Coconut Chewies – Soft, Sweet, and Irresistibly Addictive Dessert Bars
If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious dessert that delivers rich, buttery flavor with a chewy bite, look no further than Coconut Chewies. These soft and gooey bars bring together brown sugar, melted butter, and sweet coconut flakes to create a treat that’s as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing.
Perfect for bake sales, holiday trays, coffee breaks, or an indulgent snack at home, these chewy coconut bars require minimal effort and pantry-staple ingredients. Plus, the recipe is so foolproof, it’s ideal for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Why You’ll Love These Coconut Chewies
- ✅ One-bowl recipe – quick and easy cleanup
- ✅ Sweet, rich flavor with deep caramel notes
- ✅ Perfect chewy texture – soft in the center with golden edges
- ✅ Great for make-ahead desserts or freezer-friendly treats
- ✅ Customizable with your favorite add-ins (nuts, chocolate, etc.)
Ingredients – Simple Pantry Staples with Big Flavor
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter (melted) | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 2 cups |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup |
| Baking powder | 1½ teaspoons |
| Salt | ⅛ teaspoon |
| Sweetened shredded coconut flakes | ½ cup |
🧁 Optional Add-ins: Chopped pecans, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of white chocolate on top once cooled.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Coconut Chewies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar.
- Stir until fully blended and smooth.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated and glossy.
🥄 The melted butter and brown sugar give these bars their rich, caramelized base.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
- In the same bowl, stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix just until no flour streaks remain — do not overmix.
- Fold in the sweetened coconut flakes, ensuring even distribution.
Step 4: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs (not raw batter).
🔥 Tip: Don’t overbake! The center should be slightly underdone to maintain the perfect chewy texture.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
- Allow the coconut chewies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cool, slice into squares or bars using a sharp knife.
✨ For clean edges, chill the bars in the fridge for 20 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Drizzle with melted dark chocolate or white chocolate for a fancy finish.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 7 days for longer freshness.
- Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.
❄️ To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds.
Coconut Chewies Variations to Try
| Variation | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Nutty Chewies | Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts |
| Chocolate Coconut Bars | Stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips |
| Tropical Flavor Twist | Add a touch of lime zest and ¼ tsp coconut extract |
| Toasted Coconut Topping | Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top before baking |
Nutritional Information (Per Bar – approx. 1 of 24 servings)
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sugars: 18g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 65mg
📌 Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on brands and optional add-ins.
Baking Tips for Best Results
- 🧁 Use room temperature eggs to help the batter emulsify properly.
- 🥄 Don’t overmix once the flour is added to avoid tough bars.
- 🍯 For an even deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar.
- 🧂 A pinch more salt can enhance the caramel notes without making the bars salty.
- 🍰 Cool fully before cutting to avoid crumbling.
Final Thoughts
These Coconut Chewies are a dessert lover’s dream. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they strike the perfect balance between sweet, chewy, and buttery—all elevated by the tropical flair of coconut. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a bite of something delicious, this recipe delivers every time.
So go ahead — save this recipe, share it with your friends, and enjoy a dessert that’s sure to be requested again and again.