Healthy Coconut Raspberry Bars

If you like a sweet treat but are looking for a healthier option, these healthy coconut bars will hit the spot. Sweetened with maple syrup and full of vitamins and fibers, they’ll satisfy your cravings without adding any guilt! Try also these Healthy Oatmeal Jam Bars (Refined Sugar-Free) or these Healthy Granola Bars.

How to make healthy raspberry coconut bars

Watch the full video recipe to learn how to make the best raspberry coconut bars recipe. This step-by-step tutorial simplifies the process, offering tips and tricks to guarantee perfect results every time.

Prefer the written recipe? Scroll down to the recipe box 👇

Why you’ll love this raspberry coconut squares recipe

• Easy to make – There’s minimal prep and very easy cooking steps into making these raspberry coconut bars.
• Naturally gluten free – There’s no flour or gluten-containing ingredients in this recipe.
• Customizable – Add cocoa powder, nut butters, chocolate chips, or crushed nuts to give it your own spin.
• No refined sugar – Maple syrup is a healthier way to sweeten these raspberry coconut squares, making them a healthier choice.
• Healthier – There’s no processed ingredients in this recipe, and the fruit and chia seeds give it a boost of vitamins and fiber, making it an ideal snack.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s what you’ll need to make this sugar-free coconut bars recipe:

• Desiccated Coconut: Serving as the foundation of the bars, desiccated coconut adds a rich, nutty flavor and a satisfying chewy texture. It provides the base upon which the other ingredients harmonize, creating a cohesive and decadent treat.
• Coconut Oil: Acting as the binding agent, coconut oil helps hold the coconut mixture together, ensuring that the bars maintain their shape and structure. Additionally, it infuses the bars with a subtle hint of coconut flavor and contributes to their luscious texture.
• Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener not only adds sweetness to the bars but also enhances their flavor profile with its distinctive caramel-like notes. Maple syrup lends a touch of indulgence while balancing the tartness of the raspberry sauce, creating a perfectly harmonious blend of flavors.
• Salt: A pinch of salt may seem insignificant, but it plays a vital role in heightening the flavors of the coconut base, balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup, and adding depth to the overall taste experience.
• Raspberries: The star of the show, raspberries infuse the bars with vibrant color, bold flavor, and a burst of natural sweetness. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, raspberries not only enhance the taste but also contribute to the nutritional value of the bars.
• Water or Orange Juice: Used to simmer the raspberries into a luscious sauce, water or orange juice serves to soften the fruit, extract its juices, and create a flavorful base for the raspberry topping.
• Orange Zest: Adding a zesty twist, orange zest brightens the flavor profile of the raspberry sauce, imparting citrusy notes that complement the sweetness of the fruit and add a refreshing dimension to the bars.
• Chia Seeds: These tiny nutritional powerhouses act as a natural thickening agent for the raspberry sauce, helping it achieve the perfect consistency while adding a subtle crunch and a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.

This is just a short review of the ingredients; for the complete recipe, including quantities, scroll down to the recipe card 👇

Substitutions and Variations

• Different Fruit: If you don’t like raspberries, or don’t have them available, you can also use strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries to make these healthy coconut bars.
• Chia Seeds: Chia seeds help thicken the homemade raspberry jam, but you can skip them if you don’t have them available and replace them with flaxseeds or cornstarch.
• Less Sweet: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey according to your taste preferences. Start with less and add more if needed.
• Chocolate: You can make a chocolate version by adding some cocoa powder to the coconut mixture and a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.
• More Protein: You can up the protein intake by adding a layer of peanut or almond butter between the coocnut base and the raspberry jam.

Tips and Tricks

• Line your baking pan with parchment paper: This makes removing the bars and cleanup a breeze.
• Let bars cool completely before cutting: The raspberry jam will firm up as they cool, which helps them hold their shape better when sliced.
• If using frozen berries, don’t thaw them first: They’ll release too much moisture. Use them straight from the freezer.
• Don’t skip the orange zest: It will add a fresh zing to the raspberry filling.
• Toast your coconut lightly before adding the other ingredients: It brings out a deeper flavor and a satisfying crunch.
  

Health Benefits of Coconut Raspberry Squares

These raspberry bars with coconut aren’t  just delicious, but they’re also a boost for your well-being. Loaded with antioxidants from raspberries and the healthy fats of coconut, this snack satisfies your cravings, while being guilt-free. The chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and provide an extra nutritional punch, promoting heart health and aiding digestion. Say goodbye to those midday sugar crashes with this wholesome snack!

How to Store

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days in a cool, dry place.

Fridge: You can keep these healthy raspberry bars refrigerated for up to 7 days, layered with parchment paper to avoid them sticking together, in an airtight container.

Freezer: You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, separating the bars with parchment paper. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Common Questions