Description
These Raspberry Bars with Coconut combine a buttery, tender crust with a sweet and tangy raspberry preserves filling, topped with white baking chips, shredded coconut, and chopped walnuts for a delightful texture. Perfect as a treat for any occasion, this easy-to-make dessert offers a balance of rich flavors and a satisfying crumbly finish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough and Topping
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
For the Filling and Decoration
- 1 jar (12 ounces) raspberry preserves
- 1 cup white baking chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the dough.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar for 5-7 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender texture.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, enhancing flavor and binding the dough.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually blend this into the creamed mixture to form a soft dough.
- Incorporate coconut and walnuts: Stir in 1 1/4 cups of the shredded coconut along with the chopped walnuts evenly into the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Press dough into pan: Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan and press about three-quarters of the dough evenly across the bottom, creating the base layer.
- Spread raspberry preserves: Spoon the raspberry preserves over the pressed dough layer, spreading it out evenly to ensure every bar has a sweet and tangy filling.
- Add chips and remaining coconut: Sprinkle the white baking chips and the remaining 3/4 cup shredded coconut on top of the preserves for a sweet crunch.
- Crumble and press remaining dough: Break up the remaining dough into small pieces and crumble it evenly over the top. Press lightly to adhere but maintain a crumbly texture.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
- Cool and cut: Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into 2 dozen bars to prevent crumbling.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and egg to ensure proper creaming and texture.
- Make sure to cool bars completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For a less sweet variation, choose unsweetened shredded coconut and reduce sugar slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg