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Golden Coconut Bars for #SundaySupper

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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

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Comments

  1. 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.”

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  4. 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!

    Reply

  5. 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!

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  7. 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.

    Reply

  8. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  11. 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 🙂 –

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  12. 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!

    Reply

  13. 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 🙂

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  15. 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!!

    Reply

  16. 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.

    Reply

  22. 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 🙂

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

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