Description
These Coconut Dream Bars are the ultimate quick dessert fix — layered with buttery shortbread, gooey sweet coconut filling, optional chocolate, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top. Whether you’re in need of an easy recipe for a bake sale, something sweet for a potluck, or simply looking for delicious food ideas to prep ahead for the week, these bars have your back. They’re a perfect choice for anyone who loves chewy, rich textures and crave-worthy flavor. A great addition to your healthy snack rotation, indulgent breakfast ideas, or last-minute dinner ideas for a sweet ending.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
1 large egg
1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared dish to form the crust. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden at the edges.
5. While the crust bakes, mix shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and egg in a separate bowl.
6. If using chocolate chips, either stir them into the coconut mixture or reserve them to sprinkle over the baked crust.
7. Remove the crust from the oven, let it cool slightly, then add chocolate chips (if using) and spread the coconut filling evenly over the crust.
8. Sprinkle toasted coconut on top for extra flavor and texture.
9. Return to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and set.
10. Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares.
Notes
Let the bars chill before slicing for cleaner, neater cuts.
Don’t skip the vanilla extract — it enhances the coconut’s natural flavor.
You can freeze the bars for up to 2 months; just thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg