Caramel Coconut Bars

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings a little sunshine to your day, these Caramel Coconut Bars are just the thing! They’re soft, gooey, and oh-so-delicious with their three layers of shortbread cookie crust, rich caramel coconut filling, and a drizzle of milk chocolate on top. Inspired by those beloved Samoas Girl Scout cookies, this recipe has become a favorite in my house. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dessert or a family gathering, these bars are sure to impress!

What makes these bars extra special is not just their taste, but the way they bring everyone together. You can whip them up quickly, and they bake to perfection while you sit back and enjoy the wonderful aroma wafting through your kitchen. Trust me; once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and everyday ingredients, you can have these bars ready in under an hour.
• Family-Friendly Treat: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet combination of caramel and coconut. They’re perfect for sharing!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These bars store well in an airtight container, making them great for meal prep or late-night snacks.
• Delicious Flavor: The layers of flavor from buttery crust to creamy filling create a delightful experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you probably already have in your pantry. Get ready to create something delicious!

For the Crust

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter (softened)
• ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar (light or dark)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1¼ cups (157g) all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)

For the Caramel Coconut Filling

• 6 tablespoons (86g) unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
• ¾ cup (156g) brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup (60g) heavy cream
• scant ½ teaspoon salt
• 1¼ cups (105g) sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Topping

• ¾ cup (125g) milk chocolate chips
• flaky finishing salt (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix it up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or almonds can be sprinkled into the caramel layer for added crunch.
• Use Dark Chocolate: If you prefer a richer flavor, swap out the milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate ones.
• Try Different Extracts: Experiment with almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Caramel Coconut Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and salt until smooth. Gradually add in the flour until just combined. Press this mixture firmly into a greased 8-inch square baking dish. This shortbread crust is crucial as it forms the base layer that holds everything together.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Place the crust in your preheated oven and bake it for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Baking it first helps create a sturdy foundation for our gooey filling so that your bars won’t fall apart later!

Step 3: Make the Caramel Coconut Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together butter, brown sugar, honey, cream, and salt. Stir continuously until everything is well blended and bubbling gently. Remove from heat and mix in shredded coconut and vanilla extract. This filling is what makes these Caramel Coconut Bars truly irresistible!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake Again

Pour the caramel coconut mixture over your baked crust and spread it evenly. Bake again for about 12-15 minutes until bubbly. This step allows those flavors to meld beautifully together while setting up that gooey center we all love.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Drizzle

Once baked, let your bars cool completely before melting the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle this melted chocolate over your cooled bars—this adds not only flavor but also a beautiful finish! Sprinkle with flaky finishing salt if desired to enhance that sweet-and-salty combination.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy!

After everything has set fully—this might take about an hour—slice into squares and serve! These Caramel Coconut Bars are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.

Enjoy every bite of these delightful treats! Your friends and family will thank you!

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Coconut Bars

Creating the perfect Caramel Coconut Bars can be a delightful experience, and a few handy tips can elevate your baking game!

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter mixes more easily with sugar, creating a light and fluffy shortbread crust. This results in a better texture for your bars.
• Don’t rush the caramel: Allow the caramel mixture to cook thoroughly before adding coconut. Properly cooked caramel ensures a rich flavor and prevents it from being too runny when you assemble the bars.
• Chill between layers: After spreading the caramel layer, chilling it briefly helps set the filling. This makes it easier to drizzle the chocolate on top without mixing everything together.
• Opt for high-quality chocolate: Using good-quality milk chocolate chips enhances the overall flavor of the bars and provides a delicious contrast to the sweet coconut filling.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: Feel free to tweak the sugar levels in both the crust and caramel. If you prefer a less sweet treat, reducing sugar slightly can balance out the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Caramel Coconut Bars

These Caramel Coconut Bars not only taste divine but also look fantastic when presented well. Here are some ideas to make them even more appealing!

Garnishes

• Flaky sea salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a beautiful contrast and elevates the flavor profile of your bars.
• Toasted coconut flakes: Adding toasted coconut on top gives an extra crunch and enhances that tropical vibe while making it visually stunning.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can provide a light balance to the richness of the bars. Consider using berries or citrus fruits for added brightness.
• Whipped coconut cream: Light and airy whipped coconut cream serves as an excellent dip or topping for these bars, enhancing their coconut flavor while offering a creamy texture.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serving these bars alongside vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast between warm and cold. The creamy ice cream pairs perfectly with the chewy coconut filling.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Caramel Coconut Bars will be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every gooey, sweet bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Caramel Coconut Bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to indulge in a delicious treat anytime! You can easily make them in advance and store them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator where they can last up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

• To freeze, cut the bars into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Simply let frozen bars thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
• If desired, warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften the caramel.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come to mind as you prepare these delightful Caramel Coconut Bars.

Can I use different types of chocolate for my Caramel Coconut Bars?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses milk chocolate chips, you can substitute with dark chocolate or even white chocolate if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I ensure my Caramel Coconut Bars turn out perfectly?

To achieve soft and gooey bars, make sure not to overbake the cookie crust. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking!

Can I add nuts to my Caramel Coconut Bars?

Yes! Chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds would add a nice crunch and flavor. Just mix them into the caramel coconut filling before spreading it over the crust.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Caramel Coconut Bars as much as I do! They’re a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are sure to bring smiles all around. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these bars are bound to become a favorite. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!