Healthy Coconut Macadamia Bars

If you have tried coconut candy bars before, these homemade version is a game changer.

After all, one can never have enough no-bake recipes, right?

Especially when there is coconut involved. This is the perfect treat recipe 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 also 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 this healthy candy is 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 is this coconut candy insanely delicious and easy to prepare,it also comes with some surprising health benefits. From vitamins and minerals to plenty of healthy fats that support hormone health and neurotransmitter production, this recipe is the perfect addition to any healthy eating plan.

These coconut candies are - super rich, uber-decadent - but secretly healthy and guilt-free!  Yup, that means no butter, no white sugar and no sweetened condensed milk…  just pure, fudgy, nutty, chocolatey goodness.

The big secret here is that you will be using homemade condensed milk in this recipe, free of the LOADS of sugar in store bought stuff. 

The facts are… manufacturers take out about 60% of the water from the milk to “condense” it down. After they “condense” the milk, they add about 40% sugar to fill the void from the water.

I’m sure you’re asking yourself why the manufacturers do this. Well, the added sugar means the shelf life is longer, plus transporting the milk is easier due to not having to store it in cooler temperatures.

Its always about the convenience to them, rather than people’s health.

But when you take the time and effort to make your own condensed milk, especially if its from coconut cream to make this delightful candy, you get all the real, natural flavors - no artificial food flavorings here!  Each little cube is like a piece of heaven.

The recipe for the sugar free homemade condensed milk is below in notes. It really very easy to do and you can keep some in your fridge so its ready to add a dollop on EVERYTHING for a super healthy treat.

It will be something you can enjoy regularly as part of a healthy eating plan. Its high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a form of beneficial fat that can increase energy levels and enhance brain function and many other health benefits.

MCTs also help people lose weight by making them feel fuller longer and encouraging fat burning, they also have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that can boost the immune system and promote healthy skin.

Fully customizable too – you can add your own extras like nuts, dried fruit, seeds or other flavours to the base recipe.

One little square makes me happy in an instant. It’s soft and chewy and you are going to love this superfood candy.

This recipe is a simple and delicious way to incorporate the amazing health benefits of coconut into your lifestyle, as its bursting with nutrition and good stuff.

 

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword coconut crack bars, healthy coconut bars, healthy coconut bars recipe, healthy coconut macadamia bars

Servings 20

Ingredients

• 3 cups desiccated coconut
• 1 cup coconut condensed milk – store bought or sugar free recipe below in notes
• 1/2 cup macadamia nuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried pineapple, chopped or other dried fruit
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• If you are going to make your own sugar-free condensed milk, make this first so its ready when you go to make the bars. Recipe below in notes.

  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.

  Place coconut into a food processer and process until broken down and starts to stick together. Add condensed milk and honey and continue to process until well combined. Taste test and add more honey or vanilla if you think it needs it.

  Lastly add chopped nuts and pineapple and pulse a few times until combined.  

  Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture and different sized “bits” in your coconut bars.

  Scoop out mixture into lined pan and spread out evenly using a spatula or back of a spoon.  

  Refrigerate the coconut bars for at least an hour to firm up.

  Once firm, use a sharp knife to slice into 20 bars or more smaller squares.

  Put leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to two weeks.

  To Freeze: Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper then store in a ziplock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.

   

   

Notes

There are some recipes that are just better with condensed milk (think fudge and ice cream!)

This is a super simple recipe that creates a delicious sugar free condensed milk, perfect for eating straight out the jar or in your favourite recipes!

Go here for the recipe: Sugar Free Homemade Condensed Coconut Milk

 

 

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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