If you’re searching for a sweet treat that’s equal parts chewy, golden, and bursting with coconut flavor, Chewy Coconut Bars are about to become your new favorite go-to. These deliciously simple bars pack tons of personality into every square: golden brown on top, meltingly soft in the middle, and loaded with coconut in every bite. Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert, a party snack, or a little something to brighten your afternoon coffee, these bars never disappoint. You don’t need any fancy equipment or exotic ingredients, just a love for rich coconut flavor and a craving for something irresistibly chewy and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s pure magic in how just a handful of pantry classics can come together to create these Chewy Coconut Bars. Each ingredient has its moment in the spotlight, working together to create that beautiful crispy-top, soft-center magic everyone loves. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you’ll love them:
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Brings moisture and richness; melting it helps create a lovely chewy texture.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Gives the bars amazing caramel notes and helps keep them soft for days.
- Large eggs (2): Hold everything together and add extra tenderness and structure to the crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness and amps up the warm, bakery-fresh aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The backbone that gives the bars body without making them dense.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Just enough lift for a slightly cakey, but still chewy, finish.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): A little boost to all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Sweetened shredded coconut (1½ cups): The star ingredient; every bite is loaded with coconut flavor and the signature chewy texture you crave.
How to Make Chewy Coconut Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and grease it well, or line it with parchment paper for super easy removal later—trust me, it makes those chewy coconut bars so much easier to lift out and slice cleanly.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Brown Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk your melted butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. This combo is what gives Chewy Coconut Bars their deep, caramelly flavor and satisfying texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in your eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Whisk again until the mixture looks creamy and thick, with no streaks of yolk. This step is the secret to super moist, chewy bars that hold together wonderfully after baking.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking the dry ingredients separately ensures everything mixes evenly—no pockets of flour or bitter baking powder in your finished bars!
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. You want to avoid over-mixing so your bars stay tender and soft.
Step 6: Fold in Shredded Coconut
Now for the coconut magic! Gently fold in the sweetened shredded coconut until it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter. Every bite of these chewy coconut bars should have coconut in it, after all.
Step 7: Spread and Bake
Scoop the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out as evenly as you can. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (with maybe a few clinging crumbs!).
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let your bars cool completely in the pan—this makes cutting them into tidy squares so much easier. Once cooled, lift them out (if using parchment), and slice into 16 bars. Your kitchen will smell like a coconut dream come true!
How to Serve Chewy Coconut Bars
Garnishes
Adding a little flourish makes these chewy coconut bars even more irresistible. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a zigzag of melted chocolate, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for extra color and crunch. You can also garnish each square with a tiny wedge of dried pineapple for a tropical pop.
Side Dishes
Pairing these bars with other treats makes for an epic dessert plate! Serve alongside fresh fruit like mango or pineapple, or enjoy with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream. If you’re having friends over, a simple platter of fresh berries and these bars makes a perfect coffee companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, stack the bars in a tiered arrangement or tuck individual squares into colorful cupcake liners. Mini dessert boxes filled with chewy coconut bars make darling gifts, or arrange them on a decorative tray with edible flowers for a party centerpiece that everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your chewy coconut bars as fresh and soft as the day you baked them, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re perfect for snacking all week and hold up beautifully without drying out for up to four days. If you want them to stay chewy even longer, pop them in the fridge—just let them come to room temp before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Chewy coconut bars are freezer-friendly! Slice and layer them between parchment in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll taste just as dreamy for up to three months. When a coconut craving strikes, let them thaw at room temperature or enjoy slightly chilled—no one will know they weren’t freshly baked.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars a little warm and gooey, zap individual pieces in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This brings back some of that “fresh-from-the-oven” softness and intensifies the coconut aroma. Just don’t overdo it, or the bars may get too soft!
FAQs
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Absolutely! Unsweetened coconut will make the bars less sweet and a tad drier, but you can easily balance this by adding an extra tablespoon or two of brown sugar or even a drizzle of honey to the mix. The texture will still be perfectly chewy and delicious.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
No worries! Simply grease your baking pan really well with butter or a non-stick spray. Let the bars cool completely before trying to remove them—using a thin spatula or butter knife around the edges helps a lot.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
You’re looking for a golden brown top and edges that just start to pull away from the pan. Stick a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but not gooey batter.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit for a twist?
Definitely! Chopped macadamia nuts, pecans, or dried pineapple give these chewy coconut bars a fun tropical flair. Just don’t add more than ½ cup of extra mix-ins to keep the texture perfectly chewy.
Do Chewy Coconut Bars travel well for potlucks or picnics?
Yes! These bars are sturdy, stay moist, and don’t crumble easily, making them ideal for everything from lunchbox treats to backyard gatherings. Pack them up between sheets of wax or parchment paper to keep them looking amazing when you arrive.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll dive in and make these Chewy Coconut Bars—they’ve brought countless smiles and “just one more!” requests in my own kitchen. Whether you share them with friends or keep them all to yourself (no judgment!), every bite is a sweet reminder of how irresistible coconut can be. Happy baking!
Print
Chewy Coconut Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these chewy coconut bars for a delightful tropical treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery base, sweet coconut flavor, and a hint of vanilla, these bars are sure to be a hit with your friends and family.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisk until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Add Coconut: Fold in shredded coconut. Spread batter in pan.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before cutting.
Notes
- For a tropical twist, add chopped dried pineapple or macadamia nuts.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
