Chewy Coconut Bars are a delightful, dessert treat that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. These bars feature a soft, chewy coconut base, enriched with the natural sweetness of shredded coconut and a hint of vanilla.
Baked to golden perfection, they are often topped with a light drizzle of chocolate or dusted with powdered sugar for an added touch of indulgence. Simple yet delicious, these bars are perfect for those who love coconut, offering a satisfying bite with every piece. Ideal for dessert trays, parties, or a sweet snack, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Chewy Coconut Bars
Description
Chewy Coconut Bars are sweet, satisfying treats with a rich, chewy texture, perfect for anyone craving a coconut-flavored dessert.
Made with simple ingredients like shredded coconut, condensed milk, and butter, these bars are easy to prepare and bake.
They have a golden-brown top and a moist, chewy interior that delivers a delightful coconut taste in every bite.
These bars are great for snacks, parties, or as a sweet treat alongside your coffee or tea. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, they’re an ideal indulgence for coconut lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray.
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Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or whisk until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
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Add Coconut:
Fold in the shredded coconut and, if using, the sweetened condensed milk for added richness and moisture. Mix until the coconut is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Bake:
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve:
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 230kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Cholesterol 40mg14%
- Sodium 80mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 23g
- Protein 3g6%
- Calcium 30 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips for Making Chewy Coconut Bars:
Making perfect chewy coconut bars involves a balance of ingredients and technique. Here are some essential tips to ensure your bars come out soft, chewy, and delicious every time:
1. Use Sweetened Shredded Coconut
For the classic chewy texture, it’s crucial to use sweetened shredded coconut rather than unsweetened coconut flakes. The sweetness adds flavor and moisture, giving the bars their chewy consistency. The moisture from the coconut helps hold the bars together and prevents them from becoming too dry.
2. Don't Overmix the Batter
When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense, crumbly bars. The goal is to achieve a smooth batter without overworking the coconut, which could make the texture less chewy.
3. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold butter or eggs will result in uneven mixing, which can affect the texture of your bars. Room-temperature ingredients help the batter come together smoothly, leading to a more uniform consistency in the final bars.
4. Properly Grease or Line Your Pan
Greasing your baking pan or, preferably, lining it with parchment paper ensures easy removal and prevents sticking. This is especially important for chewy coconut bars, which are more likely to stick to the pan than traditional cookies. Parchment paper also helps the bars retain their shape and prevents the bottoms from over-browning.
5. Baking Time Is Key
For chewy bars, you want to bake them until they are just golden around the edges, but not overdone. Overbaking will cause them to lose their chewy texture and become too hard. Start checking around 20-25 minutes of baking time (for an 8x8 or 9x9 pan). The center should be set but still slightly soft to the touch when you press lightly. The bars will firm up as they cool.
6. Allow Time to Cool
Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling allows them to set properly. If you cut them too soon, they might fall apart because they are still delicate when hot. The bars will firm up as they cool to room temperature, which is when they develop their chewy texture.
7. Try Adding Extras for Variety
While traditional coconut bars are delicious on their own, you can add variety to suit your taste. Try mixing in chocolate chips, chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans), or dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins). If you like a tropical twist, add pineapple bits or a bit of orange zest for extra flavor.
Serving Tricks for Chewy Coconut Bars:
Serving coconut bars is just as important as making them! Here are a few tips to elevate the presentation and enjoyment:
1. Cut Into Small Pieces
Coconut bars can be quite rich, so cutting them into smaller squares (about 1-2 inches) makes them perfect for serving at parties, picnics, or gatherings. Smaller pieces are easy to handle, and people can enjoy a bite without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream
Coconut bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The coldness of the ice cream contrasts nicely with the chewy texture of the bars, creating a balanced dessert experience.
3. Dust with Powdered Sugar
For a simple, elegant touch, dust the top of the bars with a little powdered sugar before serving. It gives the bars a nice visual appeal and adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the coconut flavor.
4. Pair with a Hot Beverage
These bars go wonderfully with a hot drink like coffee, tea, or even a tropical drink like a piña colada. The sweetness and coconut flavor in the bars complement these beverages, making for a delightful snack or dessert experience.
5. Store Properly
If you’re making them ahead of time or need to store leftovers, keep your bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them, and they will stay good for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
By following these tips and serving tricks, your chewy coconut bars will be a hit every time, delivering the perfect balance of chewy texture and delicious flavor!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes coconut bars chewy?
The chewy texture of coconut bars comes from the combination of sweetened shredded coconut, condensed milk, and eggs. Sweetened condensed milk helps bind the ingredients together while providing moisture and a rich, creamy consistency.
The coconut absorbs this moisture, creating a chewy, slightly sticky texture once baked. Eggs also contribute to the structure, holding the mixture together as it bakes, resulting in a dense yet tender bar.
Can I use unsweetened coconut flakes instead of sweetened?
While you can use unsweetened coconut flakes, the bars will not be as sweet. Sweetened coconut flakes help balance the richness of the condensed milk and contribute to the bars' sweetness.
If you use unsweetened coconut, you may need to adjust the sugar content in the recipe to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
Consider adding a little extra sugar or honey to compensate for the lack of sweetness in the coconut.
How do I store coconut bars?
Once baked and cooled, coconut bars should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically stay fresh for up to 4–5 days.
If you want to store them for a longer period, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2–3 months.
If freezing, make sure to wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag to preserve their texture and flavor.
Can I add other ingredients to coconut bars?
Absolutely! Coconut bars are versatile, and you can customize them by adding ingredients such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, or even a touch of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.
Chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top makes for a delicious addition, while adding nuts like almonds or cashews can bring a nice crunch. Feel free to experiment to suit your taste preferences!
