No Bake Paleo Vegan Cherry Coconut Bars (Keto, Sugar Free)
These healthy paleo vegan chocolate cherry coconut bars are a quick and easy no bake recipe made with four ingredients. A delicious cherry coconut filling covered in chocolate, these paleo vegan cherry coconut bars are the ultimate healthy low carb dessert or treat! Keto, Sugar Free, Dairy Free.
We are huge fans of no bake coconut recipes. We love using them in lemon coconut bars and of course, my favorite homemade vegan coconut brownies.
This healthy no bake chocolate cherry coconut bar recipe will soon become a favorite- And they are so easy too!
Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars
I’ve been meaning to do more cherry and coconut recipes, but finding the RIGHT kind of recipe has been a little bit difficult. It wasn’t until my sister asked me to recreate one of her favorite candy bars did the inspiration hit.
Cherry ripes are a cherry lovers candy dream. It is a coconut cherry filling covered in chocolate. Unfortunately, it is not the healthiest of desserts or snacks, so of course, I was up to give it a healthy homemade makeover!
I based this recipe loosely on my homemade bounty bars but added some cherry goodness! Not only are these quick and easy to make, they are healthy too. Low carb, full of healthy fats and barely any carbs, but you’d never tell. They are completely paleo, vegan and dairy free, with a TESTED ketogenic option, which makes them sugar free too!
To make my homemade cherry coconut crack bars, you’ll only need four ingredients! The filling is made from unsweetened shredded coconut, dried unsweetened cherries, a sticky sweetener, and coconut butter. You then have the option to cover it in chocolate, but let’s face it- It is NEVER optional!
What is unsweetened shredded coconut?
Unsweetened shredded coconut is the coconut fruit which has been dried completely. Once dry and brittle, it is blended/shredded to various consistencies.
It also differs from sweetened shredded coconut. Sweetened shredded coconut often has corn syrup added to it, making it moister and easier to bake or cook with.
What is the difference between coconut flakes and shredded coconut?
Coconut flakes and shredded coconut are basically the same things, with the former being larger flakes, compared to the latter.
In unsweetened shredded coconut good for you?
Coconut in all forms can be enjoyed daily, as part of a healthy balanced diet. It’s high in heart-healthy fats, aids digestion and is very satisfying.
Like with any foods, moderation is key, and being a high-fat food, you shouldn’t go overboard on it.
What sweeteners are allowed on the paleo vegan diet?
Refined sugar free liquid sweeteners allowed on the paleo vegan diet are as follows-
- Pure maple syrup (my favorite!)
- Agave nectar
- Coconut nectar
- Honey (NOT for strict vegans)
What is the best sweetener for keto or the ketogenic diet?
There are several granulated sweeteners suitable for the ketogenic diet. As this recipe calls for a sticky sweetener, I can only vouch for this monk fruit sweetened maple syrup.
It is keto-approved, low carb and sugar free, and has the consistency of real maple syrup.
Dried Cherries and keto alternatives
Be sure to use unsweetened dried cherries, and not the sweetened kind or the glace kind.
If you can’t find dried unsweetened cherries, you can use dried cranberries or another similar red berry (currents could work!).
To keep this 100% keto-friendly, I used pure cherry extract and some dragon fruit pitaya powder (expect a fun recipe to come soon!). The cherry extract gives it the cherry flavor, without the need to use any cherries whatsoever.
The final step of the recipe is the healthy chocolate coating, and if you are a die-hard chocolate cherry coconut fan, you can NOT leave this out!
For my paleo vegan readers, these dairy free chocolate chips melt beautifully and taste great. I often eat these on its own, and even my non-paleo vegan friends love them too.
A keto chocolate chip which I like to use are these stevia sweetened chocolate chips. No bitter aftertaste and they melt perfectly.
Love coconut no bake recipes?
- Chocolate Coconut Crack Bars
- 3 Ingredient No Bake Coconut Cookies
- Coconut Chocolate Keto Cups
- Pineapple Coconut Bars

No Bake Paleo Vegan Cherry Coconut Bars (Keto, Sugar Free)
PIN THIS RECIPEIngredients
- 2 1/4 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup unsweetened dried cherries * See notes
- 1/4 cup sticky sweetener of choice ** See notes
- 1 cup coconut butter, melted
- 2 cups chocolate chips of choice
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, add your unsweetened shredded coconut with dried cherries and blend until just mixed. Pour into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or stovetop, melt your coconut butter with your sticky sweetener of choice. Pour into the dry mixture and mix until well combined. Transfer to a lined 8 x 8-inch pan and press firmly in place. Freeze for 20-30 minutes, or until firm.
- Once firm, use a lightly wet, sharp knife and slice into 20 bars. Melt your chocolate chips of choice. Moving quickly, use two forks to dip each cherry coconut bar in the melted chocolate and ensure it is evenly coated. Repeat the process and refrigerate until the chocolate firms up.
Notes
Nutrition
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Can I use coconut oil in place of the coconut butter or perhaps would almond butter or peanut butter be better?
I wouldn’t, as it has a different consistency. You could experiment with peanut butter.
These look perfect! Iove the added dried cherries and I bet it would also work well with cranberries – am I right? Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Well Arman, you’re just on the coconut bar train, aren’t you? Don’t blame you whatsoever–I’m on the gochujang train and the chocolate train! LOL!
How can you list this as sugar free? Chocolate chips?
It clearly states sugar free chocolate chips.
What does the pitaya powder do for the taste? Is it really necessary?
Hi! It adds some color to it, not necessary 🙂
Do you know how many grams of sugar in these? I know they are refined sugar free, but looking at making for a diabetic friend and kinda new to this… Thank you!
Sure, if you plug in the ingredients into myfitnesspal, it will provide it all for you! 🙂
Are there substitutes for coconut butter?
That is the only thing I’ve used here (coconut oil and coconut shredded)