Tom Thumbs
Tom Thumbs are rich, sweet bars with a layered texture, combining a buttery base with a sticky brown sugar topping, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix shortening, brown sugar, salt, and 1 cup of flour until well combined.
- Press the mixture into a 9 x 11-inch pan and bake at 325°F for 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, vanilla, beaten eggs, 2 tablespoons flour, baking powder, salt, coconut, and nuts.
- Spread the coconut and nut mixture evenly over the baked base.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the shortening with applesauce. If you don't have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses. Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to avoid lumps and ensure an even texture, just like in Hershey'S Brownies. Also, feel free to experiment with different nuts based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For a more festive touch, pair them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They also make a great addition to dessert platters alongside Pecan Snickerdoodles or Fudge(Super).
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Tom Thumbs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, which can extend their freshness to about a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm, or enjoy them cold for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tom Thumbs contains roughly 242 calories, with 2g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% 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 different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the nuts with your favorites, such as walnuts, almonds, or even leave them out for a nut-free version. Each type of nut will bring a unique flavor and texture to the bars, allowing you to customize them to your liking.
What if I don't have shortening?
If you don't have shortening, you can use an equal amount of unsalted butter as a substitute. This will add a rich flavor to the bars, though the texture may be slightly different. Ensure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
Can I add chocolate chips to the bars?
Yes, chocolate chips would be a great addition! You can fold in about 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the coconut and nut mixture before spreading it on top. This will add a delightful chocolatey flavor to your Tom Thumbs.
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).