Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and bursting with tropical-sweet raspberry goodness, you’re absolutely going to *love* this Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe. I’ve been making these bars for years, and every time I do, my family insists I make a double batch. They’re buttery, chewy, and dotted with pockets of tart raspberry that just sing together with the toasty coconut and a hint of vanilla. Keep reading because I’m about to walk you through all my best tips to make sure your bars turn out perfectly every single time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together like the dream team of desserts: rich butter and sugar create the perfect base, and the coconut adds great texture and flavor. One tip I’ve learned is to use good-quality raspberry preserves—the flavors really shine through.

• Butter: Make sure it’s softened so it creams easily with the sugar and gives a tender crumb.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is perfect here for that classic bar sweetness.
• Egg: Using a room temperature egg helps the batter come together smoothly.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor—don’t skip it!
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your bars; measure carefully for best texture.
• Baking powder: Just a touch to give lightness to the dough.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: Divided into two portions for layering and topping; gives that delightful chewiness.
• Chopped walnuts: Adds crunch and nuttiness—optional, but highly recommended.
• Raspberry preserves: The star filling—choose your favorite jam or preserve for best results.
• White baking chips: These melt into little pockets of sweetness and balance the tangy raspberry.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes your own, so I’ve tried a few tweaks on this Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe over the years. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you might discover a new favorite version!

• Use different nuts: I once swapped walnuts for pecans, and it added a lovely buttery crunch that my family adored.
• Dairy-free version: Try using coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free white chips to make these bars vegan-friendly.
• Swap the preserves: For a change, peach or apricot jam works wonderfully if you want a more mellow sweetness.
• Add spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom in the dough gives an unexpected warm flavor twist.

How to Make Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

This step is where magic begins! Use an electric mixer and beat the softened butter and sugar for about 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is light in color and fluffy. This aeration helps your bars have a tender crumb instead of being dense. Patience here pays off—you’ll see the texture transform as you mix.

Step 2: Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla

Make sure your egg is at room temperature so it blends in smoothly with the creamed butter mixture. Beat it thoroughly with the vanilla extract until everything is perfectly combined. This adds richness and depth to your batter.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine With Wet

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder together. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating gently so you don’t overwork the dough. You want a dough that’s soft but manageable. Then fold in 1-1/4 cups of the shredded coconut and the chopped walnuts—this adds that irresistible texture.

Step 4: Press the Base Layer and Add Fillings

Take about three-quarters of your dough and press it evenly into a greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Don’t press too hard—you want it uniform but not compacted. Spread the raspberry preserves evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the white baking chips and remaining shredded coconut on top. These layers build the flavor and texture contrast that make every bite exciting.

Step 5: Crumble and Press the Remaining Dough on Top

Use your fingers to crumble the remaining dough over the top of the coconut and chips. Then gently press down just a bit so the crumbles stick together—but keep the topping crumbly for a biscuit-like finish that’s just dreamy. This layered look is one of my favorite parts.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Pop your pan in a 350°F oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll want to look for golden edges and a slightly firm top—don’t worry if it’s a little soft in the center; it will set as it cools. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars so they hold together perfectly.

How to Serve Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I like to dust my bars lightly with powdered sugar before serving—it adds a pretty, delicate touch and a hint of extra sweetness. If I’m feeling fancy, a few fresh raspberries on the side never hurt anyone!

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For a simple afternoon treat, I serve them alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee—the flavors complement each other perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, I cut the bars into smaller squares and arrange them on a pretty platter with edible flowers or mint leaves scattered around for a fresh pop of color. They also look festive served in cute little baking cups or on skewers with fresh berries for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the bars are cooled, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, and honestly, they rarely last that long! If your kitchen is warm, pop them in the fridge to keep the coconut from getting too soft.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen these bars for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results—they taste nearly as fresh as when first baked.

Reheating

If you like your bars a bit warm, a few seconds in the microwave (about 15-20 seconds) revitalizes them nicely without melting the chips too much. For a bigger batch, heating them in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes does the trick but watch closely to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe brings together simple ingredients into something unexpectedly delightful. When I first tried it, I was hooked instantly—there’s a kind of warm comfort to these bars that feels like home. Whether you’re baking for your family, a crowd, or just for yourself (no judgment here!), these bars are a total winner. Trust me—you’ll want to keep this recipe close. Happy baking!

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