Purple Coconut Bars recipe

If you are looking for a dessert that is as eye-catching as it is delicious, Purple Coconut Bars are the perfect choice. With their rich coconut flavor, chewy texture, and naturally vibrant purple hue, these bars are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you are hosting a party, preparing a festive holiday tray, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, Purple Coconut Bars stand out as a dessert that blends taste, nutrition, and style.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything about Purple Coconut Bars — from their origins, health benefits, and ingredients, to a detailed step-by-step recipe, variations, storage tips, and even pairing ideas. Let’s dive into this colorful dessert!

Why Choose Purple Coconut Bars?

Purple Coconut Bars are more than just another sweet recipe. They bring together two powerful culinary trends: the rise of colorful superfoods (like purple yam and butterfly pea flower) and the everlasting love for coconut.

Here are a few reasons why these bars are becoming popular worldwide:

• Visually Stunning: Their natural purple color makes them perfect for Instagram-worthy photos and Pinterest boards.

• Nutritious: When made with ube (purple yam) or purple sweet potato, these bars are packed with antioxidants.

• Easy to Make: With simple pantry ingredients, you can whip up a batch in under an hour.

• Versatile: They can be enjoyed as snacks, desserts, or even festive gifts.

Ingredients in Purple Coconut Bars

To make the best Purple Coconut Bars, here are the main ingredients you’ll need and why they matter:

1. Purple Base

   • Most recipes use ube (purple yam), purple sweet potato, or purple food coloring (natural options include butterfly pea flower powder or acai powder).

   • This adds the signature hue and subtle earthy sweetness.

2. Coconut

   • Shredded coconut gives the bars their chewy, tropical flavor.

   • Coconut milk or coconut cream adds creaminess.

3. Binder & Sweetener

   • Condensed milk, honey, or maple syrup binds the mixture and adds sweetness.

   • You can also use plant-based condensed coconut milk for a vegan version.

4. Base Layer (Optional)

   • A buttery cookie crust or graham cracker base enhances texture.

   • Some prefer a no-bake crust made with oats and dates.

5. Toppings

   • Toasted coconut flakes, white chocolate drizzle, or chopped nuts can elevate presentation and taste.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Purple Coconut Bars

Here is a simple yet irresistible recipe you can follow at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut

• 1 cup cooked and mashed purple yam (ube) or purple sweet potato

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (or coconut condensed milk for vegan option)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup melted butter (or coconut oil for vegan version)

• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits (for crust)

• 1/4 cup sugar (optional, depending on sweetness preference)

Instructions:

1: Prepare the Crust

• Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press into a lined baking pan.

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until golden. Let it cool.

2: Make the Purple Coconut Filling

• In a bowl, combine mashed ube, condensed milk, vanilla, and shredded coconut.

• Mix until evenly incorporated. Adjust sweetness if needed.

3: Assemble the Bars

• Spread the purple coconut mixture over the cooled crust.

• Smooth the top with a spatula.

4: Bake or Chill

• For a baked version: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 25–30 minutes until firm.

• For a no-bake version: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3–4 hours until set.

Step 5: Add Toppings & Serve

• Sprinkle toasted coconut or drizzle with white chocolate.

• Cut into squares or bars, and serve chilled.

Variations of Purple Coconut Bars

One of the reasons people love Purple Coconut Bars is their versatility. Here are some creative twists you can try:

1. No-Bake Purple Coconut Bars – Use a raw crust (dates + oats) and refrigerate instead of baking.

2. Vegan Version – Replace condensed milk with coconut condensed milk, and butter with coconut oil.

3. Keto-Friendly Purple Coconut Bars – Swap condensed milk with unsweetened coconut cream and a keto sweetener like monk fruit.

4. Chocolate Coated – Dip bars in melted dark chocolate for a decadent treat.

5. Layered Bars – Add a cream cheese layer on top of the crust before spreading the purple coconut filling.

Nutritional Benefits of Purple Coconut Bars

These bars aren’t just beautiful — they also pack nutritional value:

• Purple Yam (Ube/Purple Sweet Potato): Rich in anthocyanins, antioxidants that fight free radicals.

• Coconut: Provides healthy fats, fiber, and natural sweetness.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers or almond flour for the crust.

On average, one bar (depending on size) provides:

• Calories: 180–220

• Carbs: 20–25 g

• Fat: 10–12 g

• Protein: 3–4 g

Tips for Perfect Purple Coconut Bars

• Use freshly cooked purple yam for the best flavor.

• If using food coloring, choose a natural powder (like butterfly pea or acai) to avoid artificial taste.

• Always line your baking tray with parchment paper to make slicing easy.

• For clean cuts, chill the bars completely and use a sharp knife.

Serving Ideas

Purple Coconut Bars are flexible and can fit into many occasions:

• Afternoon Snack: Pair with tea or coffee.

• Party Dessert: Display on a dessert table for birthdays or holidays.

• Festive Treat: Perfect for Easter, Christmas, or even Halloween because of their vibrant color.

• Gift Boxes: Wrap individual bars for edible gifts.

Storage & Shelf Life

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5–6 days.

• Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make Purple Coconut Bars without ube or purple yam?
Yes! You can use natural food powders like butterfly pea or acai, or even a drop of natural purple food coloring.

2. Are Purple Coconut Bars gluten-free?
They can be, if you use gluten-free crackers or skip the crust entirely.

3. Can I make them less sweet?
Absolutely. Simply reduce the condensed milk or swap it for coconut cream with a bit of honey or stevia.

4. Do they taste strongly of coconut?
Yes — coconut is the star of this recipe, but the purple yam balances it with a creamy sweetness.

Why Purple Coconut Bars Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Box

In today’s food culture, where visuals are almost as important as taste, Purple Coconut Bars strike the perfect balance. They are colorful, nutrient-rich, and versatile enough for both casual snacking and festive entertaining. Plus, they’re easy to customize to fit any dietary preference — from vegan to keto.

So, the next time you want to impress your guests or simply enjoy a unique treat, whip up a batch of Purple Coconut Bars. With their stunning purple hue, tropical flavor, and chewy texture, they’re guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Final Thoughts

Purple Coconut Bars aren’t just another dessert recipe. They represent a modern approach to cooking — where creativity, health, and aesthetics all come together. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or your social media followers, these bars deliver satisfaction in every bite.

Purple Coconut Bars

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1 cup mashed purple yam ube or purple sweet potato
• 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (or coconut condensed milk for vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup melted butter or coconut oil for vegan version
• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits for crust
• 1/4 cup sugar optional

Method

 

1. Instructions:
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
3. Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
4. In a bowl, combine mashed purple yam, condensed milk, vanilla, salt, and shredded coconut. Mix until smooth and well blended.
5. Spread the purple coconut mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
6. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 25–30 minutes until firm, or refrigerate 3–4 hours for a no-bake version.
7. Once cooled, top with toasted coconut flakes or drizzle with white chocolate.
8. Slice into bars and serve chilled.

Notes

Notes:

Can be made vegan with coconut condensed milk and coconut oil.

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

 

Purple Coconut Bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes (baked version)
Chill Time: 3–4 hours (no-bake option)
Total Time:

• Baked: ~45 minutes
• No-bake: ~4 hours 15 minutes