Macaroon Bars
Chewy, coconut-filled macaroon bars with a flaky crescent roll crust, offering a sweet, nutty flavor perfect for snack times or dessert gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of coconut into a well-greased 13x9 inch pan.
- Combine sweetened condensed milk and almond extract; drizzle half over the coconut in the pan.
- Unroll crescent rolls and arrange in a single layer over the coconut and milk mixture.
- Drizzle with the remaining milk mixture and sprinkle with the remaining coconut.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use sweetened flaked coconut as it provides the right texture and sweetness. If you prefer a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped almonds or pecans into the mixture. You can also substitute almond extract with vanilla extract for a different taste. To make the bars gluten-free, use gluten-free crescent rolls. Make sure to grease the pan well to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Macaroon bars are delicious on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For a fun twist, serve them alongside Aunt Bobbie's Fudge for a delightful treat platter. These bars also make a great addition to a potluck or picnic spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover macaroon 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 want to reheat, place individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroon Bars contains roughly 246 calories, with 5g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (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 unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Yes, you can use unsweetened coconut, but you may need to adjust the sweetness by adding a little sugar to the sweetened condensed milk. Sweetened coconut adds flavor and moisture, so keep that in mind when making substitutions.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The macaroon bars are done when they turn golden brown on top. You can also gently press the center; if it feels firm and bounces back, they are ready. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Can I freeze macaroon bars?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying, or let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.
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).