Toasted coconut bars
February 5, 2025

Toasted Coconut Bars

These Toasted Coconut Bars have only 5 ingredients and are super simple to make. They are gluten-free and vegan and are full of good-for-you ingredients. Toasting the coconut only takes 5 minutes but really elevates the flavour of these easy bars!
prep time15 minutes
chill time45 minutes
total time1 hour

With only 5 ingredients, these Toasted Coconut Bars are easy peasy. They are gluten-free, vegan and totally delicious! They also have over 5g of protein per small bar, so will keep you full too!

These bars don’t need baking. I think no-bake recipes are my favourite ones to make. Not only are they quicker to make, but they always taste more nutritious.

And these ones are no exception!

Why You’ll Love These Toasted Coconut Bars

✅ Only 5 Ingredients – No complicated list of ingredients!
✅ Vegan & Dairy-Free – Perfect for plant-based diets.
✅ No Baking Required – Easy to make in minutes.
✅ Healthy & Nutritious – Full of natural whole food ingredients.
✅ Customisable – Add in extras or sub out for your favourite.

How to make these toasted coconut bars?

Firstly, toast the coconut. This is a simple process. Add the coconut to a frying pan and fry on a medium heat for about 5 minutes. 

Once the coconut is a light brown colour it is ready. Add the coconut, pitted dates, ground almonds and nuts to a food processor.  Blend until smooth and the nuts have broken down.  Press down into a baking tray and refrigerate whilst you melt the chocolate.

Add the dark chocolate to a bowl and melt over a pan of hot water. Pour over the base and top with some optional extra coconut. Refrigerate to set the chocolate. 

Why toast your coconut 

Toasting coconut isn’t just for the finished look of the bars—it enhances flavour, taste, and smell! Here’s why you should always toast your coconut for these bars:

Richer Flavour – Toasting brings out the natural sweetness and nuttiness of coconut, making your bars even more delicious.

Better Texture – It adds a subtle crunch, which is fantastic for the finished texture of the bars.

Amazing Smell – Your kitchen will smell amazing!

What ingredients do you need to make toasted coconut bars?

They contain minimal ingredients that you probably have in your cupboard at home. Here is the list of ingredients you will need:

  • Desiccated Coconut 
  • Medjool dates 
  • Ground almonds
  • Nuts (I used cashews and almonds) 
  • Dark chocolate 

Desiccated Coconut

Coconut is rich in healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are quickly absorbed by the body and used as an immediate source of energy. It’s also high in fibre and minerals such as manganese. Coconut also adds a really nice extra sweetness to these bars and toasting it really amplifies the flavour.

Medjool Dates

My preferred sweetener for sweet treats is always dates! And medjool dates are the best! They are naturally sweet and packed with fibre. They’re also a good source of potassium.

Ground Almonds

Adding some ground almonds to the bars as well as whole nuts makes it easier to blend, but you can also just add more whole nuts. Almonds are a great source of vitamin E. They also offer protein and healthy fats.

Nuts

You can use any nuts really. I used cashews and almonds. Cashews add a great creaminess and are very easy to blend. Almonds are harder but offer a different flavour. Both are good sources of essential minerals, good fats and protein.

Dark chocolate

I use a dark chocolate that has minimal sugar and at least 70% cocoa solids. It’s a good source of antioxidants and contains minerals such as iron, magnesium, and copper. 

Storage Tips

These toasted coconut bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days. 

If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Recipe Tips:

Let them chill thoroughly: For the best results, let the bars chill in the fridge for at least 45 mins before slicing. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to cut into neat bars.

Press down firmly: These bars really need pressing down firmly into the tin, to ensure they hold together. 

Chocolate layer: I only add a very thin chocolate layer to these bars. Feel free to add more if you like!

If you liked these Toasted Coconut Bars, here are some other recipes you may like:

Toasted Coconut Bites

Raspberry Ruffles

Mini Chocolate Coconut Bites

Super Green Power Balls

Toasted coconut bars

Toasted Coconut Bars

Helen Ridgeway Helen Ridgeway
These Toasted Coconut Bars have only 5 ingredients and are super simple to make. They are gluten-free and vegan and are full of good-for-you ingredients. Toasting the coconut only takes 5 minutes but really elevates the flavour of these easy bars!
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
chill time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert, Snack
Servings 12
Calories 266 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 

Base ingredients:

Topping ingredients:

  • cup dark chocolate (100g)
  • 2-3 tbsp desiccated coconut and flaked almonds optional

Instructions
 

  • Add the desiccated coconut to a large frying pan and fry until lightly brown and toasted. This will take about 5 minutes.
  • Add the toasted coconut and all the other base ingredients to a food processor. Blend until thoroughly combined and there are no large nut pieces remaining. Add a tbsp or 2 of water, if needed, if it won’t come together.
  • Press down into a lined 20cm (8 inch) square tin and refrigerate whilst you melt the chocolate.
  • Add the chocolate to a bowl and melt over a pan of hot water. Pour on top of the base and fully cover. Add some optional extra coconut (and/or almonds). Refrigerate again.
  • Once the chocolate has set, cut into 12 or 15 squares. Store in the fridge.

Notes

  • The nutritional value is based upon cutting into 12 bars.
  • I only add a very thin chocolate layer to these bars. Feel free to add more if you like!
  • Store in the fridge. They will last for 5-6 days.
  • They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
 
*This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission when you purchase through these links (at no extra cost to you). I only endorse products that I personally use or have tested.

Nutrition

Calories: 266kcalCarbohydrates: 18.5gProtein: 5.2gFat: 17.5gSaturated Fat: 7.5gFiber: 4.8g
Keyword coconut bar, no bake
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

6 Comments

  1. Lallie

    5 stars
    Amazing and delicious packed with yummy flavors

    Reply
    • Helen Ridgeway

      Great, so glad you liked them.

      Reply
  2. Susan Baker-Herman

    5 stars
    Yummy ingredients without any processed products involved. Very addictive!

    Reply
    • Helen Ridgeway

      Glad to hear that! Thanks for taking the time to let me know.

      Reply
  3. Lucy

    5 stars
    Love it! One of my husband’s favorite to take on the golf course. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Helen Ridgeway

      Amazing! Glad he likes them!

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Nutritionist Helen Ridgeway facing camera wearing green apron and white shirt

Hi, I’m Helen,

I’m a Nutritional Therapist based in Harpenden, Hertfordshire with a passion for helping women feel their best through simple, sustainable changes. I believe good nutrition goes beyond food; it’s about supporting your energy, hormones and overall well-being in a way that fits real life.

More about Helen

ebook recipe mockup

Recent Recipes

Mediterranean Bean Salad

Mediterranean Bean Salad

This easy bean salad takes just a few minutes to throw together, is packed with vegetables and herbs, and the dressing is a winner! I love salads like this for lunch, particularly when I want something that I can make ahead and keep in the fridge. The combination of...

Cookie Dough Protein Balls

Cookie Dough Protein Balls

With 6g of protein per small ball, these cookie dough protein balls are a fabulous little treat. They're like a healthier version of edible cookie dough. Super easy to make too! You just combine almond flour and almond butter with a little protein powder and maple...

Macadamia Nut Bars

Macadamia Nut Bars

If you're looking for no bake bars that are quick to make, freezer-friendly and a perfect snack size, these Macadamia Nut Bars tick all the boxes. Everything comes together in a food processor before being shaped into bars and chilled. I like to dip them in dark...

Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie

Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie

A smoothie can look nutritious on paper and still leave you hungry about 10 minutes later! This strawberry blueberry smoothie is different.  By adding yoghurt and chia seeds it makes it more filling, with more protein too. And with the option of adding protein powder,...

Easy Black Bean Tacos

Easy Black Bean Tacos

I make these black bean tacos when I want something quick and easy without spending ages in the kitchen. The black beans take just a few minutes to cook with red onion and a few spices and then it’s simply a case of warming the tortillas and adding your toppings. The...

Frozen Yoghurt Bites

Frozen Yoghurt Bites

I've made so many variations of these frozen yoghurt bites over the years, but I think pistachio might be my favourite. It’s something about the green of the pistachios with dark chocolate that draws me in every time!  They are super easy to make too. The filling...

Chickpea Potato Salad with Satay Sauce

Chickpea Potato Salad with Satay Sauce

Anything with potatoes and I'm very happy! And this chickpea potato salad is one I come back to again and again.  Roasted potatoes and chickpeas are tossed with crunchy veggies then coated in a creamy peanut satay dressing. It makes a salad that's filling...

No Bake Oat Bars

No Bake Oat Bars

These easy no bake oat bars are made with toasted oats, coconut, flaked almonds and nut butter. They’re simple to prepare, made with just 6 main ingredients and there’s no food processor required.  Although these are technically no bake oat bars, I like...

ebook recipe mockup

WANT MORE INSPIRATION?

Sign up for free monthly recipes and get a copy of my free recipe ebook with my 5 most popular recipes

You have Successfully Subscribed!