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, and just a tiny bit of unrefined natural sugar. Perfect for the carb conscious snacker. Vegan friendly.
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 glucose (sugar) as “fuel source” so that the body can stay energized. This is why we enjoy making chocolate low carb smoothies (on rotation) for breakfast. Energy and brain power. Ketosis also burns glucose (or sugar) to dietary fat. 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!
You see, making a homemade paleo energy bar that is light in taste with nutrient dense ingredients is one thing, but then trying to make it lower in sugar without sugar substitutes and it can be hard! But at the same time I think it’s very much needed. As much as I love using flavored protein powder and dried fruit in bars, not everyone can tolerate those ingredients well. And let’s face it, those ingredients are hit or miss.
But these bars are quite the opposite… not a miss, but a grand slam! Plus they are perfect for breakfast meal prep, on the go snacking, or for just getting in extra macro/micro nutrients. Yep, add this to the long list of breakfast recipes I’ve been making for my crazy running to work husband. You see, they just WORK! Pun intended.
Alright enough of me tooting my own horn. Let’s actually talk about what’s in these paleo energy bars and the special low sugar tip. Mmmm k?
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!
Lemon Coconut Paleo Energy Bars
EASY Lemon Coconut Paleo Energy Bars, lower in sugar and NO BAKING required. Vegan friendly
Ingredients
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 8x8 pan.
Topping:
- 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- Lemon zest/peel
- 1/2 to 1 tsp coconut oil
- See notes for other sweetener options
Directions
- First line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- Heat 1/4 cup of water in a heat safe container. Mix your honey, vanilla, and lemon extract or juice into the hot water.
- Pour the hot water/lemon mixture into the coconut/lemon nut mixture.
- Mix all together with spoon or hands. Add your ground flaxseed (or protein of choice) last.
- Press batter into pan, evenly.
- 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.
Recipe 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.
Estimated Nutrition without topping (using flaxseed, maple syrup)
(High fat, lower sugar option for 10-12 bars)
230-250 calories per bar, 18-19 grams of fat, 11-13 carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 5-6 grams of natural sugar, 6-7 grams of protein.
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That light sweet taste comes from the combination of lemon, coconut, and cashews. It’s perfections my friends.
Real food made real simple.
Have you tried making lower sugar energy bars? Do share! I’d love more ideas.
EASY Lemon Coconut Paleo Energy Bars that are lower in sugar and NO BAKING. YAY! Click To TweetEnjoy!
Cheers!
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These look amazing and I agree 100% with you on the Keto diet. Not sustainable long term, but if it works for you that’s great!
I don’t know how anyone does the keto thing… cheese and wine demand bread! LOL! I’d totally eat these though. Lemon desserts are so perfect because they seem so refreshing after a meal!
I need one NOW!
Oh I cannot WAIT to make these!
SO GOOD! GO MAKE THEM!!!
YAY!!
No Bake?? No way 😉
haha yes way!
oh how I wish you were my neighbor right now!!!
me too friend!
YUM! These energy bars look delicious and perfect as a pre-workout snack!
Totally agree natalie! pre workout ENERGY to go!
I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. I really enjoyed reading this post. big fan, thank you!
It looks delicious. I will try it at home. Thanks for sharing this post!
You had me at LEMON!! I love the very idea of these, off to pin for trying Lindsay, thank you!!
I’m a lemon lover! Haha! I hope you enjoy Tessa!
The perfect sunny snack for a cloudy day!
Those look amazing 💛💛💛
Great combination! These look so pretty and delicious!
I need these bars, absolutely love the flavors! And couldn’t agree more with your 2 cents
Genius! A dessert that’s delicious AND won’t take my guilt-o-meter off the charts. I am SO in.
These bars look amazing!!
These are so sunshine-y and make me so happy 🙂
These look like the perfect breakfast bars.. and they’re healthy! I need to try these!
I’m going to make these to have on hand for my busy work days!
OBSESSED with this coconut & lemon combo 😍
Let the obsession continue
I have a cashew and pistachio allergy, do you think just replacing the cashews with more almonds would be the best bet? I love everything else about this!
I think that would work! You might want to use blanched almonds to keep it a little creamier in flavor. If that makes sense?
I m wondering if anyone tried these and if they worked ? i made them and it didn’t work out for me ? they didn’t bind . I used arrowroot for the starch. hmmmm . so i m curious if anyone else had made these .
i will try to make them again and see if it comes out better on the second go.
I’ve made them twice and I know other readers have. Maybe try tapioca starch. What honey did you use? And ground flaxseed? So sorry about this.
Hi Sue! I’ve made them with both tapioca and arrowroot– both times they came out exactly the same and held together so well. Was your flaxseed ground? Did you use honey as the sweetener?
Katie yes i did use honey . the flax seed i ground myself as i couldn’t find it in my stores. I used Arrowroot for the binder . it has held together but its very soft . not able to cut into squares and eat like a bar. I will keep trying.
Hmm.. I wish I could help more but that’s what worked for me! Make sure you put in fridge/freezer for a bit!
I m sure it was human error on my part LOL. I do need new glasses and at my age of 50 small print isn’t always my friend . I did grab the wrong kind of coconut( full sweet ). I m wondering if that may have more moisture ? then unsweetened ? . i will try again and use tapioca . Also I will have larger print when i print out recipes. I was just curious if anyone else may have had same experience. The taste is wonderful !!! my son is just scooping with a spoon LOL. He is 6’2″ . He really loves the taste
Definitely try the unsweetened coconut. And if you ever need me to send you recipes in bigger print, feel free to comment or email me! Happy to help. Glad you son loves them. ❤️
I’m looking for a homemade protein bar (keto) recipe so I can take some with me on a long flight to Italy. I’ve lost 75 lbs and want to stay healthy on my trip. These lemon bars are contenders! Since you are the Queen of Breakfast Bars, I was wondering if you have a recipe that includes dates and nuts?
I sure do! I have a “whole 30 friendly” paleo bar with no sugar. I also have chocolate cashew fig bars and date/coconut balls. Do you need links?