Print

Fluffy Coconut Bars

fluffy coconut bars - featured image

These fluffy coconut bars are a chewy, homemade dessert with a golden edge and a soft, coconut-packed center. Quick to make and perfect for any occasion, they deliver nostalgic comfort and tropical flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup milk (any kind; dairy-free options work)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (for topping, optional)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting after baking (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting. Grease lightly if not using parchment.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together unsweetened shredded coconut, flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth and pale.
  4. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture with a rubber spatula until just combined. Batter will be thick and sticky.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut over the top if desired.
  6. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until edges are golden and center is just set (a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs). If using a glass pan, add 2 extra minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool in pan on rack for 15-20 minutes. Bars will firm up as they cool.
  8. Lift bars out using parchment overhang. Slice into 16 squares with a sharp, serrated knife. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, substitute flour and butter as needed. Use room temperature eggs and milk for best texture. Do not overmix the batter. Let bars cool fully before slicing for clean edges. Add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit jam can be mixed in for variety.

Nutrition

Keywords: coconut bars, chewy coconut dessert, homemade coconut squares, easy coconut recipe, fluffy coconut bars, gluten-free coconut bars, dairy-free coconut bars, coconut bake sale treats