Caramel Coconut Bars

These Caramel Coconut Bars are a delightful treat that everyone will love. With three luscious layers, including a buttery shortbread crust, gooey caramel coconut filling, and a silky milk chocolate drizzle, they are reminiscent of the beloved Samoas Girl Scout cookies. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a sweet indulgence at home, these bars are sure to impress with their rich flavors and chewy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery crust, sweet caramel, and coconut creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or adjust the chocolate drizzle to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares for an easy dessert to share at gatherings or potlucks.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy these bars as a dessert, snack, or even a special breakfast treat.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started on your Caramel Coconut Bars, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking dish (9×9 inches)
• Saucepan
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining your ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking dish: A 9×9-inch baking dish ensures even cooking and allows the bars to rise properly.
• Saucepan: A good-quality saucepan is necessary for melting the caramel mixture without burning it.

Ingredients

These soft and gooey bars feature three delicious layers: shortbread cookie crust, caramel coconut filling, and a milk chocolate drizzle. This recipe is inspired by Samoas Girl Scout cookies.

For the Shortbread 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)

How to Make Caramel Coconut Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars cook evenly.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add salt and flour; mix until combined.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Coconut Filling

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with brown sugar until smooth.
2. Stir in honey, heavy cream, and salt; bring to a gentle simmer while stirring constantly for about 3-5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat; fold in shredded coconut and vanilla extract until well blended.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the caramel coconut filling over the baked shortbread crust; spread evenly.
2. Return to oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes until bubbly.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Drizzle

1. Once cooled slightly, melt milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until smooth.
2. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bars using a spatula or spoon.
3. Optionally sprinkle with flaky finishing salt before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your delicious Caramel Coconut Bars!

How to Serve Caramel Coconut Bars

Caramel Coconut Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging at home, these bars are sure to impress. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the gooey caramel and coconut layers perfectly.
• Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, pairing with chocolate ice cream enhances the rich flavors of the bars.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce

• Homemade Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm homemade caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness, making each bite even more decadent.
• Store-bought Caramel: Quick and easy, store-bought caramel sauce also works well for a last-minute treat.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a refreshing contrast to the sweet bars and brighten up your dessert plate.
• Raspberries: Tart raspberries create a nice balance with the sweetness of the Caramel Coconut Bars.

With Coffee or Tea

• Hot Coffee: The warmth and bitterness of coffee pair beautifully with these sweet bars for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Herbal Tea: A light herbal tea can cleanse the palate and offer a soothing complement to the rich flavors.

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How to Perfect Caramel Coconut Bars

Creating perfect Caramel Coconut Bars requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out great every time.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the shortbread crust before baking helps it hold its shape and prevents excessive spreading.
• Don’t Overmix: When preparing your filling, mix just until combined to keep the texture light and chewy.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butter and coconut will enhance flavor and texture, resulting in tastier bars.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bars while baking. They should be golden but not overbaked for maximum gooeyness.
• Cool Completely: Allow your bars to cool completely before cutting them. This helps them set properly and makes slicing easier.
• Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Caramel Coconut Bars

While Caramel Coconut Bars are delicious on their own, serving them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options.

1. Fresh Berries: A mix of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries adds brightness and acidity that pairs wonderfully with sweet bars.
2. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream provides a creamy counterbalance to the dense texture of the bars.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of the bar into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat that takes dessert to another level.
4. Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of nutty granola adds crunch and texture, making it a fun topping option alongside the bars.
5. Coconut Sorbet: This refreshing dessert echoes the coconut flavors in the bars while providing a cool contrast.
6. Almonds or Pecans: Toasted nuts can be served on the side or crushed over the top for added flavor and crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Caramel Coconut Bars can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the chilling step: Not allowing the bars to cool properly can make them too soft. Make sure you chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cutting.
• Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t blend well into the crust. Always use softened butter for a smooth consistency in your shortbread layer.
• Overbaking the crust: A golden-brown crust is perfect, but overbaking can lead to dryness. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Ingredients like heavy cream should be at room temperature for even mixing. Ensure all ingredients are prepped to avoid variations in texture.
• Cutting too early: Allowing the bars to set completely before cutting ensures clean slices. Wait until they have cooled fully, preferably overnight.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Layering: Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Caramel Coconut Bars

• Duration: Freeze for up to three months.
• Container: Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Reheating Caramel Coconut Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place bars on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on low power in 15-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Caramel Coconut Bars.

How do I achieve the perfect crust for Caramel Coconut Bars?

To get a perfect crust, ensure your butter is softened and mix until just combined. Don’t overwork the dough!

Can I substitute other types of chocolate in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate or even white chocolate if you prefer a different flavor profile.

What other toppings can I add to my Caramel Coconut Bars?

Consider adding crushed nuts or drizzling extra caramel on top for added texture and flavor.

Are these Caramel Coconut Bars suitable for freezing?

Yes! They freeze well, allowing you to enjoy them later. Just follow proper storage instructions.

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Coconut Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different chocolates or toppings based on your preference. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing with friends, these bars are sure to impress. Try them today!