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48 Comments

No Bake Fruity Vegan Coconut Ice Squares

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by Lindsay Cotter Posted: June 10, 2016

Vegan
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No Bake Fruity Vegan coconut ice squares! This tasty coconut ice recipe is easy to make, doesn’t need cooking, and is quick to put together. All it takes is five ingredients and a bit of time in the fridge. Plus it’s food dye free, healthier that the classic coconut ice candy, gluten free, and perfect for summer! 

 

No Bake Fruity Vegan coconut ice squares! This tasty coconut ice recipe is easy to make, doesn’t need cooking, and is quick to put together. All it takes is five ingredients and a bit of time in the fridge. Plus it's dye free, healthier that the classic coconut ice candy, gluten free, and perfect for summer!

Raise your hand if you grew up with Vanilla Ice. The pop singer/artist that is. No? Then you’re too young. But you will still love this no bake vegan coconut ice recipe.

And that’s my way of ending a week with a song stuck in your head and a new addicting SUMMER no bake recipe to add to your “Must Make” list. Check and Check!

Actually, this coconut ice square recipe has nothing to do with Vanilla Ice other than the fact that “vanilla ice ice baby” came to mind when I was making it. Are you laughing yet? Good!

Now… about this frozen treat. Um… it’s another Cotter Creation inspired by my New Zealand dwelling Kiwi husband.

You see, growing up in New Zealand, he didn’t really have the normal American summer treats. Sure there was ice cream and frozen custard. Heck, his uncle owned an ice cream trailer, but that’s not what I am referring to really. I’m talking about coconut ice, coconut ice slice, er… frozen coconut ice dessert bars? Gosh, I don’t know what to really call it. All I know is this treat was a favorite treat for the young kiwi.

No Bake Fruity Vegan coconut ice squares! This tasty coconut ice recipe is easy to make, doesn’t need cooking, and is quick to put together. All it takes is five ingredients and a bit of time in the fridge. Plus it's dye free, healthier that the classic coconut ice candy, gluten free, and perfect for year round!

 

So you can imagine my confusion when I first saw it. To be honest, it looked like rice and dye to me. Haha, oh how little did I know. It’s like the first time I tried a “Hawaiian” sushi roll while living in Kona, only to find out that there was Spam inside. I’m naive. Or clueless. Or both.

See doesn’t it look like rice? Haha.

No Bake Fruity Vegan coconut ice squares! This tasty coconut ice recipe is easy to make, doesn’t need cooking, and is quick to put together. All it takes is five ingredients and a bit of time in the fridge. Plus it's dye free, healthier that the classic coconut ice candy, gluten free, and perfect for desserts!

But I digress.

Back to Coconut Ice. Yes, I made it for the Kiwi. Why? Because that’s what an American wife does for his homesick foreigner husband. And then I try to butcher it a bit and make it healthy (healthier er) and gluten free of course. Can you blame me?

What’s in coconut ice? Well, the REAL version includes sweetened coconut shredded coconut flakes, sugar, sugar, sugar, dye, flavoring, and condensed milk. Then you layer it all together, freeze in a square pan, and then cut into squares. Every sweet tooth person’s dream’ basically!

No Bake Fruity Vegan coconut ice squares! This tasty coconut ice recipe is easy to make, doesn’t need cooking, and is quick to put together.
No Bake Fruity Vegan coconut ice squares! This tasty coconut ice recipe is easy to make, doesn’t need cooking, and is quick to put together. All it takes is five ingredients and a bit of time in the fridge. Plus it's dye free, healthier that the classic coconut ice candy, gluten free, and perfect for summer!

My version… it’s legit. I promise. And it only requires 5 ingredients as well!  Tried and tested by a dozen friends. But they were all Americans and all had no clue what coconut ice was either. Except the husband of course.

This recipe is made dye free and vegan. Ya’ll, I did it! I made an allergy friendly homemade version of this kiwi inspired treat! While still tasting like the real deal too. No dyes needed. No condensed milk needed. In order to make this vegan all you have to do use a homemade vegan condensed milk. This recipe is basically identical to my vegan dulce de leche sauce but without vanilla. And you can use liquid sweetener or coconut sugar. Just Cook on low a bit longer until thicker until sauce is formed. EASY PEASY. Here’s another good vegan condensed milk recipe to try as well.

homemade vegan dulce de leche sauce (can also be made into vegan condensed milk)

In order to make dye-free I just used freeze dried berries (like I did in this strawberry bite recipe) and apricot jam. Along with some other fresh fruit. See, FRUITY-LICIOUS!

That being said, if you want to use regular condensed milk, as in the original recipes, that still works too! Just personal preference.

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No Bake Fruity Vegan Coconut Ice Squares


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  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 22 squares 1x
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Description

No Bake Fruity Vegan Coconut Ice Squares


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 9 –10 oz vegan condensed milk (see recipe and other substitutes in notes)
  • ¼ cup apricot jam (for color)
  • handful of freeze dried berries (for color)
  • optional 1 teaspoon Vanilla or raspberry extract
  • Optional fresh fruit topping

Instructions

  1. First, line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper. You might want to grease the pan first so the paper sticks to sides.
  2. Next make sure your freeze dried fruit and/or fresh fruit are all blended up. You will be using them for color and a bit of fruity flavor.
  3. Divide your powdered sugar between two mixing bowls and then mix in half of the shredded coconut into each.
  4. Next divide your vegan condensed milk half. Add half (or about ½ c) to the coconut and powdered sugar mix. I would add vegan milk a little a time so it’s not too runny.
  5. Press that mixture into the bottom of the pan so it’s nice and even. It should be white or cream colored.
  6. Next combine your apricot jam, strawberries, and any extracts to your other coconut and powdered sugar mix. Slowly add in the other half of your vegan condensed milk.
  7. This should look orangish reddish now.
  8. Spread that on top of your bottom white coconut mix. Make sure it’s even and layered.
  9. Add any additional fruit topping or freeze fried fruit crumbles.
  10. Place in freezer or fridge for a few hours.
  11. Remove and take out parchment paper from pan.
  12. Cut into squares.
  13. Store in fridge for best results.
  14. if you are using real condensed milk then you will not need to store in fridge

Notes

For vegan condensed milk bring 10oz coconut milk and agave or maple syrup to a light boil. Reduce and simmer for 40 minutes until thick sauce is formed. Simmer 1 hour total if you want even thicker “milk” like texture. Similar to my vegan caramel sauce

Note for non vegans you can use regular condensed milk too if you’d like. it’s still gluten free and dye free.

Notes to reduce sugar You can use Serve sugar free powdered sugar

  • Prep Time: 20 min

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Nutrition Stats per slice –> Semi healthy.. ish. You get it my point. But see below for SUGAR FREE options.

Calories 135 ; Total Fat 6.7g Saturated Fat 5g Carbohydrate 16.5g Fiber 1.7g Sugars 14g Protein 1.5g

Oh and for sugar free folk –> Highly recommend Swerve confectioner sugar! 

So yes, this is what we’ve been snack on these days. Trust me, it’s a goodie! Perfect for summer because it’s bloody hot here already. A great frozen refreshment for post workout, run, etc. Naturally sugars, healthy fats, fruit sweetened.

The only bad thing? Well, they are gone too fast and you will have to keep the vegan version in freezer or fridge. They last at room temp just fine but not NEARLY as delicious as frozen and oh so chewy. Capeesh?

No Bake Fruity Vegan coconut ice squares! This tasty coconut ice recipe is easy to make, doesn’t need cooking, and is quick to put together. All it takes is five ingredients and a bit of time in the fridge. Plus it's dye free, healthier that the classic coconut ice candy, gluten free, and perfect for desserts!

Have you ever tried coconut ice? I know you Britt’s and Aussie’s have! What’s your childhood summer treat?

[Tweet ” A tasty summer treat! #NoBake Fruity #Vegan Coconut Ice squares! #glutenfree”]

Corny Cotter Checking out. Have a COOL weekend. Ice Ice Baby! —> see what I did there?

Cheers!

KEEP ME POSTED ON YOU! LET’S STAY CONNECTED. SO VIA FACEBOOK,INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, AND TWITTER.

 

No Bake Fruity Vegan coconut ice squares! This gluten free healthier coconut ice recipe is easy to make, doesn’t need cooking, and is quick to put together. Tasty too! @cottercrunch

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Categories: Desserts, Vegan Tags: frozen treats

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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  1. Tess

    08/18/2017 at 4:01 PM

    Perfect for summer!

    Reply
  2. Cassie

    06/11/2016 at 7:11 PM

    I may be too young, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy coconut ice! And it may look like rice at first but that doesn’t mean it’s not delicious, which is what these bars look like 😛 the flavors are just so fruity and sweet!

    Reply
  3. Kristy from Southern In Law

    06/10/2016 at 11:00 PM

    This looks SO much better than boring ol’ coconut ice! YUM!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/11/2016 at 7:43 AM

      haha yea! have you made it? I am sure you have a great recipe!

      Reply
  4. Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat

    06/10/2016 at 8:13 PM

    I’ve never seen this coconut ice square thing that you speak of, but your version sounds so good that I don’t think there’s any need to even see the traditional kind! You are such an awesome wife and I’m sure your Kiwi hubby was so grateful for these!

    Reply
  5. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment

    06/10/2016 at 7:11 PM

    I love anything coconut. My absolute favorite. Thank you for sharing. Perfect for a summer treat.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/11/2016 at 7:43 AM

      thank you for being YOU! stay cool. hehe

      Reply
  6. Patricia @ Grab a Plate

    06/10/2016 at 6:52 PM

    I love learning about the food people around the world love to enjoy! And what a good wife you are, recreating a favorite 🙂
    This sounds really refreshing for a hot day!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/11/2016 at 7:44 AM

      thanks friend. It’s fun creating new treats! for sure

      Reply
  7. dixya @food, pleasure, and health

    06/10/2016 at 3:41 PM

    i have not heard of this treat but i want it. you are such a good wifey.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/10/2016 at 6:23 PM

      oh well I try. He puts up with a lot! haha

      Reply
  8. Shashi @ RunninSrilankan

    06/10/2016 at 3:00 PM

    Anytime condensed milk and apricot jam are involved – I’m there! I’d never heard of coconut ice – and yes, it does look like colored rice – but good gosh – all those ingredients together – why they are so yum!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/10/2016 at 6:24 PM

      Oh Shashi! You would loooooove these! I just know it.

      Reply
  9. Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets

    06/10/2016 at 12:38 PM

    You are a phenomenal wife. The Kiwi is lucky to have you.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/11/2016 at 8:21 AM

      Well he puts up with a lot from me. LOL!

      Reply
  10. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table

    06/10/2016 at 12:33 PM

    Ha! Before I got to the end I was like… I bet I could use my sugar-free powdered sugar! Great minds.

    I’ve never heard of this dessert, but I love Vanilla Ice and I love you. So I’m sure I’d love this. Love good logic too… 😉

    Reply
  11. Erin @ Erin's Inside Job

    06/10/2016 at 10:41 AM

    Just tell me how I can make it without coconut and I’m sold haha

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/10/2016 at 11:16 AM

      Hmmm … Maybe try almonds or cashew ? ? could work!

      Reply
  12. Tara | Treble in the Kitchen

    06/10/2016 at 10:05 AM

    Love this take on a New Zealand treat 🙂 No bake desserts are so necessary this time of year!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/11/2016 at 8:43 AM

      I agree! especially in TEXAS heat!

      Reply
  13. Julia Mueller

    06/10/2016 at 9:20 AM

    You’re so sweet to make kiwi a healthified version of one of his childhood faves! I bet it brings him right back to NZ without all the guilt of consuming loads of sugar and dairy. I’m all about trying this new-to-me treat!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/11/2016 at 8:42 AM

      it so does!! wish we could go back now!

      Reply
  14. Annmarie

    06/10/2016 at 7:13 AM

    These are GENIUS and look amazing!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/10/2016 at 11:16 AM

      Thanks friend!

      Reply
  15. Brittany @ Delights and Delectables

    06/10/2016 at 6:58 AM

    Drool!! Perfect tropical treat for summer!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/10/2016 at 11:17 AM

      Now we need a tropical vacation

      Reply
  16. Blair

    06/10/2016 at 6:46 AM

    I’ve never heard of coconut ice, but I definitely grew up with Vanilla Ice! Hah! Thanks for the laugh this morning!

    And yes…these look incredible. You just can’t go wrong with those 5 ingredients!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/10/2016 at 11:16 AM

      Amen for that!!

      Reply
  17. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

    06/10/2016 at 6:42 AM

    O super fruity!! It must taste so tropical-y 😛

    Reply
  18. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious

    06/10/2016 at 6:23 AM

    These are so intriguing! I’ve never had anything like this but yes, ahem I grew up listening to Vanilla Ice on repeat. I heard that song the other day and it brought back meme prices!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/10/2016 at 7:15 AM

      Ahhh such a classic! Love it! <3

      Reply
  19. Susie @ SuzLyfe

    06/10/2016 at 6:01 AM

    Silly Americans. We know NOTHING!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      06/10/2016 at 6:24 AM

      LOL! I know right?

      Reply
  20. michele @ paleorunningmomma

    06/10/2016 at 5:10 AM

    Yo! I’ll solve it..yup totally in my head and I think we’re the same age 🙂 I’ll take coconut over vanilla ice any day -this looks so yummy!

    Reply

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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