Sea Island Bars
Sea Island Bars are rich, chewy treats with coconut, nuts, and chocolate chips, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at gatherings or as a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9-inch square baking pan; set aside.
- Melt butter.
- Add sugar, brown sugar, and water; blend well.
- Stir in self-rising flour.
- Add egg and vanilla; blend thoroughly.
- Add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips; blend well.
- Pour into prepared pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Cool in pan.
- Cut into 16 bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can substitute the chopped nuts with your favorite variety, like pecans or walnuts. If you don't have self-rising flour, mix all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Ensure to sift the flour to avoid clumps. Consider adding a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
These Sea Island Bars are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. They also make a great snack alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, serve them with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Sea Island Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a chewy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sea Island Bars contains roughly 250 calories, with 1g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 14g 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 a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour. Just be sure to add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt to achieve a similar rise. This will ensure your bars have the right texture.
What can I substitute for chocolate chips?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips. You could also omit the chocolate entirely and add more nuts or dried fruit for a unique twist.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.
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).