Francis Perry'S Coconut Bars
Coconut bars with a buttery crust and sweet coconut filling, topped with pecans. Perfect for dessert gatherings, offering a delightful combination of crunch, sweetness, and coconut flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix 1 cup flour, 3 tablespoons flour, 1/2 cup butter, and 1/2 teaspoon salt as for pie crust.
- Spread the mixture in an 8 x 12-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 375°F.
- In a separate bowl, beat together 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 3 tablespoons flour.
- Add 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut and 1 cup chopped pecans to the egg mixture.
- Spread this coconut-pecan mixture on top of the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes at 375°F.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also substitute the butter with coconut oil for an extra coconut flavor. If you want to add a twist, try incorporating chocolate chips or chopped dried fruits into the coconut mixture. For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans.
Serving Suggestions
These coconut bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with Homemade Ice Cream(Easy!) for a delightful dessert. Consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a cup of coffee for a perfect afternoon snack. They can also be enjoyed at parties or potlucks as a sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover coconut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Francis Perry'S Coconut Bars contains roughly 283 calories, with 3g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 603mg per serving (26% 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 shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?
Yes, you can use sweetened shredded coconut if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind that it will increase the overall sweetness of the bars, so you might want to slightly reduce the amount of brown sugar.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum to ensure proper texture. This way, you can enjoy these coconut bars without gluten.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The coconut bars are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, which can make them dry.
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).