Why You’ll Love 3‑Ingredient Paleo Vegan Coconut Crack Bars Recipe
These coconut bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and no baking. They’re naturally gluten‑free, vegan, and full of real coconut flavor. Whether you’re new to no‑bake treats or just want something simple and sweet, these bars deliver satisfying texture with very little effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
unsweetened shredded coconut
coconut condensed milk (or coconut oil and maple syrup if you’re making a slightly different variation)
confectioners sugar (or powdered sugar substitute for sugar‑free)
Recipe Card – makes about 20 bars
3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
2/3 cup coconut condensed milk
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
Directions
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Line an 8 x 8‑inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, coconut condensed milk, and confectioners sugar. Stir until you have a thick dough.
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Transfer the mixture into the lined pan and press down evenly with lightly wet hands or a spatula.
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Refrigerate the bars for at least an hour to let them firm up.
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Once firm, remove from the pan and use a sharp knife to slice into bars.
Servings and timing
Servings: About 20 bars
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Chilling time: ~1 hour
Total time: ~1 hour plus chilling
Variations
Sugar‑free: Use sugar‑free condensed milk and a powdered sugar substitute.
Toppings: Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a light drizzle of honey on top.
Mix‑ins: Fold in chopped nuts or sugar‑free chocolate chips for texture.
Chocolate layer: Spread a thin melted chocolate layer over the top after chilling if you like.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for longer storage. For freezing, wrap bars individually with parchment paper and place them in a sealed bag. No reheating is necessary; these bars are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature once set.
FAQs
What makes these bars stick together?
The coconut condensed milk (or coconut oil and syrup variation) acts as a binder, and chilling helps solidify the mixture so the bars hold their shape.
Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?
Yes, but the bars will be sweeter. You might want to reduce or omit added sugar if you use sweetened coconut.
How long do these bars last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes — individually wrap bars in parchment and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 6 months.
Do I need to bake these bars?
No — this is a no‑bake recipe that firms up in the fridge.
Can I make them nut‑free?
Yes — the base recipe does not contain nuts, but if you add mix‑ins, choose nut‑free options.
What if my bars are too soft?
Make sure they’ve chilled long enough and that the mixture was pressed firmly into the pan before chilling.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes — honey or agave can be used instead of sugar, but taste and texture may vary.
Are these bars keto‑friendly?
If you use sugar‑free ingredients like a sugar‑free condensed milk and sweetener substitute, you can make them more keto‑aligned.
Can kids help make these bars?
Yes — mixing and pressing the mixture into the pan is simple and kid‑friendly.
Conclusion
These 3‑Ingredient Paleo Vegan Coconut Crack Bars are an easy, delicious treat perfect for when you want something sweet without a lot of fuss. With basic ingredients and quick prep time, they’re great for busy days, parties, or simple homemade snacks. Customize them with your favorite add‑ins or enjoy them plain — either way, they’re sure to satisfy your coconut cravings.
