Zesty Coconut Lime Chia Bars (Printer-friendly)
Refreshing no-bake bars with creamy coconut, tangy lime, and nutritious chia seeds.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base Layer
01 - 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
02 - 1 cup almond flour
03 - 1/4 cup maple syrup
04 - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
05 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Chia Pudding Layer
06 - 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk, well stirred
07 - 1/4 cup chia seeds
08 - 3 tablespoons maple syrup
09 - Zest of 2 limes
10 - Juice of 2 limes
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - Pinch of salt
→ Topping
13 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted
14 - Zest of 1 lime
# Directions:
01 - Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on opposite sides for easy removal.
02 - Combine shredded coconut, almond flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and sea salt in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together when pressed.
03 - Press the base mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place in the freezer while preparing the chia layer.
04 - Whisk together coconut milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, lime zest, lime juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
05 - Let the chia mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the seeds to gel. Whisk again thoroughly to break up any clumps and ensure smooth consistency.
06 - Pour the chia mixture evenly over the chilled base. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even layer.
07 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the chia layer is completely firm and set.
08 - Sprinkle toasted coconut and additional lime zest over the set surface. Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, slice into 12 bars, and serve chilled.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way the creamy chia layer practically melts on your tongue while the crust stays perfectly crunchy
- You can assemble the entire thing in fifteen minutes flat and forget it exists until dessert time
02 -
- The chia mixture might look way too thin when you first pour it, but trust the process because it will firm up beautifully
- Pressing the crust down firmly is the difference between bars that hold together and crumbly disappointment
03 -
- Use a microplane or fine grater for your lime zest to avoid any bitter white pith
- If your coconut oil has solidified in the pantry, gently warm it just until melted, not hot