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 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!
HOW TO MAKE LEMON COCONUT PALEO ENERGY BARS (1 MIN) VIDEO
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!
Print
Lemon Coconut Paleo Energy Bars
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
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 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
- First line an 8×8 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.
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 below (using flaxseed, maple syrup)
(High fat, lower sugar option for 10-12 bars)
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 16mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: PALEO ENERGY BARS, paleo, gluten free, no bake
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.
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Enjoy!
Cheers!
