Description
Coconut Butter Bars are a rich, chewy, and irresistibly sweet dessert made for true coconut lovers. Featuring a buttery baked crust and a creamy, custard-like coconut filling, these bars strike the perfect balance between indulgent and comforting. They’re easy to prepare, slice beautifully, and are ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a special homemade treat.
Introduction
Coconut is one of those flavors that inspires strong opinions, and for those who love it, there’s never quite enough. These Coconut Butter Bars celebrate coconut in all its glory, pairing it with butter, vanilla, and sweetened condensed milk for a dessert that feels both nostalgic and luxurious. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable, even for beginner bakers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s packed with rich coconut flavor
The texture is soft, chewy, and buttery
Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
Easy to make in one baking dish
Perfect for parties, holidays, or dessert cravings
Ingredients
Crust
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, melted
Filling
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Topping
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and melted butter for the crust. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish using your hands or a spatula.
Bake the crust for 13 to 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and 3 cups of shredded coconut until well combined.
Pour the filling evenly over the warm crust and spread gently.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded coconut evenly over the top.
Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the center is set and the coconut topping begins to turn golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
Variations
Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top after cooling
Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra texture
Use toasted coconut for a deeper flavor
Add a splash of coconut extract for even more coconut intensity
Tips for the Best Results
Let the bars cool completely to ensure clean slices
Do not overbake, as the filling will continue to set while cooling
Use parchment paper for easier removal if desired
Lightly toast the topping coconut for extra crunch and flavor
Storage Tips
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
Refrigerate for up to 5 days for a firmer texture
Freeze sliced bars for up to 2 months and thaw before serving
Serving Suggestions
Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature
Pair with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk
Top with a light dusting of powdered sugar for presentation
FAQs
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead
Yes, but the bars will be less sweet. You may want to increase the sugar slightly
Do these bars need to be refrigerated
Not immediately, but refrigeration helps them hold their shape longer
Can I make this recipe ahead of time
Yes, these bars are perfect for making a day in advance
Why is my filling still soft
The bars need time to cool completely for the filling to fully set
Conclusion
Coconut Butter Bars are a simple yet indulgent dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With their buttery crust, creamy coconut filling, and golden topping, they’re the kind of treat that disappears fast once sliced. If you love coconut, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your dessert rotation.