Dream Bars Recipe
Description
Delight in the blissful combination of textures and flavors that these Dream Bars offer. Originally inspired by a classic recipe from King Arthur Flour’s Baking Companion, this version features a reduced sugar content, enhancing the natural sweetness of the ingredients without overwhelming your palate. The bottom layer of buttery cookie provides a sturdy foundation for the luscious topping, which brings together coconut and nuts, resulting in a chewy and satisfying treat. For an extra indulgence, consider melting some chocolate chips and spreading them over the cooled bars; the rich chocolate perfectly complements the other flavors, adding a decadent finish that you won’t regret.
Recipe Details
- Recipe Category: Bar Cookie
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 24 bars
- Keywords: Dessert, Lunch/Snacks, Cookie & Brownie, Coconut, Fruit, Nuts, Kid-Friendly, Less than 60 Minutes, Oven
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 8 | tablespoons unsalted butter |
| 1/4 | cup dark brown sugar |
| 1 | cup all-purpose flour |
| 1/4 | teaspoon salt |
| 1 | cup dark brown sugar (for topping) |
| 1 | cup all-purpose flour (for topping) |
| 1/4 | teaspoon baking powder |
| 2 | large eggs |
| 1 | cup shredded coconut |
| 1 | cup chopped nuts (your choice) |
Nutritional Information (per bar)
| Nutritional Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160.7 |
| Total Fat | 9.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 27.8 mg |
| Sodium | 78.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 17.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugars | 11.6 g |
| Protein | 2.4 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This initial temperature will ensure that your cookie layer bakes evenly before you increase the heat for the topping.
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Prepare the Cookie Layer: In a large mixing bowl, take your 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1/4 cup of dark brown sugar, and cream them together using an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. At this point, the mixture will appear crumbly, which is just what you want.
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Form the Base: Transfer the crumbly mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Using your fingers or the back of a measuring cup, pat the mixture down firmly and evenly across the bottom of the pan.
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Bake the Cookie Base: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. This initial baking step sets the cookie base.
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Increase the Oven Temperature: After the first 10 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) in preparation for baking the topping.
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Make the Topping: While the cookie base is baking, you can prepare the topping. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of dark brown sugar, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
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Incorporate Eggs: Crack 2 large eggs into the bowl and stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
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Add Coconut and Nuts: Gently fold in 1 cup of shredded coconut and 1 cup of chopped nuts (you can choose any nuts you prefer, such as walnuts or pecans). Mix until everything is evenly coated.
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Spread the Topping: Once the cookie layer has finished baking, remove it from the oven. Carefully spread the coconut and nut topping over the warm cookie layer, trying to do this as evenly as possible. To make it easier, wet your fingers slightly to prevent sticking while spreading.
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Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake the bars for an additional 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and set.
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Cool the Bars: After baking, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan. This cooling period will help the bars set and make cutting easier.
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Optional Toppings: Once cooled, you can sprinkle the bars with confectioners’ sugar for a touch of sweetness, or, for an indulgent twist, melt some chocolate chips and spread them over the cooled bars.
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Cut and Serve: Finally, when the bars are completely cool, cut them into 2 1/4 inch squares. Serve them at room temperature or chilled, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Final Thoughts
These Dream Bars are perfect for a variety of occasions, whether you’re looking for a sweet snack to pack in your child’s lunchbox, a delightful treat for afternoon tea, or a comforting dessert to share with friends. With their rich coconut and nut topping resting atop a buttery cookie base, they are sure to satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds. Indulge in the dreamy flavors and enjoy every bite of this easy-to-make dessert that brings a smile to everyone’s face!
