Butter Coconut Bars Recipe

Oh, let me tell you about these Butter Coconut Bars. From the moment I first stumbled upon this recipe, I knew I had to try it. My family has a serious sweet tooth, and we’re always on the lookout for something new and delicious to bake. These bars? They were an absolute revelation. The aroma that filled my kitchen while they were baking was pure heaven – a rich, buttery sweetness mingled with the toasted fragrance of coconut. And the taste? Imagine sinking your teeth into a bar that’s both wonderfully gooey and satisfyingly chewy, bursting with the tropical flavor of coconut and a melt-in-your-mouth buttery richness. They were an instant hit! My kids devoured them in minutes, and even my husband, who usually prefers savory snacks, couldn’t resist sneaking seconds (and thirds!). If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both incredibly easy to make and utterly irresistible, you’ve absolutely come to the right place. These Butter Coconut Bars are destined to become your new favorite treat, perfect for any occasion – or just because!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Delicious Butter Coconut Bars

The beauty of these Butter Coconut Bars lies not only in their incredible taste but also in their simplicity. You likely already have most, if not all, of these ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator. Let’s break down each component and understand why they are crucial for creating these delectable bars.

• For the Crust:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, softened: Butter is the star of the show here, providing the rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and that signature buttery flavor. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the bars. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming and incorporation into the crust. If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but consider omitting or reducing any additional salt in the recipe.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar: Sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the texture of the crust. Granulated sugar provides a nice crispness to the base while also helping to bind the ingredients together.
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour forms the structure of the crust. It provides the necessary gluten development to create a sturdy yet tender base that can hold the luscious coconut topping. Make sure to measure your flour correctly – spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife, rather than scooping it directly from the bag, to avoid using too much flour, which can result in a dry crust.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients, especially the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the butter. It also balances the overall flavor profile and prevents the bars from tasting overly sweet.
• For the Coconut Topping:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, melted: More butter! This time melted, it creates the gooey, luscious texture of the coconut topping. Melted butter blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a smooth and rich sauce that coats the coconut beautifully.
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar: Just like in the crust, sugar provides sweetness and texture to the topping. In the topping, it dissolves into the melted butter, creating a syrupy base that becomes wonderfully caramelized as the bars bake.
  • 4 large Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the topping together and adding richness and structure. They contribute to the gooey texture and help the topping set properly during baking. Using large eggs ensures the right ratio of liquid to dry ingredients.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm and comforting note that complements both the butter and coconut. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, but imitation vanilla can also be used in a pinch.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Again, salt plays a crucial role in balancing the sweetness and enhancing the other flavors in the topping.
  • 1 (14-ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the secret ingredient that takes these coconut bars to the next level of gooeyness and richness! Sweetened condensed milk adds a creamy, caramelized sweetness and a wonderfully fudgy texture to the topping. It’s a key component that distinguishes these bars from other coconut desserts.
  • 7 cups Sweetened Shredded Coconut: The star of the topping! Sweetened shredded coconut provides that signature coconut flavor and chewy texture. Using sweetened coconut adds extra sweetness and moisture to the bars. If you prefer a less sweet bar, you could use unsweetened coconut, but you might need to adjust the sugar in the topping slightly.

Ingredient Notes and Potential Substitutions:

• Butter: While unsalted butter is recommended for best flavor control, salted butter can be used. If using salted butter, reduce or omit the salt called for in both the crust and topping. For a slightly different flavor profile, you could experiment with brown butter in the topping, but be mindful that this might alter the texture slightly.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is the standard choice for both the crust and topping. You can experiment with using a portion of brown sugar in the crust for a slightly more caramel-like flavor, but stick with granulated sugar for the topping to ensure proper crystallization and gooeyness.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal for the crust. While you might be tempted to use other flours, such as whole wheat or gluten-free blends, these will significantly alter the texture of the crust. If you are gluten-free, you will need to use a specifically formulated gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and adjust the recipe accordingly, potentially adding a binder like xanthan gum.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: There is no direct substitute for sweetened condensed milk in this recipe. It provides a unique combination of sweetness, creaminess, and binding properties that are essential for the texture and flavor of the topping. Evaporated milk is not a suitable substitute as it lacks the sweetness and thickness of sweetened condensed milk.
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut: While sweetened shredded coconut is traditionally used, you can use unsweetened coconut if you prefer a less sweet bar. If using unsweetened coconut, you might consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of sugar to the topping to compensate for the reduced sweetness. You can also experiment with different types of coconut, such as flaked coconut or coconut chips, for a different texture, but be aware that this may affect the overall moisture content and baking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Perfect Butter Coconut Bars

Making these Butter Coconut Bars is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these detailed instructions, and you’ll be rewarded with a pan of gooey, coconutty goodness in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to ensure even baking and prevent the crust from burning before the topping is cooked through. Position a rack in the center of the oven.
2. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents the bars from sticking to the pan and makes them easier to remove once baked. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the bars out easily after baking. This is especially recommended for gooey bars like these.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer) for this step. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which contributes to a tender crust. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Whisking helps to aerate the flour and evenly distribute the salt, preventing clumps and ensuring a consistent texture.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough crust. Mix until just the flour streaks disappear.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press the dough into a uniform layer across the bottom of the pan. Ensure the crust is even in thickness for consistent baking.
7. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Pre-baking the crust helps it to set and prevents it from becoming soggy when the moist coconut topping is added. Keep an eye on the crust as oven temperatures can vary, and you want it to be lightly golden, not overly browned.

Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Topping

1. While the crust is baking, prepare the coconut topping. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Melt the butter completely but don’t let it brown or burn.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar. Whisk or stir vigorously until the sugar is fully dissolved into the melted butter. The mixture will become smooth and slightly thickened.
3. Whisk in the eggs one at a time. Make sure to whisk well after each addition to fully incorporate the egg and prevent it from scrambling in the hot butter mixture.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. These flavor enhancers will add depth and complexity to the topping.
5. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir until well combined. The sweetened condensed milk will make the mixture even richer and creamier. Ensure it is fully incorporated for a homogenous topping.
6. Stir in the sweetened shredded coconut. Add the coconut and mix until it is evenly distributed throughout the topping.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Bars

1. Remove the pre-baked crust from the oven. Carefully pour the coconut topping evenly over the hot crust. Spread it out to ensure it covers the entire surface of the crust.
2. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and set. The edges of the bars should be nicely browned, and the center should be set but still slightly gooey. To check for doneness, gently shake the pan – the center should jiggle slightly but not be liquid. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the bars dry.
3. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for the bars to set properly and for easier cutting. Resist the temptation to cut into them while they are still warm, as they will be too soft and gooey. Cooling allows the topping to firm up and the flavors to meld together. Allow at least 2-3 hours for cooling, or even overnight for best results.

Step 4: Cut and Serve

1. Once completely cooled, cut the Butter Coconut Bars into squares or rectangles. Use a sharp knife to cut clean lines. If the bars are very gooey, you can chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting to make it easier. For cleaner cuts, you can run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each cut.
2. Serve and enjoy! These Butter Coconut Bars are delicious served at room temperature or slightly chilled. They are perfect as a dessert, snack, or treat for any occasion.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate)

Please note that these are approximate nutritional values and can vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes. These values are estimated for a serving size of one bar, assuming the recipe is cut into 24 bars.

• Servings: Approximately 24 bars
• Calories per serving: Approximately 280-350 calories (depending on serving size and ingredient variations)

Approximate Macronutrient Breakdown per serving:

• Fat: 18-25 grams
• Saturated Fat: 12-18 grams
• Cholesterol: 70-90 mg

Disclaimer: These nutritional values are estimates only. For precise nutritional information, it is recommended to use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes (including crust and topping preparation)
• Bake Time: 40-50 minutes (crust and bars combined)
• Cooling Time: 2-3 hours (minimum, or overnight for best results)
• Total Time: Approximately 3-4 hours (including cooling)

While the total time might seem lengthy due to the cooling period, the active preparation and baking time is relatively short, making these bars a convenient dessert to make even on a busy day. You can prepare them ahead of time and let them cool overnight.

How to Serve Butter Coconut Bars

These Butter Coconut Bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

• Warm:
  • Slightly warmed in the microwave: Just a few seconds in the microwave can make them extra gooey and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
  • Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The contrast between the warm, gooey bars and cold, creamy ice cream is heavenly.
  • Drizzled with warm caramel sauce: Enhance the caramel notes in the sweetened condensed milk with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
• Cold:
  • Chilled from the refrigerator: Perfect for a refreshing treat, especially on a warm day. Chilling firms up the bars, making them slightly chewier.
  • Served straight from the freezer (slightly thawed): For a firmer, almost fudge-like texture. Let them thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.
• Toppings and Accompaniments:
  • Dust with powdered sugar: A simple and elegant way to finish the bars.
  • Top with whipped cream or coconut whipped cream: Adds a light and airy contrast to the rich bars.
  • Garnish with fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries): The tartness of berries complements the sweetness of the bars.
  • Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes: Enhances the coconut flavor and adds a bit of crunch.
  • Serve with a cup of coffee or tea: The perfect pairing for a sweet treat.
  • Alongside a glass of cold milk: A classic combination that brings out the comforting flavors.
• Occasions:
  • Dessert for family dinners: A crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will love.
  • Potlucks and gatherings: Easy to transport and always a hit at parties.
  • Holiday baking: A delightful addition to your holiday dessert platter.
  • Birthday parties: A fun and festive alternative to cake.
  • Just because! Perfect for satisfying a sweet craving any time of the week.

Additional Tips for Baking the Best Butter Coconut Bars

To ensure your Butter Coconut Bars are absolutely perfect every time, here are five additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is the enemy of gooey coconut bars! Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time. The topping should be golden brown and set around the edges, but the center should still be slightly soft and gooey. They will continue to set as they cool. Overbaked bars will be dry and crumbly.
2. Use Good Quality Coconut: The quality of your shredded coconut will significantly impact the flavor and texture of the bars. Opt for fresh, moist sweetened shredded coconut. Avoid coconut that is dry or stale. If your coconut seems dry, you can rehydrate it slightly by sprinkling it with a tablespoon or two of water and letting it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the topping.
3. Let Them Cool Completely: Patience is key! Resist the urge to cut into the bars while they are still warm. Cooling allows the topping to set properly and firm up, resulting in cleaner cuts and a better texture. If you cut them too soon, they will be very gooey and difficult to handle. Allow at least 2-3 hours of cooling time at room temperature, or chill them in the refrigerator for faster setting.
4. Line Your Baking Pan with Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper, with an overhang on the sides, is highly recommended. This makes removing the bars from the pan incredibly easy and prevents them from sticking. Once cooled, you can simply lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, making cutting and serving much simpler.
5. Store Them Properly: To keep your Butter Coconut Bars fresh and gooey, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, cut the bars into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Butter Coconut Bars

Here are some common questions you might have about making and storing Butter Coconut Bars:

Q1: Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened coconut?
A: Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut if you prefer a less sweet bar. However, you may want to increase the granulated sugar in the topping by about 1/4 cup to compensate for the reduced sweetness from the coconut. Keep in mind that using unsweetened coconut will result in a less intensely sweet and slightly less moist bar.

Q2: Can I freeze Butter Coconut Bars?
A: Absolutely! Butter Coconut Bars freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, cut them into squares, and wrap each square individually in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving. Freezing is a great way to make them ahead of time or store leftovers.

Q3: How long do Butter Coconut Bars last at room temperature?
A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Butter Coconut Bars will stay fresh and delicious for about 3-4 days. After this time, they may start to dry out slightly. For longer storage, refrigeration is recommended.

Q4: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead of time! In fact, they are often even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They are also great for making further in advance and freezing.

Q5: Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to these bars?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize these bars to your liking. Chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds would add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even butterscotch chips would also be delicious additions. Simply stir about 1 cup of your chosen add-ins into the coconut topping before pouring it over the crust. You can also sprinkle some on top of the topping before baking for a decorative touch.

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