Name: Buttery Coconut Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut

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If you’re craving something sweet, chewy, and just the right amount of decadent, you’ve got to try these Buttery Coconut Bars. They start with a melt-in-your-mouth buttery base that gives way to a golden, coconut-laden topping. Every bite wraps you in a toasty, tropical hug, making this treat a true crowd-pleaser and a dream come true for coconut lovers. They’re a snap to whip up and always disappear in record time—perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or simply treating yourself to a little afternoon bliss!

Buttery Coconut Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a quick peek at the short-and-sweet lineup you’ll need for your Buttery Coconut Bars. Every ingredient is here for a reason: to boost flavor, build texture, or amp up that irresistible golden color!

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of pure melt-in-your-mouth richness; using unsalted lets you control the salt level.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just enough sweetness and helps the crust lightly brown and crisp up.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Supplies structure and a tender bite for the shortbread base.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Tiny but mighty, this balances the sweetness and deepens all the flavors.
Large eggs (3): They bind everything together and yield that custardy, luscious coconut topping.
Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Infuses caramel notes and a gentle warmth, which pairs so well with coconut.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A little vanilla whispers extra coziness into every bite.
Shredded sweetened coconut (1 1/2 cups): The star of the show—this adds irresistible chew and tropical flavor!

How to Make Buttery Coconut Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and either line it neatly with parchment paper (for super easy removal) or give it a generous coating of nonstick spray or butter. This little step is your insurance against sticking and lets you lift out those beautiful bars with no fuss.

Step 2: Make the Buttery Crust

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and the granulated sugar. Take your time—whipping them until light and fluffy really does make a difference. Add in the flour and salt, then mix until the dough looks lovely and crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into your prepared pan to form a solid, even base for the Buttery Coconut Bars. Pop it in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, just until you see a light golden color.

Step 3: Mix the Coconut Topping

While your crust is baking, whisk together those eggs, light brown sugar, and vanilla in a clean bowl until everything is smooth and glossy. Now, fold in the shredded coconut so every bit is coated and ready to turn toasty and chewy once baked.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Once your crust has baked and is just lightly golden, carefully pour the coconut mixture over it and spread it out gently with a spatula. Return the whole pan to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes more. The top should be golden and set, with a heavenly aroma hinting at what’s to come.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before attempting to slice. This is important—the cooling time allows everything to firm up so you get sharp, beautiful squares. Once they’re cool, lift them out (thanks, parchment!) and slice into 24 absolutely irresistible Buttery Coconut Bars.

How to Serve Buttery Coconut Bars

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, sprinkle your bars with a tiny bit of flaky sea salt, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. It’s an easy way to add that bakery-fancy touch and balance the sweetness of the coconut.

Side Dishes

Buttery Coconut Bars are delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a handful of fresh berries. If you want to keep with the tropical theme, serve with a mini fruit salad of pineapple, mango, and kiwi—it’s a refreshing contrast that amplifies the coconut flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your bars into triangles, diamonds, or even bite-size squares for parties. Layer them elegantly on a tiered dessert tray, tuck them into bakery boxes for gifts, or wrap each bar individually for grab-and-go snacking—they look as good as they taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and cut, pop your Buttery Coconut Bars into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and scrumptious at room temperature for up to three days, making them perfect for planning ahead.

Freezing

Got extra bars? Lucky you! Layer them between sheets of parchment and tuck them into a freezer-safe box. They can be frozen for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature when a coconut craving hits.

Reheating

If you love a slightly warm, soft-but-crisp treat, pop individual bars in a 300°F oven for just 5 minutes. This revives that fresh-baked magic (and your kitchen will smell amazing again, too).

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet version, unsweetened coconut will still give you that fantastic chewy texture. You might want to bump up the brown sugar by a few tablespoons to balance the flavor, but it works beautifully both ways.

Can Buttery Coconut Bars be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The result is delightful, and everyone around the table can enjoy them no matter their dietary needs.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

Let the bars cool completely first, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. For super precise edges, chill the bars for about 30 minutes before slicing.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even mini chocolate chips stir beautifully into the coconut topping for a fun twist. There’s plenty of room for personal flair in these Buttery Coconut Bars.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The coconut layer should look golden and be set to the touch; a little jiggle in the pan is fine, as it will firm as it cools. If you like the edges crispier, tack on an extra two to three minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a sweet treat that never fails to delight, these Buttery Coconut Bars are calling your name. They’re easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for a celebration. Go ahead, make a batch—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

Buttery Coconut Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of these delectable Buttery Coconut Bars. A perfect blend of sweet coconut and a buttery crust, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Coconut Topping:

3 large eggs
1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Make the Crust: Cream butter and granulated sugar, then mix in flour and salt. Press the mixture into the pan and bake for 15 minutes.
Prepare the Coconut Topping: Whisk eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla; add shredded coconut. Pour over the crust and bake for 20–25 minutes until set.
Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.