Easy Caramel Coconut Bars Recipe

If you’re craving something delightfully rich, chewy, and sweet, these Caramel Coconut Bars are about to become your new favorite. With a buttery shortbread cookie crust, a gooey caramel coconut filling, and a light drizzle of milk chocolate, these bars are the ultimate indulgence. Perfect for summer parties, holiday cookie trays, or whenever your sweet tooth kicks in, they’re the ideal homemade treat that tastes bakery-quality without the fuss.

Whether you’re a fan of classic bar desserts or love experimenting with variations like peanut butter bars, this recipe is a must-try. Simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious!

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Coconut Bars

• Perfect Texture: A buttery base, chewy filling, and smooth chocolate topping in every bite.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy grocery runs—you probably have most ingredients on hand.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for sharing at potlucks, holidays, or family gatherings.
• Customizable: Easy to swap ingredients based on your cravings.

PIN FOR LATER!

Ingredients for Caramel Coconut Bars

For the Crust:

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and sweetness, making the crust extra flavorful.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the crust, keeping it firm but tender.

For the Filling:

• Unsalted Butter: Forms the base of the caramel, lending a creamy, luxurious texture.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the caramel and deepens its flavor with rich undertones.
• Honey: Adds floral notes and helps create a smooth, glossy caramel.
• Heavy Cream: Enriches the caramel, making it silky and luscious.
• Salt: Rounds out the caramel’s sweetness and enhances the depth of flavor.
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Provides chewy texture and a tropical, sweet element.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Infuses the filling with warm, aromatic flavor.

For the Topping:

• Milk Chocolate Chips: Melts into a smooth drizzle that adds a creamy, sweet finish.
• Flaky Finishing Salt (Optional): Adds a hint of saltiness and a gourmet touch, beautifully balancing the sweetness.

How to Make Caramel Coconut Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper or foil, then lightly grease it.
• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, salt, and flour together using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat for several minutes until crumbly but cohesive—the mixture should hold together when pressed between your fingers.
• Dump the crust mixture into the prepared pan and press it into an even layer using the bottom of a measuring cup.
• Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Meanwhile, prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Coconut Filling

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, honey, cream, and salt. Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to simmer with bubbles throughout.
• Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and sweetened shredded coconut until evenly mixed.
• Pour the caramel coconut filling over the partially baked crust, smoothing it out into an even layer.
• Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 12 minutes.
• Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Topping

• Melt the milk chocolate chips slowly using a double boiler or in short intervals in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid seizing.
• Transfer the melted chocolate into a piping bag or zip-top bag. Snip a tiny corner off and drizzle the chocolate over the cooled bars in a zigzag pattern.
• (Optional) Sprinkle flaky salt over the top for an elevated flavor.
• Allow the bars to sit for a couple of hours until the chocolate sets firmly before slicing and serving.

PIN FOR LATER!

Equipment Needed

• 8×8-inch metal baking pan
• Parchment paper or foil
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Piping bag or zip-top bag

Tips for Success

• Mix the crust properly: Ensure the crust mixture is crumbly but sticks together when pressed.
• Simmer gently: Don’t boil the caramel—gentle simmering is key.
• Cool thoroughly: Let the bars cool completely before adding the chocolate drizzle.
• Use fresh coconut: Ensure your shredded coconut is fresh for best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.
• Pack into lunchboxes for a sweet afternoon surprise.
• Wrap individually in parchment for party favors or edible gifts.

Variations To Try

• Dark Chocolate Topping: Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer taste.
• Nutty Upgrade: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the caramel coconut layer.
• Peanut Butter Drizzle: Melt peanut butter and drizzle alongside the chocolate for a nutty twist.
• Tropical Bars: Add a handful of chopped dried pineapple for a fruity kick.

FAQs about Caramel Coconut Bars

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to add a new favorite to your collection of bar desserts, these Caramel Coconut Bars are the perfect choice. The combination of a buttery shortbread cookie crust, chewy coconut caramel center, and sweet chocolate drizzle is irresistible.

Simple yet impressive, these bars prove that with a few quality ingredients and a little love, you can create bakery-worthy treats at home. Whether you’re a long-time fan of caramel, coconut, or indulgent peanut butter bars, these beauties are sure to steal the show.

Grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

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