Description
These Raspberry Coconut Bars are a delightful combination of a buttery shortbread crust topped with sweet raspberry preserves and a chewy coconut topping. Simple to prepare, they are perfect for dessert trays, afternoon tea, or holiday baking occasions.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- ¾ cup raspberry preserves
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make Crust Dough: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and melted unsalted butter to form a crumbly dough.
- Press Crust: Evenly press this dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust base for the bars.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until it turns lightly golden.
- Spread Raspberry Preserves: Remove the warm crust from the oven and spread the raspberry preserves evenly over its surface.
- Prepare Coconut Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and shredded sweetened coconut until well combined.
- Add Coconut Topping: Spoon the coconut mixture over the layer of raspberry preserves and spread it evenly across the crust.
- Bake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake the bars for 25–30 minutes, or until the coconut topping is golden brown and set.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 bars for clean, firm pieces.
Notes
- Chill the bars before cutting to achieve cleaner slices.
- You can substitute strawberry or blackberry preserves for raspberry preserves for a different fruity flavor.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
