Penuche Coconut Bars
Penuche Coconut Bars offer a rich, caramel-like flavor with a hint of coconut, perfect for sweet tooths and gatherings, combining moist crust and luscious topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Blend shortening and 1/2 cup brown sugar until creamy.
- Add 1 cup flour and salt; mix well.
- Stir in milk until smooth.
- Pat the mixture evenly into a lightly greased 9x9-inch pan.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until light brown.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs; add 1 cup brown sugar and vanilla, and beat until thick and lemon-colored.
- Add remaining ingredients (2 tbsp milk, 2 eggs, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 tbsp flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder) and mix well.
- Spread the mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool completely and cut into 36 squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you're out of brown sugar, you can use a mix of white sugar and a bit of molasses to replicate its taste. To enhance the texture, add a handful of shredded coconut to the batter for a delightful twist. Ensure you mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid dense bars.
Serving Suggestions
These bars can be served as a sweet snack or dessert alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. For a unique twist, try serving them with fresh berries, similar to what you would do with a Blackberry Dump Cobbler.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Penuche Coconut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, chewy texture, or enjoy them cold for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penuche Coconut Bars contains roughly 120 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 9g 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 coconut oil instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute coconut oil for shortening in this recipe. It will add a subtle coconut flavor and a slightly different texture. Just ensure it's in a solid state when you blend it with the sugar for the best results.
What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
To make these bars vegan, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit until gel-like). This will keep the bars moist and help bind the ingredients together.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly depending 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).