Here’s a classic Coconut Chewies recipe with very detailed, step-by-step directions. These are soft, chewy, buttery coconut bars—simple ingredients, big payoff 🥥
Coconut Chewies (Chewy Coconut Bars)
Equipment
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9 × 13-inch baking pan
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk
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Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
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Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
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1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, melted
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2 cups granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon salt
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1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the pan and oven
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
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Set the pan aside.
Step 2: Melt the butter
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Melt 1 cup butter in the microwave (30-second intervals) or on the stovetop.
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Let it cool slightly so it’s warm, not hot.
Step 3: Mix butter and sugar
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Pour the melted butter into a large mixing bowl.
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Add 2 cups granulated sugar.
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Whisk until smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla
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Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
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Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
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The mixture should be thick and creamy.
Step 5: Add dry ingredients
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Sprinkle 1½ cups flour and ½ teaspoon salt over the wet mixture.
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Stir gently until just combined.
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Do not overmix, or the bars will be dense.
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Step 6: Fold in coconut
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Add 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut.
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Fold in with a spatula until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Bake
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Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
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Smooth the top gently.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until:
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The edges are lightly golden
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The center is set but still soft
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Step 8: Cool and slice
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Remove the pan from the oven.
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Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 30–40 minutes.
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Slice into squares or rectangles.
Texture & Flavor Tips
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For extra chewiness, slightly underbake.
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For crisp edges, bake closer to 30 minutes.
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Use sweetened coconut for classic flavor; unsweetened will be drier.
Variations (Optional)
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Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
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Drizzle with melted chocolate
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Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a bakery-style twist