No Bake Lemon Coconut Paleo Energy Bars {Lower Sugar} (with Video)
EASY Lemon Coconut Paleo Energy Bars that are lower in sugar and NO BAKING required. These zesty energy bars are made with just a few simple ingredients; ground nuts, lemon zest, unsweetened coconut,
It’s here, it’s here! Finally! The day has come where I get to reveal these snazzy little lower sugar paleo energy bars. Goodness gracious ya’ll, I’ve been working hard on this one. As a nutritionist, recipe developer, and no bake snack bar and bite specialist, I feel as if my life goal has been accomplished. Haha! What’s that saying? Um… NAILED IT!
Lower sugar, paleo, vegan friendly, keto-ish (lower net carb, high fat) friendly, energy bar that actually tastes AMAZING and does not require baking. Oh and it’s EASY to make. Like really easy. There is a God, a healthy God who has given me the brain power to create these, phew! I’ll praise that!
Let’s praise and then pause here for a moment to discuss one minor paleo energy bar detail. My super opinionated side notes.
Side Note --> Thoughts on Keto here ya’ll. What is it? Well, it’s a low-carb diet, high fat diet that uses fat as main “fuel source” instead of glucose (sugar). This is called Ketosis. And for many, it can help stabilize blood sugar, increase energy, and boost brain health. This is why we enjoy making chocolate low carb smoothies (on rotation) for breakfast. Energy and brain power.
That being said, I DO NOT BELIEVE it’s a diet that sustainable nor is meant for everyone, in my opinion. But if you’d like to learn more, I highly recommend reading Dr. Axe’s informational keto article. There are people who benefit from a Keto diet, like those who have type II diabetes or suffering from a specific autoimmune disease. If you are trying out keto for weight loss only, please just try a temporary keto reset first. And remember, healthy healing healthy foods do include carbs and are needed for good gut health! Just my 2 cents. More like 99 cents!
Okay, preaching is over, but not for these bars. These zesty paleo energy bars are keto friendly for those watching their sugar intake or insulin sensitive. They are also high in healthy good fats with natural boost in plant based protein.
These paleo energy bars were were a reader’s request so I’m going to milk if for all it’s glory!
All you need are a few simple ingredients and a blender/food processor.
Cashews
Almonds
Unsweetened coconut
Lemon and lemon zest
Honey or Maple Syrup (only a wee bit. It will still be low sugar, I promise)
Flaxseed
Vanilla
Tiny bit of starch binder (arrowroot is great for this).
Optional protein booster add ins- collagen protein, pea protein for vegan option, or even coconut flour for more coconut taste.
Basically you just grind, mix, and press batter in pan. Add coconut and lemon zest on top. See, you don’t even have to turn on the oven. No baking required.
Freeze or place in fridge until set. That’s it! Presto! Paleo Energy Bar Perfection.
Recipe time!
Author: Lindsay Cotter
Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 10 min
Yield: 12 bars
For the Bar Base
Parchment paper or wax paper to line pan
1 2/3 cup slivered almonds (blanched) or 1 3/4 cups raw almonds (whole).
1 cup raw cashews
1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (to grind)
1 tbsp starch (arrowroot or tapioca work best)
1/4 cup hot water
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (see notes for sugar free option)
Lemon zest
Optional Lemon juice (1 tbsp or so)
1 tsp vanilla
Optional lemon extract 1/2 tsp
4 tbsp ground flaxseeds (or swap with protein powder if desired, see notes)
All ground then mixed with water/honey and pressed into lined 8×8 pan.
Topping:
1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
Lemon zest/peel
1/2 to 1 tsp coconut oil
See notes for other sweetener options
Instructions
1. First line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.
2. In a food processor or blender, grind your almonds and cashews into a finer mealy texture. I find that slivered almonds (vs whole) work best.
3. Next add in your coconut and blend again until batter is once again, mealy in texture. Pour batter in a large bowl and mix in your starch and 1 tbsp lemon zest.
4. Heat 1/4 cup of water in a heat safe container. Mix your honey, vanilla, and lemon extract or juice into the hot water.
5. Pour the hot water/lemon mixture into the coconut/lemon nut mixture.
6. Mix all together with spoon or hands. Add your ground flaxseed (or protein of choice) last.
7. Press batter into pan, evenly.
8. Finally, make your topping.
Topping and Storage tips: (See note for quick version)
Grind 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes into a finer mixture. You can also just use shredded unsweetened coconut.
Mix this with a 3 thinly cut and chopped lemon slices or 1 tbsp lemon zest. and 1/2 to 1 tsp coconut oil. Mix or grind together again. Spread this mixture of the bars. If you are not looking for lower sugar option, feel free to drizzle Optional honey on top.
Place pan in fridge for 30 minutes or longer. Once set, remove from fridge and cut into 9-12 squares. Wrap individually and keep in fridge for up to 2 weeks or freezer for up to 6 weeks.
NOTES
- If you would like to add more protein to this bar, simply swap out the flaxseeds for 1 scoop egg white protein, pea protein, or collagen protein, or grass-fed whey protein.
- QUICK TOPPING Option– No need to grind coconut. Just sprinkle with extra coconut flakes and lemon zest. You could also toast your coconut for a nuttier sweet topping.
- SUGAR FREE option – if you are not paleo, but looking for Keto friendly option, replace honey with xylitol syrup. Honey or maple syrup have more nutrients though.
Nutrition
Calories: 230
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 16mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 0
Source: https://www.cottercrunch.com/no-bake-coconut-paleo-energy-bars/?fbclid=IwAR3ybTRaeI3g4CvGyGFGefh0Qj6jOizKM1S9d-BlsXKGsfPhKp5yQQL8sns
