“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.
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
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:
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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.
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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.
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Add the butter pieces and pulse until it resembles a coarse meal.
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Spread and press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
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Bake for 15 minutes.
For the filling:
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While the crust is baking, whisk together 1 cup brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
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Whisk together the eggs and vanilla in a small bowl. Pour into the large bowl with the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
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Stir in the coconut flakes.
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Pour mixture over the warm crust.
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Bake for 20 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
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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:
- Father’s Day Ribs by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Chorizo Burgers by La Cocina de Leslie
- Whiskey Sliders by Cravings of a Lunatic
- Beer Can Chicken by Crazy Foodie Stunts
- Pesto Shrimp Roll Sandwich by Growing Up Gabel
- Cast Iron Filet Mignon with Wine Sauce by I Run For Wine
- Grilled Tilapia with Blueberry Mango Salsa by Runner’s Tales
- Chicken Wings for Dad by The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Fish with Black Bean Sauce by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs by Curious Cuisiniere
- Tamale Pie Ring by Treats & Trinkets
- Grill-Roasted Chicken & Vegetables by Foxes Loves Lemons
- Grandma Papina’s Lamb Stew by Webicurean
- Barbecue Beans and Ribs by Food Lust People Love
- Skillet Meat Lasagna by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Panko Crusted Snapper by Supper for a Steal
- Gluten Free Bourbon Honey Grilled Pork Chops by No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
- Boiled Shrimp for Father’s Day by The Catholic Foodie
- Dad’s Famous Baby Back Ribs by Family Foodie
- Turkey Stuffed Peppers by Ruffles & Truffles
- Lightened Up Fish Biriyani With Fresh Dill by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Cauliflower, Potato, and Cheddar Pierogi by Healthy.Delicious
Dad’s Favorite Appetizers and Sides:
- Spicy Caramelized Bacon Wrapped Smoked Oysters by Noshing with the Nolands
- Tuna Pasta Salad – Dad’s Recipe by Juanita’s Cocina
- Grilled Bok Choy by Shockingly Delicious
- Bacon-Cheddar Potato Salad by Home Cooking Memories
- Couscous Tabbouleh by Soni’s Food
Dad’s Favorite Desserts
- Dad’s Cheesecake by Table for 7
- Cheese Crackers by The Urban Mrs
- Coconut Cream Pie by Cookin’ Mimi
- Chewy Oat Cookies with a Banana Bread Influence by What Smells So Good?
- Homemade Nutter Butters by Pies and Plots
- Shoot for the Stars Chocolate Cupcakes by Ninja Baking
- Golden Coconut Bars by Magnolia Days
- Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies by NeighborFood
- Velvet Cookies by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Pecan Pie by Small Wallet Big Appetite
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.
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The Ninja Baker says
3 little words which can make the world of difference when it comes from a beloved father. Your story is so poignant, Renee…I can only imagine the bond is still strong with you. And I’m sure your dad is looking from above at the marvelous coconut bars next to the hydrangea whispering, “You did good.”
Renee says
Yes, the bond is still strong with my dad even though he is gone. He’s in my thoughts frequently and I know how much he taught me and supported me throughout the years.
Laura | Small Wallet, Big Appetite says
Oh my goodness you had me crying in your first sentence. I am such a daddy’s girl and it breaks my heart to even think that one day I might deal with losing him. This post is such an incredible tribute to your father
Renee says
I was crying when I was typing the first sentence. It was hard to think about another Father’s Day without him.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
What a wonderful tribute to your Dad! I bet he would have loved your coconut bars!
Renee says
Thanks Jennifer!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
Isn´t it nice when we can associate food with loved ones immediately? Such a gooey bar for your dad Renee! I´m glad you can remember him with so much love. The name of these bars is so tempting, and then the pics are wonderful, I should try them!
Renee says
Yes, it is so nice to associate food with loved ones. We seem to remember what people enjoy the most.
Helene D'souza says
I am sorry to hear that Renee… It looks like he passed his green thumb to you, your garden picture at least tells that much. I love coconut too and since I live in a country with lots of coconut I kind of forgot how much I loved it. you know it became to usual. I am completely smitten by your golden coconut bars and I am looking forward to taste them sometime soon. Thank your for sharing your story and your recipe Renee!
Renee says
He did pass on some of his green thumb. I’m sure mine will get greener as the years pass and have the experience he did. I can understand how coconut could become too usual if it is around so much. Here is seems to be more for special occasions.
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
What a sweet memory. I’m sure he’s still whispering those words from heaven today! Especially after seeing these coconut bars. What a great way to honor your dad.
Renee says
Sometimes I can almost feel him near me when I’m gardening or cooking. It’s pure joy to keep the memories of him alive with food and flowers.
Megan @ I Run For Wine says
I love this story Renne. I look back on so many of my things I have done in life since my Dad passed and imagine him saying I have done a good job. I know your Dad is looking down on you wishing he could have one of those coconut bars.
Renee says
Thanks Megan. I’m sure your dad is looking down and is very proud of you.
Stacy says
I am just starting to go through all the #SundaySupper posts and you already have me in tears, Renee! What beautiful chewy coconut bars! I am sure you are right and your dad would have loved them. Hydrangeas always remind me of my great-grandparents house out in the country in Louisiana because they had huge ones on both sides of the stairs leading up to their house-wide front porch. There was always something baking in the old wood-fired oven or frying on top of MoMo’s stove. I imagine your house, though more modern, is much the same. Your dad would be very proud.
Renee says
Thank you so much Stacy. I can picture your grandparents house with the big porch on the front. Mine is a much different style however the hydrangeas are on the path to the front door.
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
Your dad sounds like he was a wonderful person, and I’m sure he would have loved these bars (I mean, they look SO delicious, how could he not??)
Renee says
Thank you Kayle! He was a tremendously wonderful person and is missed dearly by many people.
[email protected] & Trinkets says
What a sweet tribute to your dad. And looking at these amazing bars, I think I know exactly what he would say.
Renee says
Thanks Kim!
Beate says
Such a beautiful, heartfelt, moving post, Renee. Made me all teary eyed as well…such wonderful way to honor your Dad, I love that you planted a blue hydrangea like the one your Dad planted.
Of course, the golden coconut bars also sound amazing 🙂 –
Renee says
Thank you Bea! I actually planted 3 blue hydrangeas and 1 white oakleaf (which has a different type of bloom). I already had 2 white ones which are doing well this year too.
Laura Dembowski says
I can’t imagine how hard it is to suffer the loss of a parent, but it is great that you keep his memory alive in many ways.
These bars look and sound wonderful too!
Renee says
It is so sad to lose a parent. I’m so glad I have such happy memories to treasure and lots of them involve food.
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says
What a great post in memory of your Dad. Those hydrangeas are BEAUTIFUL. I always jealously admire hydrangeas at other people’s houses. I’m scared to try my own because they’re so expensive, and I’m such a bad gardener! Maybe someday I’ll work up the courage 🙂
Renee says
Thank you Lori! Hydrangeas have come a long way and some of the newer varieties are easier to grow. Just put them in the right place. Try a small one and see how it does.
Carla says
What’s with dads loving coconut? My dad loves coconut too. You certainly did good with these bars.
Renee says
I don’t know what it is about dad and coconut. I’ve heard it from other people too. I wonder if it is a generational thing.
Tara says
Such a lovely post and such gorgeous coconut bars. I just may be making these very soon. Thanks so much for sharing on #SundaySupper!!
Renee says
You are welcome Tara and I hope you enjoy the bars when you make them.
Camille says
What a great way to honor your dad. My grandfather says the same three words when he’s proud of us grandchildren or his kids. I hope you enjoyed the day along with your coconut bars.
Renee says
Amazing how a few words can mean the world to someone. Nice that you hear it from your grandfather too.
Camille says
Such a sweet story. The coconut bars are sweet, too! I love all things coconut and that pie sounds intriguing!
Renee says
Thanks Camille. The pie is so great and quick to make too.
ATasteOfMadness says
Today I celebrated my dad by going to get fish and chips with him. 🙂
These bars look divine! I would love to have one right now..
Renee says
What a great way to celebrate with your dad!
Dina says
i love making bars and i love coconut, so these sound yummy to me!
Renee says
Thanks Dina! I love making bars too. Sometimes it’s easier than cookies.
[email protected] says
I so wish I had one of these bars to eat with my Samoa ice cream! YUM!!!
Renee says
Samoa ice cream? I’ve never heard of it. I’m intrigued and will have to check it out.
Jane's Adventures in Dinner says
These look so awesome-what a great tribute.
Renee says
Thanks Jane!
Soni says
Such a heartfelt tribute to your Dad and love the thought of planting the blue hydrangea.
These Coconut Bars sure look delicious and would be finished in no time in our house.We all love coconuts 🙂
Renee says
Those bars disappeared quickly around here too.
Family Foodie says
This is such a lovely post about your dad, Renee, and these Coconut bars looks incredible! Those blue hydrangeas are absolutely gorgeous as well!
Renee says
Thanks Isabel
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says
What a beautiful tribute to your Dad. These coconut bars sound fantastic, and I can’t get over the stunning color of those flowers!
Renee says
Thanks Sarah. Those blue hydrangeas really do have the most amazing color. I know there is a way to change them to pink but I can’t bring myself to do it.
Katie says
What a wonderful recipe to celebrate your father. So sweet. And I too have a love of coconut…these bars sound stellar!
Renee says
Thanks Katie
Sarah Reid, RHNC (@jo_jo_ba) says
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 says
Thank you Sarah and my dad had a magical touch with so many things.
Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious says
You (pointing finger gently at you)…you did good.
Renee says
So sweet Dorothy. Thanks!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
You have obviously inherited your Dad’s green thumb! Coconut seems like the perfect ingredient as a tribute for your dad!
Renee says
Thank you Cindy.
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
What a fabulous recipe and an amazing tribute to your father.