Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet and tangy treat that’s both delightfully chewy and satisfyingly crunchy, these Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe are just what you need. Every bite offers the perfect harmony between luscious raspberry preserves, toasty coconut, and a buttery, nut-studded crust that will quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or a special gathering, these bars are incredibly simple to make and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create layers of texture and flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in giving these bars their signature balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and that perfect coconut crunch.

• Butter (3/4 cup, softened): Acts as the rich, creamy base that holds the bars together and provides a tender crumb.
• Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough, helping to balance the tartness of the raspberry preserves.
• Egg (1 large, room temperature): Binds the ingredients and gives the bars their structure and softness.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of the dough, creating the necessary texture and body.
• Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a slight lift to the crust, making sure it’s not too dense.
• Sweetened shredded coconut (2 cups, divided): Provides that distinctive chew and coconut flavor, toasted slightly for extra depth.
• Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty richness to complement the sweet and tart layers.
• Raspberry preserves (12 ounces): The star of the show—bringing vibrant color and a fruity sparkle to every bite.
• White baking chips (1 cup): Melts into creamy pockets of sweetness that beautifully balance the tart raspberry.

How to Make Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Starting off, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot and ready once your bars are assembled. This ensures even baking and helps lock in all those wonderful flavors quickly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mix is light and fluffy—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is essential because it aerates your dough, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth base for your bars.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, mix in your egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. These two ingredients bring moisture and a subtle warmth that ties all the flavors together, creating a smooth, luscious dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder together to ensure even distribution. Slowly incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, beating gently so the dough comes together without overmixing, which keeps your bars tender.

Step 5: Mix in Coconut and Walnuts

Fold in 1 1/4 cups of shredded coconut and all the chopped walnuts to your dough. These additions give your bars their characteristic texture, with chewy coconut and crunchy nuts layered right in.

Step 6: Press Bottom Layer

Reserve about three-quarters of the dough and firmly press it into a greased 13×9-inch baking pan to create the base layer. This crust is the sturdy foundation that holds all your delicious toppings.

Step 7: Spread Raspberry Preserves

Spread the entire jar of raspberry preserves evenly over the dough base to ensure every bite has that burst of fruity tartness. The preserves serve as the flavorful centerpiece of these bars.

Step 8: Add Chips and Coconut Topping

Sprinkle white baking chips over the raspberry layer for pockets of sweet creaminess, then scatter the remaining 3/4 cup shredded coconut right on top to add golden color and that beloved coconut crunch.

Step 9: Top with Remaining Dough

Crumble the remaining dough over the top, pressing lightly to hold everything together but keeping some of that crumbly, rustic texture. This top crust seals in all the wonderful fillings for a delightful bite every time.

Step 10: Bake the Bars

Bake your bars in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until they turn gorgeous golden brown and set firmly. The smell coming from your oven will be utterly irresistible!

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into about two dozen squares. Waiting ensures they hold their shape and slice beautifully, making serving a breeze.

How to Serve Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut or dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant touch. Fresh raspberries on the side also add a refreshing pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate your dessert experience. A cup of hot tea or coffee complements the sweet and tangy flavors perfectly, making it a cozy treat for any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut the bars into bite-size squares and arrange them on a platter with raspberry and coconut sprigs. You can also sandwich two bars together with a layer of vanilla frosting or cream cheese for an indulgent layered dessert that will wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Raspberry Coconut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge is a safe bet to prevent the coconut from losing its texture.

Freezing

Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They will keep beautifully for up to 2 months, and when you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Warm up the bars in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back that freshly baked warmth and enhance the gooey texture of the white chips.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of raspberry preserves?

While fresh raspberries offer a lovely tartness, they lack the thick, jammy consistency that preserves provide. If you prefer fresh fruit, consider cooking them down with sugar into a quick jam to mimic the preserves’ texture.

Is it okay to substitute walnuts with other nuts?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts make delicious alternatives that maintain the crunch and add their own unique flavor to the bars.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to hold the bars together well.

How long do Raspberry Coconut Bars last once baked?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these bars stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature, or up to a week if refrigerated.

Can I make these bars vegan?

With a few tweaks, you can make a vegan version by using plant-based butter, a flax or chia seed egg substitute, and ensuring the white baking chips are dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe is truly one of those special desserts that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. With its wonderful layers of flavor, simple ingredients, and easy process, I can’t recommend giving it a try enough. Whether you bake them for yourself or share with friends, these bars are sure to become a sweet favorite in no time!

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