Caramel Coconut Bars

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that combines gooey goodness with a delightful crunch, you’ve found it in these Caramel Coconut Bars. Inspired by the beloved Samoas Girl Scout cookies, this recipe has become a family favorite in my home. The soft shortbread crust, rich caramel coconut filling, and a luscious milk chocolate drizzle create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion—from busy weeknights to festive gatherings.

These bars are not only easy to make but also promise to bring smiles to everyone around the table. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal fuss, these bars come together quickly.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them ahead of time—perfect for parties or meal prep!
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of caramel and coconut is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Caramel Coconut Bars use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand. With just a few staples, you’ll create something truly special.

For the Crust

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter (softened)
• ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar (light or dark)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1¼ cups (157g) all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)

For the Filling

• 6 tablespoons (86g) unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
• ¾ cup (156g) brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup (60g) heavy cream
• scant ½ teaspoon salt
• 1¼ cups (105g) sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Topping

• ¾ cup (125g) milk chocolate chips
• flaky finishing salt (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways you can mix things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch.
• Use Dark Chocolate: Swap out milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Try Different Sweeteners: Experiment with maple syrup instead of honey for a unique taste.
• Coconut Flour Substitute: If you’re gluten-free, consider using coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour.

How to Make Caramel Coconut Bars

Step 1: Make the Shortbread Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. It’s important to get this mixture light and fluffy because it helps create that tender shortbread texture. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a prepared baking pan and bake for about 15-18 minutes until lightly golden. The crust sets the stage for all that delicious topping!

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Filling

While your crust is baking, let’s create that rich caramel filling! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter pieces along with brown sugar and honey. Stir constantly until it comes to a gentle boil; then let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This step is crucial as it develops that deep caramel flavor. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, salt, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

Once your crust is out of the oven and slightly cooled, pour the caramel coconut filling over it. Spread it evenly so every bite will be packed with flavor! Return it to the oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes until bubbly and set. Allow these gorgeous bars to cool completely before moving on to the final touch.

Step 4: Drizzle with Chocolate

Melt your milk chocolate chips gently in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler—whichever method you prefer! Once melted, drizzle that smooth chocolate over your cooled bars using a fork or piping bag. If you like an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle flaky finishing salt on top while it’s still warm.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

After allowing everything to set at room temperature or in the fridge for about an hour, slice into squares or rectangles. These Caramel Coconut Bars are ready to impress at any gathering—or simply enjoy at home with your loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Coconut Bars

Creating the perfect Caramel Coconut Bars can be a breeze with just a few helpful tips. Let’s make sure your baking experience is as sweet as the treats themselves!

• Use room temperature butter: This ensures that your shortbread crust comes together smoothly without any lumps, resulting in a tender and crumbly base.
• Don’t skip the salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of both the crust and caramel filling, balancing out the sweetness for a more satisfying bite.
• Toast your coconut: For added depth of flavor, lightly toast the shredded coconut in a pan before mixing it into the caramel. This will bring out its natural nuttiness and give your bars an irresistible aroma.
• Let them cool completely: Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool fully at room temperature before cutting. This helps them set properly, making it easier to slice clean edges.
• Use quality chocolate: When drizzling chocolate on top, opt for high-quality milk chocolate chips. It makes a significant difference in taste and texture, elevating your dessert to gourmet status.

How to Serve Caramel Coconut Bars

These Caramel Coconut Bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some fun ways to serve them that will impress family and friends alike!

Garnishes

• Flaky sea salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a gourmet touch and enhances the flavor contrast between sweet and salty.
• Toasted coconut flakes: Scatter some extra toasted coconut on top for an appealing finish and an extra crunch.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich bars, making it a perfect accompaniment.
• Whipped coconut cream: Serve alongside a dollop of whipped coconut cream for added creaminess that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream brings a delightful cold element to these warm, gooey bars, creating an indulgent treat.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing these bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea enhances their flavor profile and makes for a cozy dessert experience.

With these serving suggestions, your Caramel Coconut Bars will shine at any gathering or simply be enjoyed as an everyday treat at home! Enjoy every sweet bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Caramel Coconut Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week, making them an excellent treat for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bars to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them to keep them fresh for up to a week.

Freezing

• Once completely cooled, cut the bars into squares.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To enjoy later, simply thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm bars, heat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Be careful not to overheat, as this may cause the chocolate drizzle to melt too much.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers might have about these delicious Caramel Coconut Bars!

Can I use coconut cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes! You can substitute coconut cream for heavy cream if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly, but it will still be delicious!

What makes these Caramel Coconut Bars similar to Samoas?

These Caramel Coconut Bars feature a delightful combination of shortbread crust, chewy caramel coconut filling, and a luscious chocolate drizzle that echoes the beloved flavors of Samoas cookies.

How do I ensure my Caramel Coconut Bars set properly?

Make sure to let your bars cool completely before cutting them. Chilling them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes after baking can also help firm them up.

Can I use unsweetened shredded coconut?

While you can use unsweetened shredded coconut, it will result in a less sweet bar. If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to make that substitution!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making these scrumptious Caramel Coconut Bars! They’re not only indulgent but also fun to share with family and friends. Whether you’ve had a long day or just need a little pick-me-up, these bars will surely bring a smile to your face. Enjoy every gooey bite and don’t forget to share your experience with me—I’d love to hear how they turn out for you!