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Golden Coconut Bars for #SundaySupper

Golden Coconut Bars | Magnolia Days

“You did good”. Those three words are ones I will never hear from him again. He said them to me on many occasions through the years. When I finished my first and only piano recital, when I cooked a ham and all the fixings after I was married, and when I hosted so many family celebrations, he would let me know how pleased he was with those three words. Simple words that made me feel ever so proud. I miss my dad so much.

I made golden coconut bars in my dad’s honor. He loved coconut. I can’t tell you how many times he requested a coconut cake. He was delighted when my mother-in-law would make self-crust coconut pie. My mom made ambrosia countless times to satisfy his cravings. Now with him gone, I can only imagine how much he would have enjoyed these sweet sticky bars. They are similar to a macaroon with the added golden molasses color and flavor from brown sugar.

My dad had an incredible green thumb. He could grow almost anything whether it be inside, outside, in a garden, or in a flower pot. One of the most striking plants at my parent’s home is this giant hydrangea. He would bring me some of the flowers when it was blooming. Now I have my own small blue hydrangeas that were planted last year. This year they are doing so well. I’m sure it is because he helping in some sort of way. I look out the window and think of him knowing he is watching over me, my mom, and the rest of my family.

Golden Coconut Bars | Magnolia Days

How do you celebrate your dad? Today the Sunday Supper bloggers are showing their love for fathers and sharing recipes in celebration too. Scroll down to see all the goodies from main dishes to desserts. My treat is Golden Coconut Bars. I only wish my dad was here to taste them and say “You Did Good”.

Golden Coconut Bars | Magnolia Days
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Golden Coconut Bars

A recipe for Golden Coconut Bars. These rich and sweet bars have a golden color and extra molasses flavor from brown sugar. They are a real treat for coconut lovers.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Author Renee

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces

For the filling:

  • 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes

Instructions

For the crust:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan. Line the bottom only with parchment paper. Lightly grease parchment paper.
  2. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a knife blade, add the flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and salt. Pulse until combined.
  3. Add the butter pieces and pulse until it resembles a coarse meal.
  4. Spread and press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes.

For the filling:

  1. While the crust is baking, whisk together 1 cup brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Whisk together the eggs and vanilla in a small bowl. Pour into the large bowl with the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
  3. Stir in the coconut flakes.
  4. Pour mixture over the warm crust.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  6. Cut into squares.

Recipe Notes

A recipe for Golden Coconut Bars. These rich and sweet bars have a golden color and extra molasses flavor from brown sugar. They are a real treat for coconut lovers.

Recipe adapted from one in the Southern Living 1984 Annual Recipes cookbook. (Affiliate link to Amazon)

More Father’s Day recipes! Take a look at what the wonderful Sunday Supper bloggers are sharing for this event:

Dad’s Favorite Main Dishes: 

Dad’s Favorite Appetizers and Sides: 

Dad’s Favorite Desserts

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here → Sunday Supper Movement

Recipe Rating




Jen @JuanitasCocina

Saturday 22nd of June 2013

What a fabulous recipe and an amazing tribute to your father.

Cindys Recipes and Writings

Friday 21st of June 2013

You have obviously inherited your Dad's green thumb! Coconut seems like the perfect ingredient as a tribute for your dad!

Renee

Saturday 22nd of June 2013

Thank you Cindy.

Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious

Tuesday 18th of June 2013

You (pointing finger gently at you)...you did good.

Renee

Wednesday 19th of June 2013

So sweet Dorothy. Thanks!

Sarah Reid, RHNC (@jo_jo_ba)

Tuesday 18th of June 2013

Your dad reminds me of my mom and stepdad, with a magical touch. I know all the dads out there would love to try one of those bars too

Renee

Wednesday 19th of June 2013

Thank you Sarah and my dad had a magical touch with so many things.

Katie

Tuesday 18th of June 2013

What a wonderful recipe to celebrate your father. So sweet. And I too have a love of coconut...these bars sound stellar!

Renee

Wednesday 19th of June 2013

Thanks Katie