If you’re craving a treat that’s delightfully chewy, rich, and bursting with coconut flavor, Chewy Coconut Bars are about to become your new obsession! Imagine sinking your teeth into golden bars with a soft, almost caramel-like base, flecked throughout with sweet, toasty coconut. These bars are incredibly simple to whip up and truly showcase the magic trio of coconut, brown sugar, and butter in every bite. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or just sneaking a special dessert for yourself, there’s no resisting the cozy, home-baked charm of Chewy Coconut Bars.

Chewy Coconut Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fancy here – just a select lineup of humble ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building texture and flavor. Since each ingredient is essential, take a moment to use the best you have on hand for these Chewy Coconut Bars.

Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Melted butter gives these bars a rich flavor and that irresistible chewy texture.
Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Brown sugar adds caramel notes and deep color, making the bars extra moist.
Large Eggs (2): Eggs bind everything together, lending structure and a soft crumb.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash brings warm, cozy sweetness to the bars.
All-purpose Flour (1 cup): The classic base, holding the bars together while keeping them soft.
Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): This little boost provides just enough lift for tender, thick bars.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Sweetened Shredded Coconut (1 1/2 cups): The showstopper! Coconut makes these bars chewy, moist, and absolutely irresistible.

How to Make Chewy Coconut Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). For easy removal and clean slices, lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, letting a bit hang over the sides as handles. This step is your foundation for stress-free baking, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with packed brown sugar until the mixture is nice and smooth. This creates a shiny base, almost like butterscotch sauce, that will give Chewy Coconut Bars their signature texture and deep, rich flavor.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in two large eggs and add the vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s fully blended and glossy. Mixing well at this stage is key to getting that perfectly chewy, slightly fudgy consistency.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick step ensures these leaveners and seasonings are evenly distributed, so every bite of the bars is just right.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar-egg mixture, using a spatula or wooden spoon. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks remain – overmixing will make the bars less tender.

Step 6: Fold in the Coconut

Add the sweetened shredded coconut and fold until distributed evenly through the thick, luscious batter. This is the magical moment when Chewy Coconut Bars get their personality!

Step 7: Spread and Bake

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it into a thick, even layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick poked into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect for maximum chewiness). Let your bars cool completely in the pan; they set up as they cool and become remarkably easy to slice.

How to Serve Chewy Coconut Bars

Garnishes

To give your Chewy Coconut Bars a little extra dazzle, sprinkle the top with a handful of toasted coconut flakes or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. If you’re feeling festive, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds both elegance and an irresistible flavor boost.

Side Dishes

These bars shine on their own, but they’re also fabulous alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of bright, fresh berries. If you’re serving coffee or tea, the chewy, coconutty sweetness pairs beautifully with either, making these a star at any casual get-together.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking Chewy Coconut Bars on a rustic wooden board for a homey dessert buffet, or cut them into triangles for a stylish twist. If you’re packing them up for gifts, wrap individual bars in wax paper and tie with colorful string for a charming homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your bars have cooled and been cut, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to four days, making them an ideal bake-ahead treat for the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep the magic going even longer, freeze Chewy Coconut Bars in a single layer or with parchment between stacks. Seal in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Defrost at room temperature for the perfect on-demand coconut fix.

Reheating

To revive their bakery-fresh texture, pop a Chewy Coconut Bar in the microwave for about ten seconds before serving. If you prefer a slightly crispier edge, reheat briefly in a toaster oven. Either way, the coconut aroma will fill your kitchen all over again!

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

Yes, but keep in mind that using unsweetened coconut will make the bars less sweet and slightly drier. You may want to add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or a splash of honey to adjust for the difference in sweetness and maintain the moist texture.

Do Chewy Coconut Bars work with gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! Use a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend for very similar results. The bars will remain moist and chewy, though the texture might be just a touch more tender depending on the flour blend used.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Certainly! Mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts are fantastic additions. Just fold them in with the coconut for a little extra crunch or chocolatey richness in every bite.

Why did my bars turn out dry?

Usually, dryness comes from overbaking or measuring the flour too heavily. Be sure to check your bars at the 25-minute mark and always fluff, spoon, and level your flour for accurate measurement. Slightly underbaking will give you that perfect chewy texture every time.

Are Chewy Coconut Bars suitable for gifting?

Without a doubt! They hold their shape beautifully, transport well, and look gorgeous wrapped individually or packed in festive boxes. Friends and family always appreciate a homemade treat that’s both simple and scrumptious.

Final Thoughts

If you love easy, nostalgic desserts with big flavor and even bigger texture, Chewy Coconut Bars are not to be missed. Whether you follow the recipe as-is or add your own twist, these bars are sure to become a fast favorite in your kitchen. Pour yourself a cup of tea, cut a generous square, and enjoy every blissful, coconut-laden bite!

Chewy Coconut Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 38 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these chewy coconut bars that boast a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bars:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Add Coconut: Fold in the shredded coconut until evenly incorporated.
Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.