a little extra syrup or a tiny bit of water.
- Pour the coconut crack bar mixture into the lined pan. Lightly wet your hands and press firmly into place. Refrigerate or freeze until firm. Cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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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 🙂
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!
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
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 🙂
Would this work with desiccated coconut instead of shredded? Thanks x
I should think so!
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!
I am making these today for my husbands birthday. We love anything coconut!
Fantastic 🙂 Hope he has a great day!
What ratio do you use for the mix of coconut? (e.g., 50-50 shredded and finely shredded? More finely shredded than shredded? Vice versa?)
I just stumbled upon this recipe, maybe 15 minutes ago. It’s already chilling in the fridge. I had to compliment you for the simplicity and amazing taste. And my hands smell like coconut, yum 🙂
😀 Hope you enjoy it, Jana
I have made these several times and they are a great snack, and super easy to make! I toast the coconut, and add the sweetener to the melted coconut oil (which makes the mixing easier) and pat it in the pan with a spatula (which keeps my hands clean).
Love that 🙂