Grandma’s Coconut Chews Recipe

Introduction

Grandma’s Coconut Chews are a nostalgic treat that combines a buttery crust with a sweet, coconut-filled center. This simple, yet delicious recipe is perfect for any occasion and sure to delight coconut lovers.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or brown rice flour for gluten-free)
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8×8 inch pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and 1 cup flour for the crust. Stir until well combined, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Step 3: Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes while you prepare the filling.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, mix together the eggs, vanilla, light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and shredded coconut.
5. Step 5: Pour the filling evenly over the baked crust.
6. Step 6: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes. If doubling the recipe, bake for 25 minutes.
7. Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your coconut chews!

Tips & Variations

• Use brown rice flour in the filling to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
• For extra chewiness, substitute half of the shredded coconut with toasted coconut flakes.
• Press the crust firmly into the pan to ensure a solid base that holds together well when sliced.

Storage

Store the coconut chews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut, but the chews will be less sweet. You may want to slightly increase the sugar in the filling to balance the flavor.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Baking the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling helps it set and prevents sogginess. Be sure to let it cool slightly before adding the filling as well.

Grandma’s Coconut Chews Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 108 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Grandma’s Coconut Chews are a delightful, chewy dessert bar featuring a buttery crust topped with a rich, coconut-infused filling. Simple to make and perfect for coconut lovers, these bars pair a soft, sweet base with a moist, flavorful coconut topping, creating a nostalgic treat enjoyed by all ages.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Filling Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or brown rice flour for GF recipe)
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 cup all-purpose flour. Stir the mixture until it is well blended and forms a dough.
3. Press and Bake the Crust: Press the prepared crust dough evenly into the bottom of the greased or lined baking pan. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove it and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4. Mix the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or brown rice flour for gluten-free), and 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut until fully combined.
5. Add Filling and Bake: Pour the coconut filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. If doubling the recipe, bake for 25 minutes instead.
6. Cool and Slice: Once the baking time is complete, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy your chewy coconut bars!

Notes

• You can substitute brown rice flour for all-purpose flour in the filling to make this recipe gluten free.
• Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better crust texture.
• Use sweetened shredded coconut for a richer flavor, but unsweetened coconut can be used for a less sweet version.
• Let the bars cool completely before slicing to maintain their shape.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: coconut chews, coconut bars, coconut dessert, chewy coconut bars, easy coconut recipe, coconut treats, baking with coconut