If you love coconut, you’re in for a treat! These Chewy Coconut Bars are the perfect combination of buttery, chewy, and sweet—a must-have dessert for coconut lovers. With a golden brown, slightly crisp top and a soft, chewy center, these bars melt in your mouth with every bite.
Coconut-based desserts are always a hit, and this recipe makes it incredibly easy to create bakery-style bars at home. The combination of brown sugar, vanilla, and shredded coconut gives these bars their signature rich and comforting flavor. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday gathering, or just a sweet craving, this one-bowl recipe will become your go-to!
Best of all, they are customizable—add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel to elevate them even further. They store well, making them great for meal prep or gifting. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
These Chewy Coconut Bars are a game-changer! Here’s why you’ll love making them:
Super Easy to Make – This one-bowl recipe requires minimal prep and simple ingredients, making it perfect for beginners.
Rich Coconut Flavor – Made with real shredded coconut, these bars offer an authentic tropical taste in every bite.
Perfectly Chewy Texture – The butter, brown sugar, and eggs create an irresistible chewy consistency, similar to blondies but packed with coconut goodness.
Versatile & Customizable – You can add chocolate, nuts, or a caramel drizzle for a fun twist.
Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday treat, party dessert, or afternoon snack, these bars are always a hit.
Stores Well – These bars stay fresh for several days and are freezer-friendly, making them great for meal prep.
With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a delicious homemade coconut treat ready to enjoy in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
Equipment Used
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
Directions & Instructions
Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients – Stir in salt and flour, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in shredded coconut.
Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool & Slice – Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares.
Serve & Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Each Chewy Coconut Bar (based on a 12-bar batch) contains approximately:
- Calories: 180-200 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
For a healthier option, consider using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, swapping half the butter for Greek yogurt, or using almond flour for a gluten-free version.
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Coconut Bars – Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Nutty Coconut Bars – Mix in ¼ cup chopped almonds or pecans for extra crunch.
- Coconut Caramel Bars – Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars after baking.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?
Yes! If using sweetened coconut, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup to prevent the bars from being overly sweet.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute coconut oil or vegan butter for the butter.
How do I store these bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Pro Tips By Lyndy
- Tip 1: For the chewiest texture, don’t overmix the batter—stir until just combined.
- Tip 2: Let the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Tip 3: For a golden brown top, bake on the middle rack of your oven.
- Tip 4: Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty flavor contrast.
Serving Suggestions
- With Ice Cream – Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream.
- With Coffee or Tea – A perfect afternoon snack paired with a latte or chai tea.
- As a Holiday Dessert – These bars make a great gift or holiday party treat.
Irresistible Chewy Coconut Bars : A Sweet & Easy Dessert
If you love coconut, you’re in for a treat! These Chewy Coconut Bars are the perfect combination of buttery, chewy, and sweet—a must-have dessert for coconut lovers.
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients – Stir in salt and flour, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in shredded coconut.
- Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool & Slice – Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares.
- Serve & Enjoy!
For the chewiest texture, don’t overmix the batter—stir until just combined.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
For a golden brown top, bake on the middle rack of your oven