Description
These Chewy Coconut Walnut Thumb Bars are a decadent, multi-layered treat that combines the buttery crunch of a shortbread base with a rich, chewy topping packed with toasted walnuts and sweet shredded coconut. Using dark brown sugar in both the crust and the topping creates a deep, molasses-like flavor that makes these bars absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
The Crust
- 2/3 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
The Topping
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 3/4 cups shredded sweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
Prep: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the Crust: Cream together butter and 2/3 cup dark brown sugar. Stir in flour and salt. Mix until the dough forms a cohesive mass.
Bake the Base: Press dough into an even layer in the dish. Bake for 13–15 minutes until edges turn light golden.
Prepare the Topping: Combine 1 cup dark brown sugar, 2 tbsp flour, and baking powder. Add eggs and vanilla. Whisk for 1–2 minutes to incorporate air.
Fold and Bake: Fold in shredded coconut and chopped nuts. Spread over the hot, pre-baked crust.
Final Bake: Bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until topping is set and coconut is golden.
Cool and Slice: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Notes
Dark Brown Sugar: Provides a stickier, chewier texture and richer flavor than light brown sugar.
Don’t Over-mix: Keep the shortbread base tender by mixing the flour just until combined.
The Cooling Rule: The topping needs time to firm up; cutting while warm will result in gooey, misshapen bars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: coconut walnut bars, chewy dessert bars, dark brown sugar recipes, potluck desserts, walnut shortbread, coconut squares