There’s something truly magical about a dessert that combines nostalgia with simplicity, and that’s exactly what Gooey Coconut Pie Bars deliver. I remember the first time I tasted these bars at a family gathering; they were a revelation. The way the creamy coconut mingled with the buttery crust took me back to sun-soaked afternoons spent with my grandmother in the kitchen. This recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of the warmth of family and the joy of sharing something delicious. You may find yourself sneaking a piece (or two) after dinner, or serving them at your next gathering to the delight of friends and family.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
200 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan, Baking Sheet, Oven

What We Adore About This Gooey Coconut Pie Bars

1. Easy to Make

One of the best reasons to love Gooey Coconut Pie Bars is how incredibly simple they are to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. There’s no complicated process or fancy equipment required, making it ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. It’s the perfect dessert to make when you want something sweet without the hassle.

2. Versatile Treat

These bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a sunny picnic, a cozy winter gathering, or a festive holiday party, Gooey Coconut Pie Bars fit right in. You can serve them as a delightful dessert or even as a snack with your afternoon coffee. Their versatility makes them a go-to recipe in my collection.

3. Rich Flavor

The combination of flavors in these bars is absolutely delicious. The sweetened condensed milk brings a rich creaminess, while the shredded coconut provides texture and a tropical flair. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, leaving your taste buds wanting more.

4. Make Ahead and Store

Another fantastic aspect of Gooey Coconut Pie Bars is their make-ahead capability. You can prepare them in advance and store them in an airtight container. They maintain their flavor and texture beautifully, making them an ideal dessert for busy weeks or special occasions. They can even be frozen for a month!

5. Perfect for Sharing

When you make Gooey Coconut Pie Bars, you’ll inevitably want to share them with loved ones. They’re a crowd-pleaser and spark joy and conversation at gatherings. Sharing food is a universal way to connect, and these bars will surely bring smiles all around.

What to Buy for Gooey Coconut Pie Bars

When preparing to create these delectable Gooey Coconut Pie Bars, it’s essential to understand the harmony of the ingredients involved. Each component plays a vital role, contributing to the overall texture and flavor. The combination of buttery, creamy, and sweet elements creates a delightful experience that will transport you to tropical paradise with every bite.

Unsalted Butter: This creamy fat is the foundation of the crust, providing richness and flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the crust, it helps bind the ingredients together while keeping the bars light.
Powdered Sugar: Used instead of granulated sugar, it gives the crust a delicate sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, balancing the sweetness.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the star of the filling, lending creaminess and sweetness.
Large Egg: The egg acts as a binding agent, helping the filling set perfectly.

Coconut Extract: This adds an aromatic coconut flavor that complements the shredded coconut.
Shredded Sweetened Coconut: Provides texture and a burst of coconut flavor in every bite.

The Method for Gooey Coconut Pie Bars

Preparing Gooey Coconut Pie Bars is not just about following steps; it’s an experience filled with anticipation and the sweet promise of deliciousness. Let’s dive into the method that brings these bars to life!

Start by lining a 9×13-inch pan with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step ensures that your bars come out easily and remain intact.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is crucial as a hot oven will help the crust bake evenly.
In a mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a hand mixer), mix these ingredients until a smooth cookie dough forms. The texture should be soft yet hold together when pressed.

Next, transfer the cookie dough mixture into the prepared pan. Lightly spray your hands with cooking spray and press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. You want a thin, even layer. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until it turns lightly golden.
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, large egg, and coconut extract. Whisk thoroughly until well combined. Adding shredded coconut next is essential; fold it gently into the mixture.
Once the crust is done baking, carefully pour the coconut filling over the hot crust. Make sure to spread it evenly for consistent flavor in every bite. This layering is crucial for the texture.

Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for approximately 17 to 19 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start to look golden brown, and the center appears set. Keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the filling.
After baking, cool the bars completely in the pan. Once cool, use the overhanging foil to lift them out. Place on a cutting board and slice into bars of your desired size.
For storage, keep these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to one month.

Things Worth Knowing

Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps in easily mixing with other ingredients, resulting in a smoother dough.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough bars, so mix just until everything is combined.
Check for Doneness: Pay attention to the edges of the filling; they should be golden brown while the center remains set.

Cool Completely: Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting makes it easier to achieve clean slices.

Substitutions and Tips

Before you dive into making Gooey Coconut Pie Bars, here are some helpful tips to ensure your baking experience is a success!

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to one month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic before placing them in a freezer bag.
Pairing: Enjoy these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Variations: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or nuts for a delightful twist on the original recipe.

Serving Size: Cut the bars into smaller pieces for a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for gatherings.

What to Serve With Gooey Coconut Pie Bars

When it comes to serving Gooey Coconut Pie Bars, the options are as delightful as the bars themselves. Here are some suggestions:

Fresh Fruit: Pairing these bars with a light fruit salad can balance the sweetness and add freshness.

Tea or Coffee: Enjoy these bars with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making for a comforting afternoon treat.
Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla or coconut ice cream on the side complements the flavors beautifully.
Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top for a touch of elegance.

Seasonal Occasions: These bars are perfect for gatherings such as birthdays, picnics, and holiday celebrations.
Make It a Dessert Bar: Serve alongside a variety of desserts for a fun dessert bar experience during parties.

FAQ

While you can use unsweetened coconut, it will change the flavor profile of the Gooey Coconut Pie Bars. Sweetened coconut adds a rich sweetness that balances perfectly with the other ingredients. If you prefer a less sugary treat, you might want to reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk as well to maintain the balance.

The Gooey Coconut Pie Bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A good indicator is to gently shake the pan; if the center jiggles slightly but holds its shape, it’s ready. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry bars!

Absolutely! You can experiment with different extracts, such as almond or vanilla, in addition to the coconut extract. Adding chocolate chips or nuts can also create a delightful variation of the Gooey Coconut Pie Bars. Just make sure not to overpower the coconut flavor, as it’s the star of this dessert.

To keep your Gooey Coconut Pie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, freezing them is an excellent option. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer bag for up to one month.

Conclusion

The Gooey Coconut Pie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the creamy richness of coconut with a buttery crust, making them irresistible. I encourage you to try making these bars for your next gathering or simply to indulge yourself. They embody comfort and joy in every bite, reminding us of the sweetest moments shared with family and friends.

Gooey Coconut Pie Bars

The ultimate comfort food for coconut lovers, Gooey Coconut Pie Bars are rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. With a buttery crust and a gooey coconut filling, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings any day of the week!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 24 bars

Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

Wooden Spoon
Mixing Bowl
Frying Pan
Baking Sheet
Oven

Ingredients

1 cup Unsalted Butter
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk 14 ounces
1 large Egg
1 teaspoon Coconut Extract
2 cups Shredded Sweetened Coconut

Instructions

Line a 9x13” pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350°F.
Place butter, flour, salt and powdered sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or use a hand mixer). Mix until smooth a cookie dough forms.
Place shortbread in the prepared pan. Spray your hands with cooking spray and press to a thin layer in the pan. Bake shortbread layer for 15 minutes.

While the crust is baking, stir together sweetened condensed milk, egg, and coconut extract. Stir in coconut. After 15 minutes of baking, pour the milk mixture carefully over the hot crust.
Continue baking for about 17-19 minutes until the sides start to look golden brown.
Cool completely before cutting into bars. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month.