Coconut Lime No-Bake Bars with Toasted Pecans

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright and tangy no-bake bars featuring coconut, lime zest, and a crunchy toasted pecan crust for a tropical twist. This tropical-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers chopped pecans, rolled oats, maple syrup into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 12 Tropical cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread 1 cup chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and golden; allow to cool.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the toasted pecans with 1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 6 tbsp melted coconut oil. Mix thoroughly to form a sticky crumb mixture.
  3. Step 3: Press the pecan-oat mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch pan lined with parchment paper to form an even crust.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, 2 tsp lime zest, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice until smooth and well combined.
  5. Step 5: Pour the lime mixture evenly over the crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
  6. Step 6: Cut into 12 bars and serve chilled for a refreshing tropical dessert.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut Lime No-Bake Bars with Toasted Pecans take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Coconut Lime No-Bake Bars with Toasted Pecans?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut Lime No-Bake Bars with Toasted Pecans?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Coconut Lime No-Bake Bars with Toasted Pecans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Coconut Lime No-Bake Bars with Toasted Pecans?

Tropical desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.