Caramel Coconut Bars Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Coconut Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery crust, rich caramel, and toasted coconut. These bars are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth with a blend of chewy and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, and brown sugar until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased baking pan to form the crust.
- Step 2: Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and evenly spread the caramel sauce over the warm crust. Sprinkle the shredded coconut on top.
- Step 3: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the coconut is golden brown and the caramel is bubbly. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, toast the coconut lightly before sprinkling it on the caramel layer.
- Use homemade caramel sauce or your favorite store-bought brand for convenience.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the coconut before the final bake.
Storage
Store the caramel coconut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Warm slightly in the microwave before serving to soften the caramel.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened or unsweetened coconut?
Sweetened coconut adds extra sweetness and chewiness, while unsweetened coconut offers a more natural flavor. Both work well depending on your preference.
How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out during baking?
Make sure the caramel sauce is spread evenly and not too thick. Using a thicker caramel or chilling the crust before adding caramel can help minimize leakage.
PrintCaramel Coconut Bars Recipe
Delight in these luscious Caramel Coconut Bars featuring a buttery brown sugar crust layered with rich caramel sauce and topped with toasted coconut for a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. These bars offer a chewy texture with a golden finish, perfect for any dessert lover.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
Topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and brown sugar. Mix until the dough forms a crumbly yet cohesive texture. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch baking pan to form the crust layer.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 12-15 minutes or until it turns a light golden color. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Add the Topping: Carefully spread the caramel sauce evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the shredded coconut generously over the caramel layer to ensure full coverage.
- Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the coconut is toasted to a golden brown and the caramel is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. This helps the caramel set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Use homemade or good-quality store-bought caramel sauce for best flavor.
- For a nuttier twist, add chopped pecans or almonds with the coconut topping.
- Make sure to let the bars cool fully to avoid sticky slices.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free caramel sauce.
Keywords: Caramel Coconut Bars, caramel bars, coconut dessert, baked coconut bars, easy caramel recipe, sweet bars
