5 Ingredient Vegan Coconut Chocolate Bars
Vegan Coconut Chocolate Bars: this 5 ingredient coconut bars recipe yields thick, indulgent coconut bars enrobed in a velvety layer of rich chocolate. Healthy, Paleo, No Bake, Gluten Free.
Today’s post is dedicated to the most important person in the world to me: my mom. 🙂 No offense, Erik! He’s such a spotlight hog! J/k.
A few years back, I shared this post and this vegan coconut chocolate bars recipe in dedication to my mom… and now that it’s that time of the year again (Happy Birthday, Mommy!!), I thought I’d re-share this ol’ guy. I’ve added a few updates, but kept my dedication to my incredible mom the same. I hope you enjoy the post!
Every year, I wrack my brain to think of how I might express how much she means to me.
Tbh, I usually try to bake/no-bake my appreciation for her. Okay, that’s a weird sentence. But you know what I mean! There’s just something about a homemade gift that always seems to say more.
This love of homemade gift giving probably comes from my childhood.
Back when I was a kid, we didn’t have much. But us four kids did have a mama that tried her darndest to make sure we never felt that way for long. She didn’t have the moola to buy us toys, trendy clothes or things like that, but she did have this amazing way in the kitchen. And still does, just for the record. 😉
These coconut chocolate bars are dedicated to my mom—for all of her hard work and endless well of love, a simple and delicious treat to enjoy. 🙂
After a long day of working on her feet, my mom would make the 3-mile walk home, lugging a big bag of potatoes, some tofu and loads of veggies. She’d get home and we’d all scramble to greet her: limbs and giggles flying everywhere.
She’d hug and kiss each and every one of us, then set to making dinner. She’d spend hours in the kitchen, chopping, cutting, peeling… adding little touches to show us kids how much we meant to her. It didn’t matter that she had already spent 14 hours on her feet and didn’t have any energy left. 🙁
All of these amazing scents would start wafting through the kitchen: spices, curry, oil. She’d turn on her radio and do a little dance between stirring and chopping (which kinda sounds dangerous, but my mom is a total badass, just sayin’). 😉
In between stirs, us kids would run into the kitchen, asking for the latest Barbie, why Monica would eat the last fudgesicle when she knew it was mine, and help with our homework.
A while later, dinner was ready. As if by magic, the dinner table was covered, covered in an assortment of steaming hot dishes: fried noodles, curry tofu, two different veggie dishes and more.
To this day, I still don’t know how she does it.
Simple & easy coconut bars covered in a rich layer of chocolate that’s no bake & made with healthy ingredients.
We’d all run to the table, squealing about which dish was “ours,” and climb over each other to get to the food. And there my mom would be, just beaming.
Just, beaming.
No matter how rough of a day she had, how rude her boss was, or how terrible and stressed she’d felt about our financial situation (which we later spoke of as adults), she felt it all disappear in the kitchen. In the kitchen, she could conquer the world. She could do this for us and make everything just right, if even for an hour.
She’d completely transform in the kitchen. Become brighter, happier, more confident. And that warm feeling seeped into everything she made, and it lifted us up.
And to this day, I’ve never forgotten that feeling. I’ve never forgotten the power of food… and especially the love that comes from it.
As I get older, I realize more and more how much sheer, herculean effort must’ve gone into those dinners… how deflating and depressing that stress must’ve been on her shoulders all day… and I remind myself to appreciate her even more for how much she’s always done for us.
I make and share these recipes for my momma. She’s always reminded me that people around the world struggled like we did growing up. Whether it’s with a diet restriction, money or just the blues. And we have to do what we can to try and make things a little bit better, a bit funnier. And a bit sweeter.
So I hope that, in a small, teeny-tiny way, my recipes can help you overcome those rough days, feelings of deprivation from crappy dietary restrictions, or even just make you laugh for just a second. If I did, then tell me immediately so I can screenshot that and send it to my mom. 😉
Will you join me today in saying happy birthday to one of the coolest people on the planet? 🙂
To my mom, the most incredible, kind, funny, goofy, loving and wonderful person in my life. Happy Birthday, Mommy. You are my inspiration, always.
Your edible birthday present (as requested, of course) 5 Ingredient No Bake Chocolate Coconut Bars: jam-packed with your two favorite flavors of all time: chocolate and coconut!
Now, for the recipe stuff… 😉
How to Make Coconut Chocolate Bars
Step One. Line an 8-inch baking pan with wax paper or parchment paper.
Step Two. Make the Coconut Bars: blend together coconut flakes, coconut oil, coconut cream and maple syrup in a food processor.
Step Three. Pour the coconut mixture into the prepared pan. Smooth and press down into a tightly-packed, even layer.
Step Four. Make the Chocolate Layer: Melt chocolate chips and coconut cream together, mixing well until smooth.
Step Five. Pour chocolate mixture over coconut bars and smooth into an even layer. Freeze for 40-70 minutes, until firm. Slice and enjoy!
>>RELATED: 2 Ingredient Vegan Chocolate Ganache // 3 Ingredient Kind Bars Recipe – Almond Coconut
The 5 ingredients you need to make Coconut Chocolate Bars
Raw Coconut Chips or Small Coconut Shreds– the raw coconut chips are my absolute fave. They’re made without any added sugar or oil. They can be eaten alone or used in a multitude of recipes, like today’s vegan coconut bars, these Ultimate Chewy Paleo Coconut Cookies (Vegan, Dairy-Free) or my Paleo Apple Crisp with Coconut & Pecans.
Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil – the perfect way to add an extra oomph of coconut flavor, while making these bars nice and rich. I use extra virgin coconut oil.
Coconut Cream—amazing in everything from Coconut Milk Keto Ice Cream to so much more… I use this brand of coconut cream in all of my coconut recipes.
Pure Maple Syrup—a refined sugar-free ingredient that adds delicious sweetness without taking away from the delicious coconut flavor.
Vegan Chocolate Chips or Paleo Chocolate Chunks—my go-to chocolate chips for any recipe. The vegan chocolate chips are rich, velvety and delicious. The paleo chocolate chunks are refined sugar-free, paleo and melt like a charm.
So whaddya say? Will you grab the chocolate as I break a few coconuts? 😉 Okay, fine, I’m just gonna bring over my 15-lb bag of coconut flakes… if you don’t mind. 🙂 Just so you know, I’m always so grateful to share these recipes and make them with you. I can’t wait to hear what you and your loved ones think of these 5 Ingredient No Bake Chocolate Coconut Bars. In the meantime, tell me:
Who’s your hero?
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️
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More Delicious Coconut Recipes
- Pineapple Coconut Sorbet
- 3 Ingredient Kind Bars Recipe – Almond Coconut
- Crunchy Vegan Coconut Cookies
- Peanut Butter Coconut Oatmeal Cookies
- Vegan Coconut Macaroons
- Coconut Chia Pudding Recipe
- Crunchy Keto Coconut Cookies
- …and Soft Baked Chocolate Vegan Donuts Recipe, just for fun 😉
5 Ingredient Vegan Coconut Chocolate Bars
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Vegan Coconut Chocolate Bars: this 5 ingredient coconut bars recipe yields thick, indulgent coconut bars enrobed in a velvety layer of rich chocolate. Healthy, Paleo, No Bake, Gluten Free.
Ingredients
Coconut Bars
- 2 ½ cups unsweetened coconut flakes or shreds
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, solid or melted
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons coconut cream*
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Chocolate Layer
- ½ cup paleo-friendly chocolate (chopped) or vegan chocolate chips
- ¼ cup coconut cream
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with wax paper or parchment paper. Set aside for later.
- Make the Coconut Bars: Add coconut flakes, coconut oil, coconut cream, and maple syrup to a food processor. Blend until you get a wet and sticky mixture, with smaller, just slightly noticeable coconut pieces. Note: the bigger the pieces, the crumblier the bars will be.
- Pour coconut mixture into the prepared pan. Press down and smooth until you get a tightly-packed layer. Set aside while preparing the chocolate layer.
- Make the Chocolate Layer: Use the double boiler method, or the following. In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, add Chocolate Layer ingredients: chocolate chips and coconut cream. Heat in 15-second increments until just slightly softened and melted, being careful not to burn. Stir thoroughly in between heating increments, until smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate over coconut bars. Using a clean rubber spatula, smooth into an even layer. Freeze for 40-70 minutes. The longer the bars chill, the cleaner and less crumbly the slices (a little crumble is normal). Slice into 16 bars. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.
More Delicious Coconut Recipes
Equipment
Buy Now → 
Unsweetened Small Coconut Shreds
Buy Now →
Buy Now → 
Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil 16oz
Buy Now →
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → Notes
Where to Buy Ingredients: Raw Coconut Chips or Small Coconut Shreds | Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil | Coconut Cream | Pure Maple Syrup | Vegan Chocolate Chips or Paleo Chocolate Chunks
*How to replace coconut cream with cream from canned coconut milk: the night before, place a can of full-fat coconut milk (cans NOT marked “light”) in the fridge, being careful not to shake the contents. Day of, open the can and gently scoop the solid, white coconut layer off the top—this is coconut cream.
Storing Instructions: Store in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. If freezing, store in an airtight, freezer-friendly container for up to 1 month. Allow to thaw for 15 minutes before enjoying.
Room Temperature Storing: Okay to store at room temperature for 3-4 hours, but soft and a bit fragile. Best if kept in the refrigerator.
What Food Processor Do I Use? I get this question all the time and I’m here to tell ya, this is my favorite Food Processor. It’s so easy to use, really thorough at blending and chopping up just about anything and it’s affordable. Nice!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chill
- Cuisine: American
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Everyone I have made this for has absolutely loved it. I added 2T more maple syrup, 1t vanilla extract. I also added sprinkles to the top of the chocolate layer for extra fun 🙂 Thank you so much, Demeter! <3
Yay!!!!! I’m so thrilled to hear it, Kapi! 🙂 Oooh… sprinkles make everything extra special. 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to stop by & let me know. Hugs! ❤️
Perfect for vegans
Agreed! Thanks James!
These came out great for me, and they were very easy. I think this would be a fun recipe to get creative with too. You could add a crust, or a jam layer, or nuts on top.
Made these yesterday! They are great!
Wonderful! So happy you enjoyed them. 🙂
This recipe looks amazing, thank you so much! I can’t wait to try it. 🙂 Do you think that dessicated coconut would also work?
Hi Prema! As long as they’re large flakes, they’ll probably work just fine. Enjoy! 🙂
Thank you for sharing that amazing story it brought tears to my eyes. Thats a beautiful mum. I think mums play such an important part in a childs life. Thanks for sharing that coconut recipe going to give it a try.
Totally awesome you have given me something to think about.
Joanna, I’m so glad that my story touched you. My mom will be so happy to hear your kind words. Moms are so, so important in a child’s life–mine taught me how to be brave, how to work hard, and how to love with all my heart. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I hope you enjoy the recipe. Big hugs! .
Y’all, these are absolutely delicious! I don’t own a square pan so I used a round cake pan instead. Thanks for sharing and I can’t wait to try some more of your goodies, Demeter!
Haha love that you used a round pan–can’t let a little thing like pan size stop us! 🙂 So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe Mary, can’t wait to see what you try next!
Your appreciation of your mother, and this tribute to her, is probably one of the best gifts she has ever received. But dang, I don’t think those coconut bars hurt, either.
Aw, thank you for comment, Jeanne. ❤️ My mom actually teared up when I read this to her (she insisted on a live reading hehe). It was one of the best moments of my life–being able to explain how much she means to me. Big hugs to you.
Love that you included the story of your mom, what precious memories! And these coconut bars look absolutely delicious. ❤️
She’s truly been such an amazing mom. I’m very lucky. 🙂 Thanks so much, Ashley! Hope you enjoy.
Yum! I can’t wait to try this! Coconut and chocolate keep me sane when eating vegan!
Yay!! Totally, right? Without coconut and chocolate it’d be nearly impossible! Lol.
This looks so delicious! Thanks for including the part on how to get the coconut cream too!
Thanks Suzanne! 🙂 So glad you found that helpful.
Hi Demeter! I am going to make the ganache for topping your chocolate cake recipe! (Rather than using the frosting recipe) Would it be fine to pour over the cake after it cools and let it set for a bit? Will the ganache harden some or does it need to go in fridge to set? Thanks for your help! My mouth is watering! The cake is in the oven now and may I just say the batter is yum!!
Hi Kandice, I think I just saw your email–will respond to that soon! 🙂 Yes, let the cake cool and pour the ganache over it. It will set a bit at room temperature, but placing it in the fridge will help it firm up. 🙂 Enjoy!
I made this and love it. However I am on a calorie restricting diet right now and would love to know round about calories in it.
Hi RJ! So glad to hear that you enjoyed my recipe. 🙂 Right now, I’m currently in the process of adding nutritional info across the site. Thank you for your patience. Enjoy!
The recipe sounds delicious. I definitely will make it. But your mother, oh how your mother and your love for her shines through this blog. It’s people like her who bring the joy into life.
I appreciate the efforts she made, despite being exhausted to let her light shine on you all and give you a feeling of being so loved.What a woman she is.. and I can see you’re following in her footsteps.
That piece you wrote about her coming home and cooking in the kitchen… that should be the model of all working/stay at home moms and dads everywhere. If only every child could have a parent who donates their time, talents and emotion to allow their children to experience the comfort of ‘home’.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your heartwarming comment, Marina. 🙂 When I visit my mom in a few days, I’ll have to read your comment to her. I know that she’ll tear up reading and embracing how much her example has changed the world for the better. Because of her, I really try to create a little bit of “home,” a bit of comfort, a bit of love and happiness, for anyone who stops by my blog–I hope I’ve done so for you. Sending you lots of gratitude & love for your kind words. ❤️
Aww, Happy Birthday to your mum! 🙂 I bet she totally loved these!
Chocolate and coconut were made for each other – these bars look absolutely delicious!
Thank you so much, Marsha! She’ll be so happy to hear your birthday wishes. 🙂 Chocolate and coconut are the BEST!!
Happy birthday to your Mum.
What a beautiful story of your upbringing. Warmed my heart. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, Adjoa. I’m going to be seeing her this weekend for birthday celebrations, so I’ll pass your wishes along to her. 🙂 It will mean so much to her that others are touched by our story. Big hugs. <3
Demeter, I just wanted to say I am so touched by your open love for your wonderful mother and very inspired by her generous acts of love that you wrote about. So much love.
Gwendolyn, thank you so much for taking the time to comment. ❤️ Everyday, I remind myself how lucky I am to have such an amazing mom–and how important it is to make something of myself so her sacrifices are worth it. I’m going to tell her about your comment. Sending you lots of love! .
I totally agree 🙂
Tom
I’ve had difficulty making Mounds bars and covering the entire bar, but I think these will work well! Such a nice tribute to your mom—no wonder you have such great culinary skills—apple doesn’t fall from the tree!
Covering the entire bar can be a bit tricky! That’s why I opted for just dipping the bottoms and drizzling the tops in my Paleo Almond Joy recipe. Haha. 😉 I’m so happy that you enjoyed the tribute. I’m going to be showing her all of these comments this weekend. Ellen, thank you so much for your sweet words. <3
I LOVE coconut, can’t wait to try these bars!
Yay!! Hope you just love them! 🙂
Such a wonderful blog! Happy Birthday to your mom! 🙂 She sounds like the mom I want to be to my children; someone who radiates love in the kitchen and through acts of service. She is a force for good in the world and so are you. I really look forward to trying this recipe.
Rachel, your comment completely warmed my heart. I’m gonna show it to my mom so she can see how much her example has made an profound impact. <3 I know you're going to be (or already are) an amazing mom to your children. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and make a difference in my mom's day and mine. 🙂 Can't wait to hear what you think of these bars!
I’m in love with that crumbly coconut layer <3 My mother would love these!
It has your name all over it, Chrisy! <3 Hope she loves them! 🙂