Indulge in these magnificent Coconut Pecan Bars, featuring a tender, sweet shortbread crust generously topped with a rich, chewy blend of toasted pecans and sweet coconut. A truly buttery and sweet bar cookie experience that’s simple to make and impossible to resist!

There’s an undeniable charm and comforting appeal to a perfectly crafted dessert bar. They effortlessly combine the convenience of a cookie with the satisfying depth and richness of a cake, making them a versatile choice for any event – from casual family gatherings to elegant potlucks, or simply a sweet indulgence to brighten your day. Among the vast array of delightful dessert bars, these Coconut Pecan Bars stand out as an absolute masterpiece. Their harmonious blend of textures and flavors is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and will quickly become a cherished recipe in your kitchen.

If you’re a connoisseur of easy-to-make, supremely satisfying desserts, you absolutely must add these to your baking repertoire. They proudly join the ranks of other beloved recipes from our collection, such as our Easy Caramelitas, the seasonal delight of Apple Crumb Bars, and the timeless comfort of Snickerdoodle Bars. Each offers a unique flavor profile, but all promise that homemade warmth and irresistible sweetness.

My Culinary Adventures and the Inspiration Behind These Bars

As I reflect on this recipe, my mind often wanders back to a particularly memorable trip to Seattle, a city that truly captivates me. It had been several years since my last visit, and the anticipation of exploring its vibrant culinary landscape, this time with my children in tow, was incredibly exciting. Seattle isn’t just known for its iconic landmarks like the Space Needle or the bustling Pike Place Market; for a food enthusiast like me, it’s a veritable treasure trove of gastronomic delights waiting to be unearthed.

My travel itineraries are, by design, heavily influenced by food. Before any journey, I dedicate considerable time to meticulously researching and curating a list of must-try restaurants, cozy cafes, and artisan bakeries. My Seattle “eat list” rapidly grew to an almost comical length, a true testament to the city’s diverse and delectable offerings. I even half-jokingly tried to convince my family that we should forego all non-food-related activities and simply devote our entire trip to savoring every culinary experience. After all, why limit yourself to one dinner when you could potentially sample three, right? While that ambitious, food-centric plan didn’t entirely materialize, there was one culinary stop that was absolutely non-negotiable: Fran’s Chocolates.

Our hotel was conveniently located within walking distance, making a visit to Fran’s an imperative part of our Seattle adventure. For those unfamiliar with this esteemed establishment, Fran’s Chocolates is celebrated for its exquisite confections, particularly their Coconut Gold Bars, which received a glowing endorsement from the legendary Bobby Flay on “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” As someone who proudly considers coconut a “best friend” in the culinary world, there was simply no way I was going to miss the opportunity to try what Bobby Flay deemed an exceptional coconut treat. This delightful anticipation of experiencing such a highly acclaimed coconut creation sparked a new creative culinary idea in my own kitchen.

Inspired by the thought of what I hoped would be a life-altering chocolate bar experience in Seattle, I returned home with a fervent desire to create my own coconut-infused masterpiece. The result? These utterly delightful Coconut Pecan Bars. Don’t let their unassuming appearance mislead you. While they might not boast the flashy presentation of some more elaborate desserts on a buffet table, their understated charm conceals an explosion of flavor and a symphony of textures that will captivate your taste buds from the very first bite. The foundation is a sweet, buttery shortbread crust, offering a delicate crunch that gracefully gives way to a soft, rich, and truly divine layer infused with toasted pecans and sweetened coconut. It’s pure dessert heaven – a perfect harmony of sweet, nutty, and tropical notes that is genuinely addictive. I must confess, I found myself physically removing the pan from my immediate vicinity to prevent myself from single-handedly devouring the entire batch!

Trust me when I say this: give this Coconut Pecan Bars recipe a try. You will absolutely not regret it. They are remarkably simple to prepare, yet profoundly satisfying, embodying the perfect balance of home-baked comfort and gourmet flavor. These bars are destined to become a firm favorite in your home, offering a taste of pure bliss with every bite.

Why These Coconut Pecan Bars Will Be Your New Favorite

This recipe is more than just another dessert; it’s a celebration of how simple, high-quality ingredients can transform into something truly extraordinary. Here are compelling reasons why these Coconut Pecan Bars are set to become a beloved staple in your kitchen:

• Effortlessly Delicious: With clear, straightforward instructions and common pantry staples, even novice bakers can achieve impressive, bakery-quality results. The process is approachable and rewarding.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The luscious sweetness of coconut is beautifully complemented by the earthy, robust crunch of toasted pecans. All of this is perfectly grounded by a rich, buttery shortbread crust, creating a harmonious flavor profile that delights the palate.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether you’re preparing for a casual family meal, contributing to a bustling potluck, stocking up for a school bake sale, or simply craving a sweet escape on a quiet evening, these bars are always a welcome and appropriate treat. They are easy to transport and serve, making them incredibly convenient.
• Excellent Make-Ahead Option: One of the best qualities of these bars is that their flavors tend to meld and deepen over time, often tasting even better the day after they are baked. This makes them perfect for preparing in advance, freeing up your time closer to serving.
• Irresistible Chewy and Tender Texture: Each bite offers a satisfying contrast: the delicate crumble of the shortbread base gives way to the soft, rich, and wonderfully chewy topping. This textural interplay is a key part of their addictive quality.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Coconut Pecan Bars

Crafting these delectable bars requires a handful of key ingredients, most of which you probably already have readily available in your pantry. Using good quality ingredients will always yield the best results:

• Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to maintain full control over the saltiness of your dessert. Ensure it’s properly softened to achieve that light and fluffy texture for the shortbread crust.
• Brown Sugar: Both light or dark packed brown sugar will work beautifully. The brown sugar adds crucial moisture and a rich, deep molasses-like sweetness that is absolutely essential for the decadent topping.
• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the tender, crumbly foundation of our shortbread crust and helps bind the coconut pecan topping, ensuring structure and consistency.
• Large Eggs: Eggs act as a vital binder in the topping mixture and contribute significantly to its richness, imparting that signature chewy texture we all love in a good dessert bar.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A generous splash of high-quality pure vanilla extract is indispensable. It enhances all the other flavors and infuses the bars with a warm, inviting aromatic note.
• Salt: A small amount of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and truly bringing out the depth and complexity of all the other ingredients in the recipe.
• Chopped Pecans: These provide a delightful crunch and a wonderful, earthy nutty flavor. For an even more intense flavor, consider lightly toasting your pecans before adding them.
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut: The undisputed star of the show! Sweetened coconut flakes are perfect here, contributing both moisture and that unmistakable, delightful tropical sweetness.

Expert Tips for Baking Perfectly Delicious Coconut Pecan Bars

Achieving bakery-quality Coconut Pecan Bars in your own kitchen is simpler than you might imagine, especially with these helpful tips designed to ensure success:

• Thorough Pan Preparation: Always take the time to grease your baking pan thoroughly. Alternatively, for effortless removal and clean cuts, line your pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring you leave an overhang on the sides. Then, lightly spray the lining with nonstick spray.
• Avoid Overmixing the Crust: When preparing the shortbread crust, mix the ingredients only until they are just combined and form fine crumbs. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough and less tender crust.
• Press the Crust Evenly: Use the bottom of a flat glass or your clean fingertips to press the shortbread mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. This step is vital for ensuring a consistent bake and creating a sturdy, reliable base for your bars.
• Monitor for Doneness: The bars are perfectly baked when the coconut pecan topping achieves a beautiful golden-brown color and appears set. A slight jiggle in the very center is acceptable, as the bars will continue to firm up considerably as they cool.
• Crucial Cooling Step: This is perhaps the most important tip of all! While it’s incredibly tempting to cut into warm, fragrant bars, resisting the urge and allowing them to cool completely is essential. Full cooling allows the topping to set properly, preventing a crumbly mess and ensuring clean, picture-perfect slices.
• Boost Pecan Flavor: For an elevated nutty aroma and taste, lightly toast your chopped pecans before incorporating them into the topping mixture. This simple step can significantly enhance their flavor.

Creative Variations to Customize Your Coconut Pecan Bars

While these Coconut Pecan Bars are utterly perfect in their original form, don’t hesitate to unleash your creativity and experiment with these delicious variations to suit your taste or occasion:

• For the Chocolate Lover: Elevate the indulgence by folding in 1/2 to 1 cup of mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate (dark, milk, or even white chocolate) into the coconut pecan topping. The combination is simply divine.
• Alternative Nut Choices: If pecans aren’t your favorite, or you simply don’t have them on hand, feel free to substitute with other nuts. Chopped walnuts, slivered almonds, or even a mixed nut blend would work wonderfully, each adding its unique flavor profile.
• A Zesty Twist: Introduce a bright, refreshing note by adding a teaspoon of finely grated orange or lemon zest to the topping mixture. Citrus zest beautifully complements the tropical sweetness of the coconut.
• Spiced Warmth: For a comforting depth of flavor, stir in a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of cardamom to the topping. These spices add a warm, inviting dimension.
• Decadent Caramel Drizzle: Once the bars have cooled completely, for an extra layer of luxury, drizzle them generously with a homemade or good quality store-bought salted caramel sauce.

Serving and Storage Suggestions for Your Bars

These versatile Coconut Pecan Bars are truly delightful served either warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or simply enjoyed alongside a steaming hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. Their robust flavor makes them a fantastic accompaniment to a variety of beverages.

For optimal freshness and flavor, store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 days. If you wish to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to one week. For longer-term storage, these bars freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. To freeze, individually wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the bars at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Coconut Pecan Bars

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

Yes, you can certainly use unsweetened shredded coconut. However, keep in mind that sweetened coconut not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the moist and chewy texture of the topping. If using unsweetened, you might consider increasing the amount of brown sugar in the topping by 1/4 cup to maintain the desired sweetness level, adjusting to your personal preference.

Do I need to toast the pecans before adding them?

While not strictly mandatory, lightly toasting the pecans before chopping and incorporating them into the mixture is highly recommended. This simple step significantly intensifies their nutty flavor and aroma, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to the bars. To toast, spread them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5-7 minutes, watching them carefully to prevent burning.

How should I store these Coconut Pecan Bars to keep them fresh?

For the best quality, store the cooled Coconut Pecan Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you need them to last longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. For extended storage, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months; just wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.

Can these bars be made ahead of time for a party or event?

Absolutely! These bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert. Their flavors tend to meld and deepen over time, often tasting even better on the second day. Prepare them a day or two in advance, store them properly, and they will be perfect for your party or gathering.

My shortbread crust is crumbling; what might have gone wrong?

A crumbly crust can occur for a couple of reasons. It might not have been pressed firmly enough into the pan before baking, or it could have been overmixed, which can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tougher, more brittle crust. Ensure you press the crust down very well and avoid overworking the dough during the mixing stage.

More Favorite Cookie Bars to Explore

If you’ve discovered a love for the ease and deliciousness of dessert bars through this recipe, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes from our expansive collection. They offer a wonderful variety of flavors and textures, guaranteeing there’s a perfect bar cookie for every palate and every occasion:

• Decadent Chocolate Pecan Toffee Bars
• Fun and Fruity Banana Split Bars
• Crunchy Skor Squares
• Simple 4-Ingredient Coconut Macaroon Bars
• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe Card

Coconut Pecan Bars

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5 from 6 votes

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 27 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 24 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

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These homemade Coconut Pecan Bars feature a sweet, tender shortbread crust topped with a rich, buttery, and chewy pecan and coconut mixture, creating an irresistible bar cookie that’s perfect for any gathering or sweet craving.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar, divided
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. For even easier removal, you can line the pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, ensuring an overhang on the sides, and then lightly spray the lining.
2. Make the Shortbread Crust: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, use an electric mixer (or stand mixer) to cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of the packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add 1 cup of the all-purpose flour, mixing until the ingredients are just combined and form a crumbly mixture that resembles very fine crumbs. Press this mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
3. Pre-bake the Crust: Bake the shortbread crust in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. While the crust is baking, proceed to prepare the delicious coconut pecan topping.
4. Prepare the Coconut Pecan Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup of packed brown sugar and the remaining 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour until well combined. Add the 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. Gently fold in the chopped pecans and sweetened shredded coconut until they are evenly distributed throughout the rich mixture.
5. Assemble and Bake: Carefully and evenly spread the prepared coconut pecan mixture over the warm, pre-baked shortbread crust in the pan. Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and appears set in the center.
6. Cool Completely and Serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial step allows the bars to set properly and ensures clean, precise cuts. Once fully cooled, use the foil or parchment overhang (if you used it) to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Cut them into 24 even bars. Serve and enjoy your homemade delight!

Keywords: coconut pecan bars, dessert bars, shortbread crust, easy recipe, homemade dessert, pecan coconut bars, sweet treats, bar cookies

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