Description
These delicious 5 Ingredient Blackberry Coconut Bars are a quick and easy no-bake treat combining a chewy coconut-date base with a sweet and tangy blackberry topping. Perfect for a healthy snack or a light dessert, these bars require minimal ingredients and prep time yet deliver vibrant flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1½ cups Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
- ¼ cup coconut flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving excess hanging over the sides to easily lift the bars out once set.
- Make the Base Mixture: In a food processor, combine shreddede coconut, pitted dates, and vanilla extract. Blend until a sticky dough forms that holds together when pinched. If it’s too dry, add an additional date or a teaspoon of warm water and blend again.
- Form the Base Layer: Press the coconut-date mixture evenly into the lined pan, creating a firm and compact bottom layer.
- Cook Blackberries: Place blackberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring and gently mashing as the berries soften and break down.
- Thicken Blackberry Mixture: Stir in the coconut flour to the softened berries to thicken the mixture. Let this blackberry topping cool for a few minutes.
- Prep Frozen Berries (if applicable): If using frozen blackberries, thaw and drain any excess water before cooking to avoid a watery topping.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the cooled blackberry mixture evenly over the coconut-date base layer in the pan.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the pan for at least 1–2 hours until the bars are firm enough to slice. For a firmer texture, freeze the bars for 30 minutes before cutting.
- Slice and Serve: Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or bars with a sharp knife. Enjoy immediately or store for later consumption.
Notes
- Using Medjool dates ensures a naturally sweet and sticky base, but any soft dates can be substituted.
- If the mixture feels dry, add an extra date or a little warm water for better binding.
- Using fresh blackberries will result in a brighter flavor; frozen can be used but must be thawed and drained.
- Refrigerating helps the bars hold their shape; freezing makes them firmer for easier slicing.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
