Quad Coconut Bars

Recipe by Susan Reid

These coconut bars use four different kinds of coconut to ensure you get quadruple the coconut flavor in every bite. Coconut oil, sugar, and extract come together in the cookie-like base, then a layer of bittersweet chocolate filling is spread on top, then a coconut frosting featuring both coconut milk powder and shredded coconut is the final touch. Make these layered coconut bars the next time you're seeking the floral, tropical taste of coconut at its best.

Prep
35 mins
Bake
14 to 16 mins
Total
1 hr 9 mins
Yield
about 4 dozen 1 1/2" square bars
Quad Coconut Bars - select to zoom
Quad Coconut Bars - select to zoom
Quad Coconut Bars - select to zoom
Quad Coconut Bars - select to zoom

Instructions

Prevent your screen from going dark as you follow along.
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9" x 13" pan and line it with a parchment paper sling.

  2. To make the base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the coconut oil and coconut sugar. Mix in half of the dry ingredients, then the egg and sour cream. Scrape the bowl and mix in the coconut flavor (or extract), vanilla, and remaining dry ingredients.

  3. Press the batter into the prepared pan. Bake the coconut bars for 14 to 16 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack.

  4. To make the filling: Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Bring the cream to a simmer in the microwave or in a small saucepan. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until the mixture is smooth, then spread over the cooled cookie base in the pan. Refrigerate, uncovered, while you make the frosting.

  5. To make the coconut frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the butter, salt, milk, vanilla, and coconut flavor (or extract). Stir in 2 cups (227g) of the confectioners' sugar and the coconut milk powder until smooth. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, then stir in the remaining confectioners' sugar and half of the shredded sweetened coconut.

  6. Spread the frosting over the chilled chocolate layer, then sprinkle the remaining sweetened coconut over the top, pressing it in lightly. Loosen the bars from the edge of the pan on both short sides, and use the parchment to lift them out of the pan and onto a board. Cut in 1 1/2" squares to serve.

  7. Storage information: Store any coconut bars leftovers, well wrapped or in an airtight container, at room temperature for several days; freeze for longer storage.

Tips from our Bakers

  • Metal spring clips are ideal for securing parchment to the edge of the pan while baking. Find them at any office supply or stationery store.