Zesty Coconut Lime Chia Bars (Printable version)

Creamy coconut and zesty lime layered bars with chia seeds. A refreshing no-bake treat that's vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for snacking.

# What you'll need:

→ Base

01 - 1 cup (100 g) unsweetened shredded coconut
02 - 1 cup (120 g) almond flour
03 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
04 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) coconut oil, melted
05 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Chia Pudding Layer

06 - 1 cup (240 ml) canned full-fat coconut milk, well stirred
07 - 1/4 cup (45 g) chia seeds
08 - 3 tablespoons (45 ml) 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 (25 g) unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted
14 - Zest of 1 lime

# Directions:

01 - Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
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 evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place in the freezer while preparing the chia pudding 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, then whisk again to break up any clumps and ensure even distribution.
06 - Pour the chia pudding evenly over the chilled base and smooth the top with a spatula.
07 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the chia layer is completely firm and set.
08 - Sprinkle the toasted coconut and additional lime zest over the top. Lift out of the pan using the parchment paper, slice into 12 bars, and serve chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No oven required during sweltering months when you want dessert but cant bear to turn on the heat
  • The chia layer creates this insane pudding texture without any gelatin or weird thickeners
  • These taste like they took hours but come together in the time it takes to whisk something
02 -
  • The base needs to be pressed down harder than you think or it will crumble when sliced
  • Whisking the chia mixture twice is non-negotiable. Those seeds clump and youll end up with weird gel pockets
03 -
  • Let the base freeze for at least 20 minutes. A frozen base keeps the pudding layer from seeping underneath and making soggy spots
  • Zest your limes before juicing them. Its so much harder to zest a squeezed, squishy lime half

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