These Coconut Butter Bars boast a rich, buttery shortbread crust layered with a luscious, custard-like coconut filling, baked to golden perfection for an irresistibly sweet treat.
Coconut Butter Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flour | 2 cups |
| Brown sugar, packed | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Butter (2 sticks), melted | 1 cup |
For the Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Butter, melted | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Sweetened shredded coconut | 3 cups |
| Sweetened shredded coconut (for topping) | 1 cup |
Instructions
Making the Crust
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Mix the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt.
Step 3: Press and Bake
Stir in 1 cup melted butter and mix until fully combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Preparing the Filling
Step 4: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup flour, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 3 eggs, 1/4 cup melted butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon salt until smooth and well blended.
Step 5: Add Coconut
Fold in 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Assemble
Pour the coconut filling evenly over the cooled crust. Sprinkle the top with the additional 1 cup shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
Baking and Cooling
Step 7: Final Bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Serve as-is or dust lightly with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
