Cranberry Orange Coconut Bars
Cranberry Orange Coconut Bars are a delicious treat that perfectly balance tangy cranberries with the sweetness of coconut and a hint of orange. These bars are not only delightful in flavor but also incredibly simple to make. They are perfect for snacks, desserts, or even as an energy-boosting treat during your busy days. Plus, you can feel good about enjoying them since they are made with wholesome ingredients.
What You’ll Need for Cranberry Orange Coconut Bars
To make these tasty bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups (140 g) unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup (60 g) coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons (45 g) coconut oil
- 4 tablespoons (80 g) pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Step-by-Step Cranberry Orange Coconut Bars Recipe
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Prepare the Coconut Base: In a food processor, combine the shredded coconut, coconut milk, coconut oil, 4 tablespoons of maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Process everything for about a minute until you achieve a sticky mixture.
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Line the Container: Take a 5×9 inch container and line it with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove the bars later.
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Press the Mixture: Spoon the sticky coconut mixture into the container. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly into an even layer.
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Freeze the Base: Place the container in the freezer and allow the coconut base to firm up while you prepare the cranberry orange sauce.
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Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce: Rinse the fresh cranberries and drain them. In a small saucepan, add the cranberries and 1/4 cup of water. Bring this to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
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Flavor the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1/3 cup of maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest, and cinnamon. Mix well and then add the chia seeds, stirring again to combine. Let it cool down to room temperature.
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Assemble the Bars: Once the cranberry orange sauce has cooled, pour it over the coconut base in the container. Return the whole thing to the freezer for about 1 hour to set.
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Cut and Serve: After they are set, remove the bars from the container using the parchment paper. Cut into rectangles or squares and enjoy!
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Coconut Bars
Cranberry Orange Coconut Bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. You can plate them beautifully on a serving dish for a snack table or pack them in lunchboxes for a nutritious treat. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon. For an added touch, you can sprinkle some extra coconut flakes on top or serve them with a dollop of yogurt!
Expert Tips for Cranberry Orange Coconut Bars
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Use Frozen Cranberries: If fresh cranberries are hard to find, frozen cranberries work just as well. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
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Sweetness Adjustments: Depending on your preference, feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup in both the coconut base and sauce for a sweeter or less sweet flavor.
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Flavor Variations: Consider adding nuts like almonds or walnuts to the coconut base for an additional crunch and flavor boost.
Cranberry Orange Coconut Bars: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Yes! You can substitute agave syrup or honey for the maple syrup, keeping in mind that it may slightly change the flavor.
How should I store the bars?
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well!
What can I substitute for chia seeds?
If you don’t have chia seeds, you can replace them with flax seeds. They will also help thicken the sauce!
These Cranberry Orange Coconut Bars are sure to become a favorite in your home. They are not only easy to make but also burst with vibrant flavor. I encourage you to give them a try today!
Cranberry Orange Coconut Bars
Ingredients
For the Coconut Base
- 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup for base
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch sea salt
For the Cranberry Orange Sauce
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup for sauce
- 4 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Instructions
Preparation of Coconut Base
- In a food processor, combine the shredded coconut, coconut milk, coconut oil, 4 tablespoons of maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Process for about a minute until you achieve a sticky mixture.
- Take a 5x9 inch container and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Spoon the sticky coconut mixture into the container, pressing it down firmly into an even layer.
Making the Cranberry Orange Sauce
- Rinse the fresh cranberries and drain them. In a small saucepan, add the cranberries and 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1/3 cup of maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest, and cinnamon. Mix well and then add the chia seeds, stirring again to combine. Let it cool to room temperature.
Assembling the Bars
- Once the cranberry orange sauce has cooled, pour it over the coconut base in the container.
- Return the container to the freezer for about 1 hour to set.
- After they are set, remove the bars from the container using the parchment paper. Cut into rectangles or squares and enjoy!
