Coconut Butter Bars Recipe

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Rich, chewy, and loaded with tropical flavor, these Coconut Butter Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and buttery indulgence. Each bite melts in your mouth with the creamy base of butter and sugar, paired with the nutty, slightly crisp texture of toasted coconut. They’re simple to prepare but impressive enough to serve at gatherings or as a delightful afternoon treat.

Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or chilled for a firmer bite, these bars are versatile and crowd-pleasing. If you’re a fan of desserts that don’t overwhelm with sweetness but still satisfy your craving for something decadent, this recipe will become a new favorite.

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What Makes Coconut Butter Bars So Irresistible?

The magic of these bars lies in the combination of textures and flavors. The buttery crust gives a solid foundation, while the coconut topping adds a chewy yet slightly crisp layer that elevates every bite. They’re easy to make ahead, travel well, and freeze beautifully, which makes them one of the most reliable desserts to have on hand.

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Ingredients for Coconut Butter Bars

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
• ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (for topping)
• Optional: ½ cup white or dark chocolate chips

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How To Make Coconut Butter Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates the base of the bars and ensures a soft texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.

Step 5: Fold in the Coconut

Stir in 2 cups of shredded sweetened coconut, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the dough. If using chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut on top for a toasty finish. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

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Serving and Storing Coconut Butter Bars

These bars are best enjoyed slightly warm when the coconut is still toasty and fragrant. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting snack, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

To store, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use unsalted or salted butter?

Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt content, but if you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt by half.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

You can, but the bars will be less sweet. Consider adding an extra ¼ cup of sugar to balance the flavor.

Do these bars freeze well?

Absolutely. Wrap tightly and store in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

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Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If these Coconut Butter Bars made your sweet tooth happy, you’ll probably enjoy these other treats from my kitchen:

• Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars for a creamy cinnamon-sugar delight.
• Irresistible Funnel Cake Bites if you crave fairground nostalgia.
• Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting for cozy spice in every bite.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars when you need that classic flavor duo.
• Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting for another variation that’s just as moist and delicious.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can return to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add chocolate chips or keep it simple? Did you enjoy them warm or chilled?

I love seeing your creations and hearing the little tweaks that make the recipe your own. For even more sweet inspiration, check out my Pinterest Nina Dishes, where I share daily recipes and dessert ideas.

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