Vegan Frozen Coconut Lime Bars

Published July 10, 2020

Vegan Frozen Coconut Lime Bars
Julia Gartland for The New York Times (Photography and Styling)
Total Time
20 minutes, plus 3½ hours’ chilling
Rating
4(334)
Comments
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Inspired by frozen Key lime pie, this simple summertime treat is for vegans and dairy-lovers alike. The no-bake graham cracker crust gets topped with softened store-bought, dairy-free ice cream mixed with shredded coconut and fresh lime juice for a dessert that’s as easy to put together as it is delicious. Be sure to use unsweetened, finely shredded (also called desiccated) coconut for this recipe; regular shredded or flaked coconut will be too coarse.

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Ingredients

Yield:9 to 12 servings
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • cups/180 grams graham cracker crumbs (from about 12 graham cracker sheets)
  • 2tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ¼teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
  • ½cup/45 grams unsweetened, desiccated coconut
  • cup plus 1 tablespoon/95 milliliters coconut oil, at room temperature
  • 2pints/1 liter coconut or vanilla flavored non-dairy ice cream (preferably a brand made with coconut milk)
  • 2limes, zested, plus 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (12 servings)

321 calories; 24 grams fat; 16 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 3 grams polyunsaturated fat; 24 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 13 grams sugars; 3 grams protein; 185 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Spray a 9-by-9-inch pan with cooking spray and line with two overlapping sheets of parchment paper to create overhang on all sides.

  2. Step 2

    Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and salt in a medium bowl. Place the shredded coconut in a small skillet and toast over medium heat for about 3 minutes, tossing often, until light golden brown. Add half the coconut to the bowl with the graham cracker crumbs, reserving the other half for later.

  3. Step 3

    Add the coconut oil to the graham cracker crumb mixture and toss with your hands until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Transfer to the prepared pan and press into an even layer, packing the crust lightly with the bottom of a measuring cup. Freeze for 30 to 45 minutes, until the crust is firm to the touch.

  4. Step 4

    Meanwhile, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, until slightly softened. Spoon the ice cream into a large mixing bowl and add the zest of 1 lime, the lime juice, the reserved toasted shredded coconut and a pinch of salt. Working quickly, mix with a spatula until combined and smooth.

  5. Step 5

    Scrape the mixture onto the frozen crust and spread into an even layer using an offset spatula.

  6. Step 6

    Cover the pan with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, at least 3 hours, or overnight.

  7. Step 7

    To serve, lift the overhanging parchment paper to remove the bars and place on a cutting board. Zest the remaining lime over the bars, cut into squares and serve immediately.

Ratings

4 out of 5
334 user ratings
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Comments

On our second round of these as they are delish! I doubled the amount of lime juice the second time around and used more zest in the ice cream (as opposed to on top) for a punchier lime flavor.

Not exactly vegan - I didn't have coconut oil so I used melted butter for the crust and Talenti Caribbean Coconut ice cream instead of vegan ice cream. I used Target Good&Gather toasted coconut chips with the zest and juice. It came together easily and is quite delicious.

I believe this is like making a crust for the cheese cake. It has to be somewhat liquid( like soft butter) or even liquid to bind with the crumbs. You then press on the pan. very simple

Lovely summer treats! Only one big adjustment necessary: up the limes. Stir the juice of three and the zest of two directly into the ice cream mixture for a wonderful tart citrus flavor that stands up to the creamy filling and the buttery crust. A few notes: you can dump all the crust ingredients into the food processor; don’t stress if the ice cream you bought isn’t wonderful tasting on its own; whiz shredded coconut in a mini food processor instead of going to the store for desiccated.

Blending everything for the graham cracker crust in a food processor works beautifully

I goofed and didn’t use the parchment. A mistake I won’t make again. It was tough getting them out of the pan — but worth it. Next time I’ll put all of the zest into the ice cream.. I used a soy ice cream. Delicious. Will make again.

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