in INSTANT POT DINNER RECIPES

Coconut Butter Bars

Heavenly Coconut Butter Bars: A Delectable Treat for Coconut Lovers!

Welcome to a world of indulgence and tropical flavor with our Coconut Butter Bars recipe! These decadent bars are a delightful blend of buttery crust, creamy filling, and sweet shredded coconut, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet escape, these bars are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Join us as we explore the recipe for these heavenly Coconut Butter Bars and unlock the secrets to their irresistible charm!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup butter (2 sticks), melted

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, additional for topping

Instructions:

Making the Crust:

  1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Mixing: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt for the crust.
  3. Adding Butter: Pour in the melted butter and mix until well combined.
  4. Pressing: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  5. Baking: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Preparing the Filling:

  1. Mixing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
  2. Incorporating Coconut: Stir in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
  3. Pouring: Pour the filling mixture over the cooled crust in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  4. Topping: Sprinkle the additional shredded coconut over the top of the filling.

Baking and Cooling:

  1. Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the coconut is lightly toasted.
  2. Cooling: Allow the Coconut Butter Bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares or bars.

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • Nutty Twist: Add chopped almonds or macadamia nuts to the filling mixture for added crunch and flavor.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a decadent finishing touch.
  • Fruit Infusion: Mix dried fruit, such as chopped dried pineapple or mango, into the filling for a tropical twist.

Keto and Low Carb Versions:

  • Keto Option: Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour in both the crust and the filling to reduce the carb content. Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of brown sugar and granulated sugar. Opt for unsweetened shredded coconut instead of sweetened.
  • Low Carb Variation: Reduce the amount of flour and sweetened condensed milk in the filling, and replace them with a combination of almond flour and heavy cream. Use a low-carb sweetener in place of granulated sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I use unsweetened shredded coconut instead of sweetened?
    • Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut if you prefer a less sweet option. Just be aware that it may affect the overall sweetness of the bars.
  2. How should I store these bars?
    • Store the cooled Coconut Butter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer storage, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
  3. Can I freeze these bars?
    • Yes, these bars freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Experience a taste of paradise with our Coconut Butter Bars and indulge in the tropical flavors of coconut, butter, and sweetness. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a snack, these bars are sure to transport you to a sunny beach with every bite. With their buttery crust, creamy filling, and toasted coconut topping, they’re a true delight for coconut lovers everywhere. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the irresistible charm of these heavenly Coconut Butter Bars!

Here’s to sweet indulgence and the joy of homemade treats!