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These coconut bars need just 3 ingredients to make and are irresistibly delicious. Thick, soft, and chewy, they take less than 5 minutes to prep!
If you’ve tried coconut candy bars before, these homemade version is a game changer!
They are chewy, sweet, and satisfying but healthier. They are like the filling of an almond joy or bounty bar!
Table of Contents
Why this recipe works
- Easy to make. The recipe needs just 3 simple ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time.
- Versatile. It’s easy to customize their flavor. Add vanilla extract or different toppings, like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or candy.,
- Vegan and gluten-free. Thanks to the coconut condensed milk used, these bars are naturally dairy-free and suitable for celiacs.
- Everyone loves them. The flavor and texture of these bars are so good that it’s sure to please everyone, from kids to adults.
Ingredients needed
- Shredded unsweetened coconut flakes. As the remaining ingredients are sweet, always opt for the unsweetened kind. 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. It also adds sweetness.
- Confectioners sugar. To sweeten the bars, and make them softer to bite into!
How to make coconut bars
Prep. Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Make the dough. Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl and mix until a thick dough forms.
Refrigerate. Transfer the coconut mixture to the lined pan. Wet your hands lightly while pressing the dough on the top to smooth it out. Refrigerate the bars to firm up.
Slice into bars. Once the mixture is firm, slice it into bars with a sharp knife.
Recipe tips and tricks
- Choose finely shredded coconut over large flake ones, as the mixture will be more smooth and easier to work with.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the bars to create even slices without falling them apart.
- Make sure the condensed milk is sweetened and full-fat.
- Before slicing the bars, take the pan out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This will make it easier to cut the bars cleanly without cracking or crumbling.
Recipe variations
Add mix-ins. Fold through some chocolate chips, dried fruit, or chopped nuts for some added texture and a less pronounced coconut flavor.
Dip in chocolate. Almost identical to our chocolate coconut bars, melt your favorite kind of chocolate (milk, white, semi-sweet, dark) and dip the bars in them.
Make bite sized. Evenly distribute the mixture amongst a 12-count mini muffin tin and let them set in there. When ready to enjoy, pop them out.
Use standard condensed milk. We opted to use coconut based coconut condensed milk to keep it dairy free, but traditional condensed milk works.
Storage instructions
To store. Put leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to two weeks.
To freeze. Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper, then store in a ziplock bag in the freezer for up to 6 months.
More coconut dessert recipes to try
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all the ingredients used in the recipe are gluten-free. So, these coconut bars are gluten-free.
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 all the ingredients 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.
Can I use sugar free coconut condendesed milk?
I haven’t tried, but you are welcome to experiment and see
The BEST coconut bars recipe I’ve ever made.
It’s a awesome dessert. Thank you.
Absolutely beautiful
These bars are the best. I use 9 drops of Stevia Glycerite and a half tsp peppermint extract. They are so good!
Thank you for providing me a way to use shredded coconut from making milk. So easy. I look forward to sharing them with yoga students after class. I’m not usually a fan of coconut unless it’s milk or oil so we’ll see if I like it this way.
Could I use Agave syrup in this recipe?
Yes you can!
Can you use coconut oil that comes in liquid form?
I don’t see why not!
Armon,
Everytime I see a recipe with your name on it,I Know it’ll be GREAT!Just wanted to thank you aND tell you I appreciate you.♡♡
Thank you 🙂 x
Amazing, I added 2 scoops of whey protein and increased the coconut oil by a bit! Really nice and easy recipe to satisfy my sweet tooth while eliminating gains for 6 weeks.
Awesome, Adel! 🙂
Love this recipe. I used the juice and zest from a couple Meyer lemons to add to this coconut crack and it is absolutely amazing!!!!
Hi there, just wondering if I could use coconut butter instead of oil?
Not for this recipe, sorry!
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 🙂
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
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?)