Coconut Pecan Bars
Coconut Pecan Bars are rich, sweet treats combining toasted coconut and crunchy pecans in a buttery base, perfect for parties or casual snacking with a nostalgic flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Cream butter well and add brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla; beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add dry ingredients; mix well.
- Stir in coconut and chopped pecans.
- Spread in a buttered 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes.
- Cool completely.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar and cut into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes. Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
These Coconut Pecan Bars are perfect for dessert or as an afternoon snack. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with Marna's Cheese Cake. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter for gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Coconut Pecan Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them by wrapping each bar in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or let them thaw at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coconut Pecan Bars contains roughly 155 calories, with 1g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.
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 a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Each will give a slightly different flavor but will still complement the coconut beautifully.
What can I do if I don't have flaked coconut?
If you don't have flaked coconut, you can use shredded coconut as a substitute. Just ensure it's unsweetened to maintain the balance of flavors in the bars.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them properly in an airtight container, and they will stay fresh. This makes them an ideal choice for gatherings or events.
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).