🥥 Coconut Chewies: A Sweet, Chewy Treat Bursting with Brown Sugar and Vanilla
If you’re craving a simple, sweet, and irresistibly chewy dessert, look no further than Coconut Chewies. These golden, gooey bars are made with brown sugar, shredded coconut, and a touch of vanilla for a nostalgic bite of homemade goodness. Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or cozy evenings, this recipe delivers all the comfort of a classic chewy bar—with a tropical twist.
Let’s dive into how to make these delectable bars and why they deserve a permanent place in your dessert rotation.
🌴 What Are Coconut Chewies?
Coconut Chewies are soft, dense dessert bars featuring a rich, molasses-y base of brown sugar and butter, enhanced with vanilla essence and a generous handful of sweetened shredded coconut. These bars are chewy around the edges, soft in the center, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
🥄 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to whip up a batch of chewy, coconut-packed squares of joy:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Melted butter | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Packed brown sugar | 2 cups |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla essence | 2 teaspoons |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup |
| Baking powder | 1½ teaspoons |
| Salt | ⅛ teaspoon |
| Sweetened shredded coconut flakes | ½ cup |
✅ Pro Tip: Using light brown sugar gives a subtle molasses flavor, while dark brown sugar adds extra depth and richness.
🔥 How to Make Coconut Chewies
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of melted butter and 2 cups of packed brown sugar until fully blended.
- Add in the 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence, stirring until smooth and creamy.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together:
- ½ cup of all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons of baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon of salt
- Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Add the Coconut
- Fold in ½ cup of sweetened shredded coconut flakes until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges begin to pull away from the pan.
- A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
6. Cool and Slice
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
- For cleaner cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between slices.
🥥 Why You’ll Love These Coconut Chewies
✓ Perfect Texture
Crisp edges and a soft, chewy center—exactly what you want in a bar cookie.
✓ Simple Pantry Ingredients
You likely already have everything you need in your kitchen—no fancy tools or ingredients required.
✓ Coconut Heaven
Sweetened shredded coconut adds chewy texture and tropical flavor without overpowering the bars.
✓ Versatile Treat
Perfect as a snack, dessert, or even an on-the-go breakfast bar.
🍫 Customization Ideas
Want to make these Coconut Chewies your own? Here are some tasty ways to customize the recipe:
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Tropical Twist: Stir in diced dried pineapple or mango pieces for a fruit-forward flavor.
- Spiced Chewies: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced version.
- Drizzle It: After baking, drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate: Extend freshness by storing in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Freeze individual squares wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for a gooey treat.
📋 Quick Baking Tips for Best Results
- Use Real Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract brings a richer, more authentic flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the bars tender.
- Cool Before Cutting: Letting the bars set will prevent crumbling and give you cleaner slices.
- Line the Pan: Parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out and clean up.
👨🍳 Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you’re baking for:
- Family gatherings
- Holiday dessert tables
- School lunchboxes
- Bake sales
- Or just treating yourself on a weeknight…
Coconut Chewies deliver every time with their delightful sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
🧁 Final Thoughts: Sweet Simplicity at Its Best
These chewy coconut bars are a timeless treat that combines classic flavors with satisfying texture. From the moment they come out of the oven, warm and fragrant, to the final chewy bite, they deliver the kind of comfort and joy only homemade baking can provide.
So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to the tropical goodness of Coconut Chewies—your sweet tooth will thank you.