Almond Coconut Bars
Almond Coconut Bars offer a delightful combination of toasted coconut, crunchy cracker crumbs, and sweet almond filling, perfect for a sweet snack or dessert for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the coconut, soda cracker crumbs, 2/3 cup sugar, flour, and softened margarine until crumbly; use hands to combine.
- Press half of this mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, mix the almond filling, 1 cup sugar, eggs, lemon extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Carefully spoon the almond filling mixture over the crust in the pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the filling and press down gently.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the crumb mixture. If you don't have almond filling, you can substitute it with a homemade almond paste. Using unsalted butter instead of margarine will enhance the taste. Make sure to pack the crumb mixture tightly for a sturdy crust.
Serving Suggestions
These almond coconut bars are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. For a festive touch, pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter at gatherings, complementing treats like Brie Torte.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the almond coconut bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Coconut Bars contains roughly 1591 calories, with 13g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 788mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweetened coconut for this recipe?
Yes, you can use sweetened coconut, but consider reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly to avoid overly sweet bars. Unsweetened coconut will give you a more balanced flavor, especially with the added sugars from the almond filling.
What can I substitute for the soda cracker crumbs?
If you don’t have soda cracker crumbs, you can use crushed graham crackers or even crushed digestive biscuits. These alternatives will give a similar texture and flavor, ensuring your crust holds up nicely.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure that your soda cracker crumbs are also gluten-free. This will allow you to enjoy the same delicious taste while accommodating gluten-free diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).