Esther'S Holiday Coconut Bars
Sweet coconut bars with a buttery crust, topped with chopped nuts, coconut, and maraschino cherries, perfect for festive occasions or casual gatherings. Rich and flavorful.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Press the mixture evenly into an 8-inch square pan with fingers.
- Bake for about 35 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using browned butter instead of regular butter. If you're out of powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar until fine. Feel free to substitute the chopped nuts with toasted nuts for added depth. Additionally, try incorporating a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla for a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions
These coconut bars are delicious on their own but can be elevated with a drizzle of chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a festive touch, consider adding red maraschino cherries to the top when serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover coconut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in a microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap them tightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Esther'S Holiday Coconut Bars contains roughly 427 calories, with 2g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make these coconut bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend you choose works well for baking to maintain the texture of the bars.
What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?
If you prefer not to use maraschino cherries, you can substitute with dried cranberries or chopped fresh cherries for a tart contrast. You can also omit fruit altogether for a simpler coconut bar.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The coconut bars are done when they are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary slightly based on your oven.
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).