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Coconut Cream Bars

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Soft, buttery cookie bars topped with a fluffy coconut cream cheese frosting and finished with both toasted and untoasted shredded coconut for flavor and texture contrast. A tropical-inspired dessert perfect for parties, holidays, or everyday indulgence.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract
  • 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, divided (1/2 cup toasted, 1/2 cup untoasted)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract (for frosting)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment or grease and flour.
  2. Cream butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and yolk one at a time, then mix in vanilla and coconut extract.
  3. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients until combined.
  4. Spread batter evenly in pan and bake 25 minutes, until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
  5. Toast 1/2 cup coconut on a baking sheet at 350°F for 4–5 minutes until golden. Cool.
  6. For frosting: beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then coconut extract and salt. Beat until fluffy.
  7. Spread frosting over cooled bars. Sprinkle with untoasted coconut, then toasted coconut decoratively on top.
  8. Cut into 24 bars and serve. Optionally drizzle with melted chocolate.

Notes

  • Toasting coconut enhances flavor but can be skipped.
  • For a citrus twist, add lemon zest to the batter or frosting.
  • Freeze uncut bars up to 2 months for make-ahead prep.
  • Use unsweetened coconut for less sweetness.
  • Chill bars before slicing for neat edges.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/coconut-cream-bars/