No-Bake Coconut Lime Bars with Toasted Almond Crust

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

Tangy lime custard layered over a toasted almond and coconut crust, chilled to set for a fruity and tropical summer dessert without turning on the oven. This general-inspired desserts (gluten free, vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes layers raw almonds, divided maple syrup, melted coconut oil 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 180 calories and feeds 9, 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: 15 min Serves 9 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a food processor, pulse 1 cup raw almonds, 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 3 tbsp melted coconut oil, and 1/4 tsp fine sea salt until mixture sticks together and is crumbly but holds when pressed.
  2. Step 2: Press the almond and coconut mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Toast 2 tbsp shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant; sprinkle over crust.
  3. Step 3: In a blender, combine 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk, 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 tbsp lime zest, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp maple syrup. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Pour the lime filling over the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 4 hours or until set.
  5. Step 5: Once set, cut into bars and serve chilled for a refreshing tropical dessert.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 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 No-Bake Coconut Lime Bars with Toasted Almond Crust?

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 No-Bake Coconut Lime Bars with Toasted Almond Crust?

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 No-Bake Coconut Lime Bars with Toasted Almond Crust for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 9 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 9). 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.

Is No-Bake Coconut Lime Bars with Toasted Almond Crust gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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