These Chewy Coconut Bars are so simple, sweet, perfectly chewy and loaded with natural coconut flavor. I love them so much I could eat one every day!
So I bake a lot. It’s not really a huge secret. And BECAUSE I bake so much I feel like my family has a skewed version of dessert reality.
IMPRESSING my kids and husband with sweet treats has become decidedly more difficult over the years. Not that everything I make is a total winner. Of course not. But the sheer volume of dessert in my house is probably a little larger than the average home. It’s the nature of the beast.
Anyhow, what I mean to say is that when something I make, makes everyone go back for seconds (or thirds) I know I done good. Which bring me to these Chewy Coconut Bars.
They’re total simple in flavors (and prep) but undeniably delicious…crackly on the top, perfect chewy edges and loaded with coconut!
The batter goes together in a pinch.
And I know I will get questions here on this about the amount of sugar in these. There is 2 full cups. Some of you will ask if you can reduce that…the answer is yes and no.
Yes, you can reduce the sugar down, and use, say, 1 1/2 cups…but the sugar also affect the chewy texture of these bars too. So if you want the full chewy effect the answer is no. Get it?
Also note, that the bars tend to rise a little higher on the outside and sink a touch in the middle when they bake. It’s ok…actually it’s preferred. Those edge pieces are golden, and this is coming from an “I hate brownie edges” girl. So believe.
If you can stand it, let them cool all the way before you slice them.
There won’t be a crumb left. There never is in my house!
PrintChewy Coconut Bars
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Prep Time: 10 minutes -
Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Yield: 20 bars 1x -
Category: Dessert
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Method: Oven
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Cuisine: American
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Yield:
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PinDescription:
These Chewy Coconut Bars are so simple, sweet, perfectly chewy and loaded with natural coconut flavor. I love them so much I could eat one every day!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 baking dish with foil and coat with nonstick spray.
- In a medium saucepan melt butter over medium-low heat. Once butter is melted, continue cooking until it boils, swirling the pan constantly so the butter doesn’t burn. Slowly the butter will begin to brown. Once it has reached an amber color remove from the heat and stir in the brown sugar until completely combined. Using a rubber spatula stir in the eggs, vanilla, salt and baking powder.
- Next stir in the flour until incorporated and then finally the coconut.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes. The edges will be golden and the center will be almost set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Keywords:: coconut dessert, coconut recipe, coconut cookies recipe, coconut flour dessert, dessert bars recipe, dessert bars, easy dessert recipe, easy dessert recipe few ingredients, best dessert recipe
Hi! I’m Shelly and I’m an addict. Of the buttercream sort. I started this site a few years ago as a way to justify my sugary, buttery obsession with desserts. It has worked out well for me so far, because as it turns out you guys all love sugary, buttery desserts too! It feels good to know you're not alone, doesn’t it?
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So I have a crazy controversial question. Would this coconut bar work without coconut? I know. I’m crazy. These bars look amazing but I can’t stand coconut!!!!! P.S. I also love chocolate chip cookies without chocolate chips.
lolol…you know i don’t really know! What I might do is add in 1 cup of oats in their place to absorb some moisture. Not the full 1 1/2 cups. Now I’m interested! If you try it report back!
I think the baking time needs to be adjusted for this recipe. 20 minutes is not correct. I had to bake mine 37 minutes. I will let you know in another post how I like them.
Ca these be made with fresh coconut (we have a coconut tree and that’s the only kind of coconut I get here)?
Can this be done in a kitchen-aid mixer with either the paddle or the dough hook?
You don’t need a mixer at all for this recipe!
It’s me again I just wanted to say how goood these were.I am trying to master my baking skills and this recipe was excellent.
★★★★★
i plan to make these but want to add chocolate chips. should i mix them into the batter or just sprinkle on top?
You can do either!
Do the coconut flakes have to be sweetened?
★★★★★
To get the flavor and texture in this recipe, yes, but the recipe will work using unsweetened, they will just be slightly less chewy and sweet.
I’d love to try these! But I’m thinking about some substitutes, please tell me what you think:
Flour —> Coconut flour
Brown sugar —> Coconut raw sugar
Butter —> Coconut oil
In my opinion, it won’t be as chewy. But worth a try?
Coconut palm sugar actually**
I made half the batch and used half granulated and half light brown sugar, they were soooo good, only thing I’m not sure if I should have let them bake a bit longer as they were gooey in the middle (not raw) should they be gooey in the middle or a bit more set up like a brownie??
★★★★★
They should set up more like a brownie 🙂
Okay, thanks, I’ll do a full batch next time and increase the baking time
These were fantastic ! But I had to leave them in for another 20 min as the centre was not quite done ..
★★★★★
So many ads I can’t see the recipe.
I’ve made these twice now- the first time I accidentally used baking soda instead of baking powder and they still turned out great. In fact, they were so good that I didn’t realize my mistake until I made them the second time with the correct ingredients! They are absolutely delicious. Made them as a treat for my dad and he loved them too. Definitely will make again.
★★★★★
Forgot to mention in my first comment- I halved the recipe both times I made it. I had no problems with the amount of sugar/sweetness so maybe it’s up to personal preference.
Love that they worked both ways!!
Would you be able to substitute the brown sugar out for white sugar?
That will work, the flavor will just be slightly not as deep 🙂
These are delicious!! Should I store them in the fridge?
You can, but don’t have to!
These are good but it should be noted that they take a while to set. Like other reviewers I used an 8×8 pan and baked for 30 minutes. It took hours before they could be handled. Also they’re plenty sweet. If I make again I’ll probably cut back the sugar for personal preference.
★★★★