Jamaican Bars
Sweet and coconutty Jamaican Bars feature a rich crumbly base with a tropical flavor, perfect for coconut lovers and ideal for snacks or dessert gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Combine cake mix, coconut, margarine, and egg at low speed until crumbly.
- Reserve 2/3 cup of crumbs for topping.
- Press remaining crumbs into a prepared baking pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using unsweetened shredded coconut instead of sweetened. If you want to make it a bit healthier, substitute half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. Ensure to mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough. Remember to line your baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
Serving Suggestions
These Jamaican Bars can be served as a delightful dessert or a sweet snack. They pair beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun twist, serve them alongside Gram'S Spanish Rice at a potluck. They also make a great treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you prefer them warm, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until warmed through, to maintain their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jamaican Bars contains roughly 840 calories, with 5g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% 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 a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors like chocolate or vanilla. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it can still yield delicious results.
What can I substitute for margarine?
You can use unsalted butter or coconut oil as a substitute for margarine. This will give the bars a richer flavor while maintaining the same texture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the mixture?
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips can enhance the texture and flavor. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of your chosen add-ins before baking.
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).