You can use fresh or frozen cranberries to whip up these quick and easy cranberry orange coconut bars! They take less than 30 minutes to prepare, are no-bake, gluten-free and grain-free.
On the bottom we have a melt-in-your-mouth coconut layer topped with sweet and tart cranberries. The bars are thick, chewy and pack huge flavor.
Made with healthy and wholesome ingredients, these bars are a satisfying dessert or sweet treat recipe. Skip the oven and simply allow the bars to set up in the refrigerator or freezer.
Coconut is the hot superfood that everyone’s talking about these days and for a good reason! It’s far from a fad and high in numerous nutrients.
This recipe is the perfect treat if you love coconut like I do. I’m obsessed with coconuts, they are my favorite ingredient in desserts and healthy snacks.
The 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, 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 possess powerful healing properties and contain disease-fighting phytochemicals 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.
People trying to reduce their sugar intake often complain about the lack of sweets in their quest to get healthier. That’s because a low-carb way of eating is very focused on eliminating harmful sugar from your diet. But there are options for that lingering sweet tooth in your life.
Hence these no-bake bars are both low-carb and packed with healthy fats and antioxidants. Eating more healthy fats is a great way to help satisfying your sweet cravings without the sugar.
Not only are these beautiful healthy bars insanely delicious and easy to prepare, they also come with some surprising health benefits. From vitamins and minerals to plenty of healthy fats that support hormone health and neurotransmitter production, these little delights are the perfect addition to any healthy eating plan.
Why I love this recipe
No oven needed. All you need is the fridge and some patience…which will be well-rewarded!
Wholesome ingredients. You won’t find any sweetened condensed milk or refined sugar in this recipe because it isn’t needed. Instead, I use healthy oils and honey as my natural sweetener.
The perfect texture. They are soft yet firm, and the coconut filling is sweet, gooey, and smooth.
In addition, coconut is rich in medium-chain fatty acids that are easy for the body to digest; hence, it doesn’t readily get stored as fat. So don’t let the high fat content put you off and remember that good fats are absolutely necessary for our health and well-being!
One little square makes me happy in an instant. It’s soft and chewy and you are going to love this delish healthy bars.
This recipe is a simple and delicious way to incorporate the amazing health benefits of coconut and berries into your lifestyle, as its bursting with nutrition and good stuff.
Cranberry-Orange Coconut Bars
Ingredients
Coconut Base
- 2 1/2 cups desiccated coconut
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cranberry Orange Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups cranberries fresh or frozen (or any other berry)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 oranges, juice and zest
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Instructions
Coconut Base
- Line a 7 x 5-inch 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.Add all ingredients to a food processor and process for about a minute until you get a sticky mixture. Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture and different sized “bits” in your coconut base.Spoon the mixture into the lined pan and spread out evenly with a spatula or back of a spoon. Transfer to the freezer and let it firm up as you prepare the sauce.
Cranberry Orange Sauce
- Add cranberries to a small saucepan with water and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. You can break up the berries with a fork to speed things up if preferred. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens.Remove the saucepan from heat and add the honey, orange juice, orange zest, chia seeds and stir to combine. Let it cool down to room temperature. Taste test and add more honey or orange zest if you think it needs it.To Assemble: Pour the cooled cranberry orange sauce on top of the coconut base and return to the freezer for 1 hour to set. Cut into 12 bars or more smaller squares.Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week or in the 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
