No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (2024)

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No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (1)

Cheryl MalikPosted: 03/20/18Updated: 03/18/20

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These no bake margarita bars are so creamy and citrusy with a salted crust, absolutely perfect for spring and summer! These no bake margarita bars are vegan and paleo, too, making them a light but totally satisfying healthy dessert. If you’re looking for a stunning vegan no bake dessert or no bake paleo dessert, these no bake margarita bars are totally it!

No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (2)

These no bake margarita bars are the stuff of my pregnancy dreams. My vivid, vivid pregnancy dreams.

See, both this time and with my first, I craved margaritasconstantly. I’ve even tried finding tequila flavoring, hoping that somehowsomeway I can satisfy my craving without, you know, popping open a bottle of Patron. So far, no luck.

It’s something about the tang of the fresh lime juice and the salt rim, the honey-spiked shake-up (if you’re making my paleo honey margaritas, that is) and the heady tequila. I justyearn for them when pregnant.

No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (3)

But seeing as how it’s frowned upon to actually consume worthwhile amounts of tequila when pregnant, I’ll settle for these no bake margarita bars. And when I say ‘settle,’ what I really mean is

holy mama mother of earth and all things moving goodness almighty slap me slap me

AKA… they’re damn good.

The no bake margarita bars start off with an easy, no-bake crust loaded with toasted cashews, toasted coconut, and plenty of coarse sea salt to take care of that deliciously salty rim’s contribution to thebest drink of all time(See? I’m jonesing over here). The crust is topped with a creamy, citrusy layer that tastes just like a key lime pie to me but a bit more complex – a touch of fresh-squeezed orange juice and yep, a tiny bit of tequila make things just right. I topped mine with whipped, lightly sweetened coconut cream and more toasted coconut for that wow factor and a way to cut through the citrusy layer beneath it with pure, cool creaminess. So good.

These no bake margarita bars are, uh, no bake, duh, because the weather’s getting warmer and why bake and cool a dish if you don’t have to? And, even better, they’re made from totally whole foods, so they’re healthy! Maybe the only healthy dessert I’ve had this pregnancy, but that’s another story for another time (And hopefullynot an “How I Developed My Gestational Diabetes After Literally Being Paleo All the Time” article). These no bake margarita bars are vegan and paleo both, making them work for just about everybody!

No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (7) No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (8)

The only tricky thing about these no bake margarita bars is that they need plenty of time to chill before serving. Making them the day ahead is a fab idea and uh, yeah, my assistant and I ate them for breakfast the entire week. Just saying!

No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (9)

4.67 from 3 votes

No Bake Margarita Bars (Vegan, Paleo)

Prep:4 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Total:4 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

These no bake margarita bars are so creamy and citrusy with a salted crust, absolutely perfect for spring and summer! These no bake margarita bars are vegan and paleo, too, making them a light but totally satisfying healthy dessert. If you're looking for a stunning vegan no bake dessert or no bake paleo dessert, these no bake margarita bars are totally it!

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9 bars

Ingredients

Salted Crust Layer

  • ¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut plus 1/4 cup for garnish
  • 1 cups raw cashews toasted
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • ½ cup almond meal
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • ¾ teaspoon coarse salt

Creamy Lime Layer

  • 1 ½ cups raw cashews soaked for 1 hour
  • ¾ cup coconut oil melted, refined or unrefined is fine - refined will taste more coconutty
  • ¾ cup coconut cream
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice +2 tablespoons
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
  • ½ cup maple syrup or honey +2 tablespoons
  • 2 tablespoons lime zest
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon tequila optional
  • 1 pinch salt or more to taste

Whipped Coconut Cream

Garnish

  • ¼ cup toasted coconut toasted
  • lime wedges

Instructions

  • Toast the cashews: in a dry skillet over medium heat, place a single layer of the raw cashews. Toast, shaking occasionally, about 5 minutes or until golden on both sides. The cashews will begin to smell nutty. Remove from pan and set aside. Return pan to stove and place 3/4 cup coconut in skillet. Toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown, a few minutes. Remove from pan and let cool. Toast remaining 1/4 cup coconut for garnish and set aside.

  • Add all crust ingredients to a blender or food processor and process until uniform and crumbly. Press mixture into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8x8" baking pan. Place pan in freezer (or refrigerator) while you make the creamy lime layer.

  • Add all creamy lime layer ingredients to a high-speed blender and process until very, very smooth. Pour over chilled crust layer and chill at least 4-5 hours.

  • Make the whipped coconut cream: Chill a metal mixing bowl and beaters at least 1 hour.

  • Place chilled coconut cream in chilled mixing bowl. Beat coconut cream with an electric mixer using chilled beaters on medium speed. Increase speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form, about 5-7 minutes. Add in coconut sugar or honey and beat on medium speed until well incorporated.

  • To serve: cut chilled bars into equal squares. Top with a dollop of coconut cream, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, and press a lime wedge into the side of the coconut cream.

Notes

Top with a dollop of coconut cream, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, and press a lime wedge into the side of the coconut cream.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 9serving, Calories: 642cal, Protein: 9g, Fat: 55g, Saturated Fat: 35g, Sodium: 214mg, Potassium: 402mg, Total Carbs: 37g, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 22g, Net Carbs: 33g, Vitamin A: 14IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 34mg, Iron: 4mg

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (10)

Meet Cheryl Malik

In addition to being a certified health coach, certified yoga instructor, and mom of 3, Cheryl is also the recipe developer, editor-in-chief, food photographer, and passionate foodie behind 40 Aprons. Having spent the last 10+ years as a food blogger, she's become known for her flavorful recipes, detailed instructions, gorgeous photography, and down-to-earth approach to food and cooking in general.

Read more...

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Reader Interactions

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  1. No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (14)Stephanie says

    I have never left a comment on any recipe before, even though I am an avid cook. I felt compelled to comment bc I am preparing a paleo tea party and this was the most labor intensive recipe (hello, squeezing ten limes). I was feeling like “grrrr…this better be good”. Oh my gosh! What an unusual and delightful flavor! I highly recommend making it – just know it’s a little labor intensive. Can’t wait to serve this at the tea party tomorrow 🙂No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (15)

    Reply

    • No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (16)Jessica | 40 Aprons Team says

      We’re so glad it was worth it, Stephanie! Hope everyone enjoyed it! 😊

      Reply

  2. No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (17)Suzy says

    Light and fluffy with great flavor. The whipped coconut cream falls apart not long after on the bar. Might leave off next time and just use the coconut and lime wedge.No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (18)

    Reply

    • No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (19)Jessica | 40 Aprons Team says

      So glad you enjoyed these, Suzy!

      Reply

  3. No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (20)Marisa says

    If I wanted to make these a couple days ahead, would you suggest frozen, refrigerated, or would that be a bad idea?

    Reply

    • No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (21)Megan | 40 Aprons Team says

      We haven’t tried freezing them, but refrigerating them in an airtight container wouldn’t be a problem at all!

      Reply

  4. No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (22)Lindsay says

    Any thoughts on how they would be with almonds subbed in for the cashews?

    Reply

    • No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (23)Cheryl Malik says

      We think it would taste good!

      Reply

    • No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (24)TT says

      Did you try replacing for cashews? We have a severe cashew/pistachio allergy and these sound SO good!

      Reply

  5. No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (25)Amy says

    Just made this exactly as you instructed. Tasted the crust layer and the lime layer, both are delicious. Can’t wait to taste it together once chilled tonight. This will be a great addition to the BBQ I’m going to as it is over 95 degrees here (ugh).No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (26)

    Reply

  6. No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (27)Albert Bevia says

    these margarita bars are such a brilliant idea! they look so refreshing and tasty, I´m so ready for spring!!!

    Reply

  7. No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (28)Karly says

    You had me a margarita! These sound delicious pregnant or not!

    Reply

  8. No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (29)jane says

    I see you’re trying to make me go off my Whole30 again. 😉 I’ll add this to the list for when I transition to Paleo.

    Reply

No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan) (2024)

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