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!
Make sure to try my Coconut Cookie Recipe too!
Easy and Delicious Chewy Coconut Bars
I bake a lot of dessert recipes…obviously. And coming from a family where everyone has a different favorite dessert recipe it’s hard to please everyone. And of course coconut is one of those ingredients that people seem to love or hate, but luckily in my house everyone happens to like love coconut! So when I made these coconut bars, and not only did everyone love them, they went back for seconds (and thirds) I knew I had a winner of a recipe on my hands!
What To Expect With This Coconut Bars Recipe:
- This recipe is simple in flavors (and prep) and undeniably delicious…crackly on the top, perfect chewy edges and loaded with coconut!
- 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of bake time means dessert in 30 minutes! Of course they will be too warm to cut immediately out of the oven, but a large spoonful topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce is also a pretty delicious option!
- The edges of these bars are chewy, so if you are an edge lover, this recipe is perfect for you. The buttery crisp edges are caramelized and outstanding while the centers stay chewy and sweet.
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Light brown sugar
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Kosher salt
- Baking powder
- All purpose flour
- Sweetened flaked coconut
How To Make Coconut Bars:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper and coat with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- 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 shredded 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.
Common Questions:
- Is 2 cups of sugar right? Yes, there are 2 full cups of light brown sugar in this recipe.
- Can I reduce that amount of sugar? The answer is yes…and no. The sugar adds to the chewiness of this recipe, and of course the flavor. You can reduce it down to 1 1/2 cups with minimal issues to the integrity of the recipe, but for the best outcome, 2 cups is how it’s written and how these bars are intended!
- My bars sunk in the middle, is that normal? Yes, these 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 golden brown edge pieces are where the chewy magic happens, and this is coming from an “I hate brownie edges” girl.
- Why are my bars are so gooey? Let them cool completely and I promise you they will firm up. The centers will be soft when right out of the oven, and while they still stay soft, they firm up as they cool, so be patient!
Can I Add In Chocolate Chips To These Bars?
Sure! I would receommend adding in 1/2 cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips if you are looking for a little chocolate. I wouldn’t recommend milk chocolate or white chocolate as they are both more sweet and these bars are sweet enough!
You can even add in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans if you love that nutty texture!
How To Store Coconut Bars:
I store mine airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness. You can also freeze these in an airtight container for up to 30 days. Allow the bars to thaw at room temperature.
Love Coconut? Here Are More Coconut Recipes To Try:
Print
Chewy Coconut Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
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 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper and coat with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- 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.
Notes
Store airtight for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Freeze airtight for up to 30 days for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 144
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 115.4 mg
- Fat: 5.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 22.6 g
- Protein: 1.8 g
- Cholesterol: 18.6 mg
Will it work with shredded coconut? Thanks!
Do you mean fresh coconut? I used sweetened flaked 🙂
I am trying to replicate a peanut butter coconut bar recipe that our cafeteria made when I was in high school. Your recipe looks like the closest I’ve come to finding it, in terms of texture. How might I add peanut butter to it? Would I substitute some of the butter?
You could sub in half of the butter for peanut butter 🙂
I’ve tried mixing in Splenda or other sugar substitutes with my sugar before adding to the mix and this has helped maintain the consistency and feel of the sugar. And it cuts down on the amount of sugar needed.
Coconut is so tasty! These bars sound like perfection!
There may be 2 cups of sugar but there’s only a half cup of butter! I look for the bright side when possible.
Love a glass half full kinda gal!
Oh my gosh! These look SO good! I love coconut. Would it be really bad to add some chocolate chips too? I am sure they are super good without, but chocolate and coconut are partners in my book!
Go for it!!!
I just realized I’m a little short on coconut. I’m doubling the recipe and only had 2 1/4 cups. Should I add some oatmeal, extra flour, or do you think they’ll be fine with less coconut?
It should be ok with just using less!
What do you think almond flour and coconut oil would do to these??
Can i use unsweetened coconut?
sure!
Can i use unsweeted coconut?
They look so delish…but I have 2 allergic to coconut people in my house…is there anything that can be used as a substitute?
Try chopped pecan. It is reminiscent of a pecan pie middle to me.
I am trying to replicate a peanut butter coconut bar recipe that our cafeteria made when I was in high school. Your recipe looks like the closest I’ve come to finding it, in terms of texture. How might I add peanut butter to it? Would I substitute some of the butter?
These look SO perfect — I have to try them!!