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small plate with a spoon and half a sunshine bar

Sunshine Bars

These vegan sunshine bars feature a bright and tangy mango whipped cream over a coconut cookie crust - light, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and naturally sweetened for a summer dessert.
Chill Time 2 hours
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 206

Ingredients
  

Coconut Cookie Crust
  • 2 cups coconut flour
  • cup coconut flakes unsweetened
  • 10 medjool dates
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
Coconut Caramel
  • 12 dates
  • 1 can full fat coconut milk (13.5 oz) just the liquids
  • cup coconut flakes unsweetened
Mango Cream
  • 1 lb mango, cubed (2 ⅔ cups)
  • 1 can full fat coconut milk (13.5 oz) just the solids
  • ½ lemon, juiced

Equipment

  • 1 8x8 baking dish
  • 1 coffee grinder

Method
 

Coconut Cookie Crust
  1. Add the coconut flour, coconut flakes, dates, salt, and lemon zest to a food processor or blender. Blend until the dates are well incorporated. Add water if needed. Aim for a sandy texture, something that holds when pressed together.
  2. Line a 9" square baking pan with parchment paper. Drop the crust over the bottom of the pan, then press firmly to create an even layer.
Coconut Caramel
  1. Strain the liquids from the can of coconut milk into a small hob over the stove. Turn the heat to medium high.
  2. Add the dates to the coconut water and bring the mixture to a healthy simmer or gentle boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Pour the softened dates and warm coconut water into a blender. Puree until smooth.
  4. Stop blending and add the coconut flakes. Pulse just a couple times to incorporate (don't overmix).
  5. Spread the coconut caramel in an even layer overtop the crust. Pop in the fridge to chill while you make the mango cream.
  6. Bake the crust in the oven at 350℉ for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
Mango Cream
  1. Wipe down your blender. Add the mango chunks and cream from a can of coconut milk. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
  2. Pour the mango cream overtop the prepared crust layer. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
Chill and serve
  1. Chill the bars in the freezer for two hours or in the fridge for 6 hours.
  2. Before serving, top with extra coconut flakes. Slice with a sharp, clean knife.
  3. Store in the fridge for up to 6 days.