Maple-Coconut Bars
Maple-Coconut Bars offer a sweet, chewy treat with toasted coconut and walnuts, perfect for dessert or snack lovers seeking a rich, flavorful bite with hints of maple.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for topping and finely chop the remaining coconut.
- In a small mixer bowl, beat 1/4 cup butter or margarine until softened.
- Add sugar and beat until well combined.
- Add egg and maple flavoring and beat just until combined.
- Add flour mixture and beat until well mixed.
- Stir in the finely chopped coconut and chopped walnuts.
- Spread the mixture in a greased 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Combine the reserved 1/2 cup shredded coconut with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle over the mixture in the pan.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven about 30 minutes or until done.
- Cool the bars.
- Cut into 24 bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don’t have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be great substitutes. Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. If you prefer a stronger maple flavor, you can increase the maple flavoring slightly or add a splash of real maple syrup.
Serving Suggestions
These bars can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They also make a great afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve alongside Lemon-Pecan Dainties(Cookies) during gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Maple-Coconut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until warmed through, but be careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maple-Coconut Bars contains roughly 89 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 5g 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 unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut, but keep in mind that the bars might be less sweet. You may want to adjust the sugar slightly to compensate for the lack of sweetness from the coconut.
Can I freeze Maple-Coconut Bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving or enjoy them slightly frozen for a cool treat.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). This will help bind the ingredients together without compromising the texture of the bars.
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).