Indulge in the divine combination of rich buttery crust and luscious coconut filling with this recipe for Coconut Butter Bars. These irresistible bars are the perfect marriage of sweet and savory, delivering a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a delightful dessert, these Coconut Butter Bars are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the delectable world of baking and discover the magic of these heavenly bars together!
Ingredients:
Crust:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks), melted
Filling:
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, additional for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Prepare the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt for the crust.
- Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Bake the Crust:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
4. Prepare the Filling:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded coconut until well combined.
5. Pour Over the Crust:
- Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the coconut filling over the hot crust, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake Again:
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the Coconut Butter Bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into squares.
- Sprinkle additional shredded coconut over the top for garnish, if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Toasted Coconut: For added flavor and texture, toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the filling. Simply spread the coconut on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden brown.
- Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts into the crust or filling for a delightful nutty crunch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars before serving, adding a hint of sweetness and richness.
- Fruit Infusion: Experiment with adding dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots to the filling for bursts of fruity flavor.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use unsweetened shredded coconut instead of sweetened? A: Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut if you prefer a less sweet dessert. Keep in mind that the bars may be slightly less sweet compared to using sweetened coconut.
Q: How should I store the Coconut Butter Bars? A: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for longer storage. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free? A: Yes, you can make gluten-free Coconut Butter Bars by using a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and ensuring that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: Is there a keto-friendly version of this recipe? A: To make a keto-friendly version, substitute the flour in both the crust and filling with almond flour or coconut flour, and use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia instead of brown sugar and granulated sugar.
In conclusion, Coconut Butter Bars are a true indulgence for the senses, offering a delightful combination of buttery crust and coconut-filled goodness. Whether enjoyed as a dessert for special occasions or as a sweet treat to brighten your day, these bars are sure to leave a lasting impression. With their irresistible flavor and simple preparation, they’re bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to the heavenly delight of Coconut Butter Bars. Happy baking and indulging!
