Delicious Flourless Almond Coconut Bars: Your Ultimate Gluten-Free & Wholesome Treat

These flourless almond coconut bars are an absolute dream – a perfect blend of gooey, nutty, and just the right amount of sweetness, all while being completely free from gluten and refined flour. Sweetened naturally with honey and brown sugar, they strike an ideal balance between a decadent dessert and a wholesome, nourishing snack. Finished with an irresistible dark chocolate drizzle, these bars are truly exceptional! Whether you’re navigating a gluten-free or grain-free lifestyle, or simply searching for a truly delicious and satisfying dessert, these bars are guaranteed to impress everyone on your list.

There’s so much to adore about these almond coconut bars. From their delightful chewy texture to the rich, aromatic honey-coconut flavor and those perfect touches of chocolate, every bite is a celebration. They are surprisingly simple to make, yet yield a sophisticated, satisfying treat that feels both indulgent and remarkably wholesome.

Why These Flourless Bars Are My Go-To Healthy Treat

As someone who values a balanced approach to eating and has journeyed through my own health journey, I firmly believe that moderation, not deprivation, is key to sustainable well-being and weight management. These flourless almond coconut bars fit perfectly into that philosophy. They aren’t just a dessert; they are a surprisingly nutrient-dense option that allows for guilt-free enjoyment. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they offer a host of benefits that make them a smart choice when you crave something sweet.

Nutritional Powerhouse Ingredients

These bars are bursting with good-for-you components:

• Coconut: A fantastic source of dietary fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, coconut not only provides its signature tropical flavor but also aids in digestion and can offer sustained energy.
• Almonds: Rich in antioxidants, protein, and beneficial monounsaturated fats, almonds contribute to heart health, help keep you feeling full, and provide a wonderful nutty flavor and satisfying texture.
• Honey & Brown Sugar: While these are sweeteners, using them in moderation provides a gentle, natural sweetness without relying solely on refined white sugars. Honey, in particular, offers additional antioxidant properties.

Combined, these ingredients create a treat that’s not only incredibly delicious but also contributes positively to your diet, offering more than just empty calories. This makes them an ideal choice for anyone seeking healthier alternatives to traditional baked goods.

The Delight of Dark Chocolate

Let’s talk about the dark chocolate component – it’s a game-changer! The beauty of dark chocolate is that a small amount goes a long way. I’ve personally found that I don’t crave or consume nearly as much dark chocolate as I used to with milk chocolate. For years now, my family and I have enjoyed a small piece of dark chocolate after dinner, and it’s truly satisfying. This practice has unexpectedly helped to curb those lingering sweet cravings, creating a more mindful approach to dessert.

Over time, both Brian and I noticed a significant shift: our tastebuds have adjusted dramatically. Now, milk chocolate often tastes blandly sweet, lacking the complex richness we’ve come to appreciate in dark chocolate. This natural adjustment has been a wonderful surprise, as I rarely, if ever, feel the desire for milk chocolate anymore!

A Unique Texture & Flavor Experience

When my daughter first tried one of these bars, she remarked that it reminded her of a pecan pie or a nut pie bar. I agree wholeheartedly – there’s a wonderful density and chewiness that’s reminiscent of those classic desserts. It also brings to mind the texture of a Passover macaroon, specifically the kind made with almond meal, offering a more cake-like consistency rather than a dense, typical cookie bar. This unique texture, combined with the sweet and nutty profile, truly sets these bars apart.

In essence, these almond coconut bars successfully check all the boxes: they are a delicious, slightly healthier cookie alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction. They represent a smart way to indulge your sweet tooth while still aligning with a wholesome eating philosophy.

Coconut Bars Video

Gather Your Ingredients for These Amazing Bars

To create these incredibly flavorful and wholesome coconut bar cookies, you’ll need a selection of simple, readily available ingredients. The magic truly happens when these components come together.

When I initially developed this recipe, my goal was to adapt an old favorite by removing the traditional flour. My intention wasn’t necessarily to avoid flour or gluten, but rather to significantly boost the protein and nutrient content of a typical bar cookie. What I discovered was a happy accident: substituting almond meal not only enhanced the nutritional profile but also improved the flavor tenfold, making these bars incredibly rich and delicious!

Ingredient Notes & Smart Substitutions

Here’s a deeper dive into the ingredients and how you can tailor them to your preferences or what you have on hand:

• Brown Sugar: This provides a lovely caramel-like depth to the crust. If you’re looking for an alternative with a slightly lower glycemic index or a more earthy sweetness, coconut sugar is an excellent, direct swap that works beautifully in this recipe.
• Butter: For a rich, classic flavor, butter is perfect. However, if you’re dairy-free or prefer a plant-based option, coconut oil can be substituted. Just remember that if you use coconut oil in the crust, the bars will be softer at room temperature and will benefit from being stored in the refrigerator to maintain their firm texture.
• Almond Flour or Almond Meal: This is the star ingredient that makes these bars flourless and gluten-free. Both almond flour (finely ground blanched almonds) and almond meal (ground unblanched almonds with skins) work well. Almond flour will yield a slightly finer texture, while almond meal might give a bit more rustic feel. Either way, they both contribute to the rich, nutty flavor and structure.
• Ground Flaxseed: This is an optional but highly recommended addition. I included it specifically to boost the fiber content and add beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, making the bars even more wholesome. If you don’t have ground flaxseed or prefer not to use it, simply increase the amount of almond flour by two tablespoons to maintain the correct consistency.
• Honey: This natural sweetener adds a wonderful depth and unique flavor to the coconut layer. While I haven’t personally tested it, maple syrup should be a suitable alternative if you prefer its flavor or need a vegan option. Keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly.
• Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Opting for unsweetened coconut is key to controlling the overall sugar content of these bars, allowing the natural sweetness of honey and brown sugar to shine. However, if sweetened shredded coconut is all you have, you can certainly use it; just be aware the bars will be noticeably sweeter.
• Chocolate Chips: You can use any type of chocolate chips you love! Mini chocolate chips are fantastic for scattering evenly throughout the batter, ensuring chocolate in every bite. Regular-sized chips also work well. And remember, the chocolate is entirely optional for the bars themselves and for the decorative drizzle – you can omit them if you prefer a pure almond coconut experience. More chocolate chips will be needed if you decide to add that gorgeous drizzle on top.

Let’s Make These Irresistible Almond Coconut Bars!

Creating these delightful bars is straightforward, requiring just a few simple steps. The layered approach ensures each component shines through, resulting in a perfectly balanced treat.

Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful First Layer (Crust). Begin by thoroughly mixing the softened butter and brown sugar until they are beautifully creamy and well combined. Next, fold in the almond flour (and ground flaxseed, if you’re using it), stirring until a cohesive dough forms. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into a parchment-lined 9×9 inch baking pan. This initial layer forms a delicious, slightly chewy base. Bake it for approximately 12 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden, then remove it from the oven.

Step 2: Craft the Rich Second Layer (Coconut Filling). While the crust is partially baking, prepare your luscious filling. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well beaten. Then, add all the remaining ingredients for the second layer – honey, almond flour, baking powder, vanilla, salt, and unsweetened shredded coconut. Mix everything together thoroughly until you have a thick, well-combined batter. This will become the gooey, nutty heart of your bars.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection. Carefully pour the prepared second layer mixture over the partially baked first layer in your pan, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20 to 23 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is just barely set with a slight jiggle. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to the final step.

Step 4: The Optional, Yet Recommended, Chocolate Drizzle. The dark chocolate drizzle is entirely up to your preference, but it’s a wonderful addition! Not only does it enhance the flavor with a hint of bittersweet chocolate, but it also adds a beautiful, professional finish that makes these bars even more appealing. Melt your chocolate chips with a touch of coconut oil or butter, then use a spoon to artfully drizzle it over the cooled bars. You can do this before or after cutting, depending on the look you prefer!

PRO TIP: For the cleanest cuts and best presentation, I highly recommend refrigerating the bars for a couple of hours, or even better, overnight, before slicing and drizzling with chocolate. Chilling allows the layers to firm up beautifully, ensuring crisp, neat edges.

Storage Solutions for Maximum Freshness

To keep these delicious bars at their best, proper storage is key:

• Refrigeration: These bars store best in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature, especially if you opted to use coconut oil for the crust, as it will help them remain firm. Simply transfer them to an airtight container and they will stay fresh and delightful for up to 5 days.
• Freezing for Longer Enjoyment: For longer-term storage, these bars freeze exceptionally well! Wrap individual bars or a whole slab tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They will maintain their best quality for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

In my quest to create a healthier bar cookie, I also intentionally reduced the overall sugar content. The shortbread-like crust features brown sugar, while the gooey coconut layer is sweetened solely with honey. These thoughtful adjustments result in a more vitamin and nutrient-packed treat, with each bar containing around 150 calories. While these bars are undoubtedly a healthier dessert option, they are still a treat, and I advocate for enjoying them in moderation.

But of course, that’s my philosophy for everything I eat, which empowers me to enjoy these delectable bars every now and then without an ounce of guilt – and I sincerely hope you feel the same freedom to savor them, too!

I genuinely hope you fall in love with these flourless almond coconut bars as much as I have. If you decide to make them, please do me a favor and leave a recipe rating to share your experience with everyone! Your feedback is incredibly valuable. PRO TIP: You can also easily save this fantastic recipe for later by pinning it to your favorite board or by clicking on the heart icon located in the lower right-hand corner of your screen.

More Wholesome Bar Cookie Recipes to Explore

If you loved these flourless almond coconut bars and are looking for more healthier treat options that don’t compromise on flavor, here are a few other delightful bar recipes you might enjoy:

• Grain Free Almond Chocolate Truffle Bars: Decadent and rich, these bars offer a similar grain-free base with an intense chocolate flavor.
• Whole Grain Apple Butter Bars: A wonderful autumnal treat, these bars incorporate wholesome whole grains and the comforting flavors of apple butter.
• Healthy No-Bake Fudge Oatmeal Bars: For those days you need a quick and easy dessert without turning on the oven, these no-bake bars are a perfect, healthier indulgence.

This recipe has been thoughtfully updated to provide even more value and deliciousness; it was originally published in June of 2014.