These chocolate chip coconut bars remind me of Chili's chocolate chip paradise pie. If you are craving coconut and chocolate these bars are for you!
These chocolate chip coconut bars are inspired by Chili's Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie, with a soft cookie base, a generous chocolate layer, and a coconut-studded top that bakes up chewy and golden.
If you love the combination of coconut and chocolate, but want something simpler and less heavy than a restaurant skillet dessert, this easy bar recipe delivers bold flavor and clean slices for sharing.
Why these bars work
These bars are built in two layers so the chocolate stays concentrated through the center instead of disappearing into the dough, similar to how the chocolate stands out in my Almond Joy brownies.
Folding coconut into only the top portion keeps the flavor bright, just like in my Almond Joy mini cheesecakes, where coconut is the star without overwhelming the dessert.
They're rich, soft in the center, and easy to make in one pan.
Three quick technique notes
Chill-free layering for clean definition
Spreading the chocolate chips between two layers of dough (instead of mixing them in) creates a true chocolate layer and guarantees chocolate in every bite.
Coconut only in the top layer
Keeping the coconut out of the bottom dough prevents the base from becoming crumbly and helps the coconut flavor stay distinct.
Skip the glaze for better flavor balance
This recipe does not include the glaze! While making them I realized I was out of heavy cream to make a chocolate glaze so I finished them off with a store bought chocolate glaze that I happen to have. I left a portion of it unglazed and later realized I should have skipped the glaze all together.
A chocolate glaze competes with the coconut and flattens the flavor. These bars are better served plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
These bars are designed to showcase coconut and chocolate on their own. For another easy bar dessert, my peanut butter chocolate chip bars are a simple, chocolate-forward option that's just as satisfying.
Chocolate Chip Coconut Bars
These chocolate chip coconut bars remind me of Chili's chocolate chip paradise pie. If you are craving coconut and chocolate these bars are for you!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ sticks butter
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
- 8 oz chocolate chips
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325F and butter a 9x13 pan.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In an electric mixer, combine the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Slow down the mixer and add the eggs one at a time and then the vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients to the batter and mix until just combined.
- Spread half of the batter into the pan and then add the chocolate chip on top of this layer.
- Combine the coconut into the remaining batter and spread it over the chocolate chip layer.
- Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1 barAmount Per Serving: Calories: 188Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 164mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 1gSugar: 15gProtein: 2g
This nutrition information is only an approximate provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. Information comes from Nutritionix, an automated nutrition calculator.
Roshan says
what about good ole' macaroons!
this seems very tasty, ill be expecting some come fall (bhai beej)
:P
Mihoko Kiyohara says
Hello! Your chocolate chip coconut bars look absolutely wonderful. One question. How much would 1 1/2 cup sticks of butter be in terms of weight(oz. or grams) or cups? They don't sell butter in sticks here. Your comment on strawberry bread from bakingaddiction was helpful too, because now I know I can use yogurt since it is very difficult to find buttermilk in Japan. Thanks!
Dessarts says
Hi. Thanks. Glad you like them. 1 1/2 sticks of butter is 6oz. I should also specify that I always use unsalted butter.
Courtney says
Hi! I made this earlier this week and it was very good! I posted about it on my blog, gave you credit, and linked back.
Thanks!
Dessarts says
Courtney- Thanks! Glad you liked them.