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Coconut Dream Bars

Coconut Dream Bars
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Coconut Dream Bars offer a perfect balance of a rich, buttery crust and luscious, chewy coconut topping. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this dessert delivers a tropical touch of sweetness that melts in your mouth, ideal for any occasion from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)

Coconut Filling

  • 3 cups shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened depending on preference)
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (or sweetened condensed coconut milk for vegan version)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, blend softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend) until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. Press this dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to create the base. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the edges turn light golden brown.
  2. Mix the coconut filling: While the crust bakes, combine shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk (or condensed coconut milk), and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir well to ensure the coconut is fully coated and ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Add the filling and bake: Remove the baked crust from the oven and immediately spread the coconut mixture evenly over the crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the topping is slightly puffed and a delicate golden color.
  4. Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling helps the layers set firmly, making slicing easier. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter to ensure the crust dough blends smoothly without becoming greasy or tough.
  • Don’t skip cooling; this helps achieve clean slices without crumbling.
  • Press the crust firmly and evenly for a sturdy base that won’t crumble when bitten.
  • Choose sweetened or unsweetened coconut based on your sweetness preference and adjust sugar slightly if needed.
  • Oven temperatures vary, so monitor the golden edges and coconut topping to ensure perfect doneness.

Nutrition

Keywords: coconut bars, dessert bars, coconut dessert, baked coconut bars, gluten-free coconut bars, vegan coconut bars, sweet coconut treats

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/coconut-dream-bars/