Description

These caramel coconut bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a gooey caramel layer, and a sweet coconut topping, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
While the crust is baking, prepare the caramel layer. In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir it over medium heat until it starts to bubble.
Reduce the heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded coconut.
Once the crust is baked, spread the caramel-coconut mixture evenly over the crust.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the coconut topping turns golden brown and bubbly.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them.

Reheating: Warm the bars in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them, or enjoy them at room temperature.

Freeze: These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.

Variations: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, drizzle with melted dark chocolate, substitute coconut with chopped oats, or add a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 200
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg