Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! These homemade coconut bars are the perfect answer. They're a delightful blend of chewy, sweet coconut, buttery goodness, and a hint of toasted perfection. Perfect for a quick dessert, a bake sale contribution, or simply satisfying a sudden craving, this recipe is a winner for every skill level. Get ready to experience a taste of the tropics in your own kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your bars come out easily and prevents sticking. Lining the pan with parchment paper is an extra helpful tip for easier removal.
Making the Batter:
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results, making the process quicker and easier.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the dry ingredients.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough bars.
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Stir in the sweetened shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Baking the Bars:
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Overbaking will result in dry bars.
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Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes cutting much easier.
Tips for Coconut Bar Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this ensures proper creaming and a light texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough bars. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting prevents them from crumbling.
- Storage: Store leftover coconut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations:
- Chocolate Coconut Bars: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for an extra decadent treat.
- Toasted Coconut: Toast the coconut before adding it to the batter for a richer flavor and slightly crunchy texture.
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one lime or lemon to the batter for a refreshing twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate for one bar (assuming a 9x13 inch pan cut into 16 bars) would be approximately:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 10-15g
- Sugar: 25-30g
These delicious coconut bars are a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. They're a wonderful addition to any dessert spread, and the simple recipe makes them ideal for both experienced bakers and those just starting their culinary adventures. Enjoy!