Cherry Ripe Slice
This recipe is one of my favorite healthy no bake slice recipes. Inspired by the popular chocolate bar but without the added nasties. Loaded with sweet and tart cherries, coconut and sweetened with honey. It is no secret that I love sweet treats that require zero cooking - not only are they super easy to prepare, but they are always hugely popular!Delicious and easy to make with basic pantry ingredients. Enjoy them for a healthy breakfast, snack or even dessert. Packed with vital nutrients these bars have a good amount of protein and healthy fats to keep you satiated and provide lots of healthy energy.If you know you have a busy week coming up, make a batch of these nutritious, energy-boosting bars for when you are rushing out the door without time for a proper breakfast. This recipe is great for a party or family gathering too. We all love “bar” style desserts for hosting in general, just prep and slice in advance for the easiest serving! Whatever occasion you make them for, I promise you they will get gobbled up.It only takes a few minutes to put them together and the combination of coconut and cherries really just flows together so perfectly. They hit all the craving notes and are sweet and creamy. This recipe is the perfect treat if you love coconut like I do too. I manged to include 2 different types of coconut as I’m obsessed with it, they are my favorite ingredient in desserts and healthy snacks.But that’s ok and on trend as the entire world is going coconuts. Following the popularity of coconut water, a broad spectrum of foods derived from the humble coconut is available. It now comes in a variety of forms from water to milk, cream, sugar, butter, oil, flour and shredded allowing for a variety of creative ways to add coconut to a healthy diet. Coconut contains a unique type of medium chain saturated fat called lauric acid that research shows raises HDL or "good" cholesterol levels, which lowers overall heart disease risk. As a plant food, coconuts also contain disease-fighting phyto-chemicals or antioxidants. Research suggests that coconut products helps boost metabolism which is helpful if excess body fat needs to be lost. Just one scoop of coconut oil delivers a wide-range of healing properties. Produced in its most natural state, coconut oil will benefit you, your children and your pets. I put some into my dogs dinner regularly.Whether you have chronic fatigue, weight problems, digestive or skin issues, or just want to give your body a good cleanse and boost your energy,coconut in any of its forms is so good for you.I think it’s time to get no-baking! Get your food processor ready, we are about to turn fruit and coconut into healthy, tasty snacks and treats – let’s go!
Servings 16
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pitted cherries, fresh or frozen
- 1 13.5 oz coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Note: Place the can of coconut cream in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making this slice to allow coconut cream to separate.Line an 8 x 8” baking pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.When ready to make the slice, open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, drink, or discard.Place cherries, coconut cream, desiccated coconut, honey, coconut oil and vanilla into a food processer and process until smooth and creamy.Depending on the power of your blender this might take a few minutes. Stop blending to scrape the sides if necessary and continue to blend until smooth.Taste test and add more honey or vanilla if you think it needs it. Pour the mixture into the lined pan and spread evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Place in freezer while you prepare the chocolate topping.
Chocolate Topping
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave at 50% power with 30 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.Once the chocolate is melted, pour over the chilled slice and spread out evenly.Refrigerate for 1-2 hours and allow to fully set. Remove the slice using the parchment paper handles and cut into 16-20 bars or squares depending on the size you prefer to serve.Store any leftovers in the fridge for up a week or freezer for up to 3 months.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
