Buttery Coconut Bars Recipe
If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s both irresistibly chewy and decadently buttery, look no further than these Buttery Coconut Bars. Each bite delivers a rich, golden crust topped with a luscious coconut layer that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making them for a bake sale, a family gathering, or just a little afternoon indulgence, these bars are guaranteed to disappear fast. Trust me—everyone who tries them will be asking for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Buttery Coconut Bars lies in their simplicity—every ingredient is selected for maximum flavor and texture. From the creamy butter base to the fragrant coconut topping, each component plays a starring role in the final result.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base for the crust and ensures every bite is wonderfully tender.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the crust just enough to balance the coconut topping.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Gives the crust its sturdy structure while keeping it light and delicate.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and prevents the bars from tasting flat or overly sweet.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind the coconut layer and keep it chewy and rich.
- Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to the coconut topping.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Lifts up the flavors with a touch of warmth and sweetness.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut (1 1/2 cups): Delivers that signature chewy, tropical layer everyone loves in Buttery Coconut Bars.
How to Make Buttery Coconut Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light greasing. This step ensures your Buttery Coconut Bars come out easily, looking pristine and ready to slice.
Step 2: Make the Buttery Crust
In a medium bowl, cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a dreamy, tender base. Add in the flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure the corners aren’t ignored. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust turns a pale golden color.
Step 3: Prepare the Coconut Topping
While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, packed brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy—this ensures a silky texture. Gently fold in the sweetened shredded coconut, making sure every strand is coated.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Once your crust is out of the oven (still warm!), immediately spread the coconut mixture evenly over the top. The warmth helps everything meld together beautifully. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let the Buttery Coconut Bars cool completely in the pan—this is the hardest part, but it’s worth the wait! Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into bars. Each slice reveals two gorgeous layers: one buttery, one chewy and coconutty.
How to Serve Buttery Coconut Bars
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, dust your Buttery Coconut Bars with a gentle sprinkle of powdered sugar, or dip one edge into melted chocolate. A few toasted coconut flakes on top add both beauty and crunch.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a fresh fruit salad. The creamy and fruity notes highlight the coconut’s tropical flair and make for a balanced dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serving them on a tiered platter for afternoon tea. For parties, wrap each Buttery Coconut Bar in parchment and tie with string for a charming homemade gift. You can even serve them warm, topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Buttery Coconut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Their flavor and texture actually improve as they sit, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy weeks.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Once fully cooled, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature whenever you need a sweet fix.
Reheating
If you prefer your Buttery Coconut Bars warm, pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This revives the buttery base and makes the coconut topping extra fragrant—almost like they’re fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Yes, you can substitute unsweetened coconut if you prefer a less sweet version. Just note that the bars will be a bit drier and less chewy, so consider adding a tablespoon of extra brown sugar or a drizzle of honey to the topping mixture.
What’s the best way to cut clean squares?
Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. Chilling the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing can also help you get those perfect, bakery-worthy edges.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips can be folded into the coconut mixture for added texture and flavor. Just don’t overload the topping, or it might not set as nicely.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1-to-1 replacement and contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You can easily double the ingredients and bake in two separate pans or use a larger baking dish—just keep an eye on the baking times, as thicker bars may need a few extra minutes to fully set.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to bake a batch of these Buttery Coconut Bars soon! They’re a true crowd-pleaser—easy enough for a weekday treat, but special enough for a celebration. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become a new family favorite!
Print
Buttery Coconut Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery Coconut Bars are a delightful treat featuring a rich, buttery crust topped with a sweet and chewy coconut layer. Perfect for coconut lovers, these bars combine the nutty flavor of shredded coconut with a tender, golden-baked base, making them an irresistible dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coconut Topping
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the all-purpose flour and salt, then mix until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until it turns lightly golden brown. This initial baking ensures a firm base for the coconut topping.
- Prepare the Coconut Topping: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the shredded coconut until evenly combined.
- Add Topping and Bake: Spread the coconut mixture evenly over the warm crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly. Once cooled, cut into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the coconut topping before baking.
- Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
