Get ready to fall in love with a treat that’s nothing short of heaven in every bite! This Deliciously Addictive Coconut Bars Recipe combines buttery, crumbly crust with a sweet, chewy coconut topping to deliver a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re craving a snack to brighten your afternoon or a comforting dessert to share, these bars will quickly become your new favorite. The vibrant coconut takes center stage, making each bar a tropical escape that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is delightfully simple. Each component is carefully chosen not only to enhance the flavor but also to create the perfect texture—from the tender base to that chewy, coconut-packed topping.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, 115g): Softened butter lends richness and helps create the tender, crumbly base.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup, 50g): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the base without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup + 2 tablespoons, 120g + 15g): The foundation for both the crust and the topping, providing structure and crumb.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for binding the topping ingredients together while giving it that perfect set.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, 200g, packed): Contributes moisture and deep, caramel-like sweetness to the coconut layer.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the topping a slight lift and lightness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
- Shredded sweetened coconut (1 1/3 cups, 100g): The star of the show, bringing chewy, tropical goodness and delightful texture.
How to Make Deliciously Addictive Coconut Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bars bake evenly and develop the perfect golden color. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper—this will make removing the bars a breeze once they’ve cooled.
Step 2: Make the Base Layer
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a melt-in-your-mouth base. Next, stir in the 1 cup of flour until you have a crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into your prepared pan, creating a uniform layer that will bake into a slightly crispy, buttery crust. Bake it for 10 to 12 minutes until it turns a lovely light golden brown.
Step 3: Prepare the Coconut Topping
While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs and brown sugar until smooth and glossy—a lovely sign that your topping is going to be rich and sweet. Add in the vanilla extract, then combine the additional flour, baking powder, and salt before folding these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Finally, fold in the shredded sweetened coconut, making sure every bit is coated and ready to become irresistibly chewy.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Once your crust is gently golden, carefully pour the coconut topping over it, spreading evenly so every slice gets a generous amount of coconut goodness. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping has set up nicely and its surface turns a beautiful golden brown. The aroma wafting from your oven will be pure temptation!
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Patience pays off here—let your bars cool completely right in the pan. This resting time allows the layers to firm up for easier slicing. For even cleaner cuts, pop the whole pan into the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. Then, slice into 9 to 12 bars and watch them disappear fast!
How to Serve Deliciously Addictive Coconut Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these coconut bars, sprinkle a few toasted coconut flakes on top just before serving for added texture and a toasty contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty, snowy finish that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
These bars shine alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet luscious dessert combo. For a more refreshing pairing, try serving them with fresh berries, which add a bright, tart counterpoint to the sweet, rich bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a decorative platter for your next party—they’re guaranteed conversation starters! You can also cut them into rectangles and skewer them with fresh fruit for a fun dessert kabob twist that’s portable and perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These coconut bars keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. The flavors will marry even more after sitting a bit, making each bite just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
If you want to keep your stash longer, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
To revive their freshly-baked charm, warm the bars in a low oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that slight crispness on the edges and soft, chewy interior, making every bite just as scrumptious as fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Yes! Using unsweetened shredded coconut will reduce the overall sweetness and provide a more natural coconut flavor. You might want to add a touch more brown sugar to balance it out.
What if I don’t have an 8×8-inch pan?
A 9×9-inch pan can work fine; just be aware that the bars might be a bit thinner and bake slightly faster. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Can I substitute the butter for coconut oil?
Absolutely! Coconut oil will enhance the coconut flavor even more and make the bars slightly fudgier, but be sure to use solid coconut oil at room temperature for the best texture.
How long do the bars need to cool before slicing?
It’s best to let them cool completely at room temperature, about an hour. For neater slices, chilling them for 30 minutes in the fridge helps the bars firm up nicely.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Not as written, since they include all-purpose flour. You can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but results might vary slightly in texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Deliciously Addictive Coconut Bars Recipe enough—once you try them, they will earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation. The blend of buttery crust and chewy coconut topping creates a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. So roll up your sleeves, gather those simple ingredients, and make some magic happen in your kitchen. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Deliciously Addictive Coconut Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Deliciously Addictive Coconut Bars feature a buttery, crumbly base topped with a sweet and chewy coconut layer, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a delightful treat for coconut lovers, these bars are easy to make and yield a satisfying dessert with a wonderful blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
Coconut Topping
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/3 cups (100g) shredded sweetened coconut
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Make the Base Layer: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the 1 cup of all-purpose flour and mix until a crumbly dough forms. Press this evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake this crust for 10–12 minutes or until it turns lightly golden.
- Prepare the Coconut Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. Then add the 2 tablespoons of flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring until incorporated. Finally, fold in the shredded sweetened coconut until thoroughly mixed.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared coconut topping over the partially baked crust, spreading it evenly. Bake the assembled bars for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and set firmly in place.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to ensure they set properly. For cleaner and neater slices, refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes before cutting into 9 to 12 bars.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy removal from the pan.
- Refrigerating before slicing helps achieve cleaner edges.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Store bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Sweetened shredded coconut adds extra sweetness and chewiness—unsweetened can be used but will alter taste.
