Raspberry Coconut Bars

I remember the first time I tasted a raspberry coconut bar at a small bakery during a road trip through the Pacific Northwest. The combination seemed so simple, yet every bite was perfectly balanced – buttery, fruity, and just sweet enough. I knew I had to recreate it at home. After several attempts, I landed on this recipe that captures everything I loved about that original bar. The coconut crust provides a sturdy yet tender base that holds up beautifully to the jam filling. What makes these special is how the coconut flavor shines through without being overwhelming. The crumble topping adds textural contrast and a beautiful golden finish that makes them look as impressive as they taste. I love how the raspberry jam creates these gorgeous jewel-toned layers when you cut through the bars. These have become my signature dessert, the recipe I turn to when I want something reliable, delicious, and universally loved. They're nostalgic yet fresh, simple yet elegant.

Why I love this recipe

What I love most about this recipe is its incredible versatility and foolproof nature. Even if you're a beginner baker, you can master these bars on your first try. There's no complicated technique, no temperamental dough, just straightforward mixing and layering. The ingredients are pantry staples that I almost always have on hand, which means I can whip these up whenever the mood strikes. I also appreciate how adaptable they are – you can use any jam flavor you prefer, add lemon zest for brightness, or even mix in some almond extract for a different flavor profile. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant holiday gatherings. They transport well, cut cleanly, and look beautiful on any dessert table. But beyond all the practical reasons, I love how these bars make people happy. There's something about that first bite – the buttery crumble giving way to the sweet-tart jam – that brings genuine smiles. That's the magic of home baking.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the crust and crumble topping
• Shredded coconut: Adds tropical flavor and textural interest throughout the bars
• Butter: Creates the rich, tender, buttery crust that holds everything together
• Granulated and brown sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps create the golden crumble texture
• Raspberry jam: Provides the vibrant fruity filling layer with sweet-tart flavor
• Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds depth to the coconut crust

Let's Make These Together

Prepare Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing your baking pan with parchment paper. This step ensures everything is ready when you need it, and the parchment paper makes removal and cleanup so much easier. Having your workspace organized from the start will make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.

Create the Base Mixture

Beat together your softened butter and sugars until they're light, fluffy, and well combined. This creaming process is important because it incorporates air and creates a tender texture. When you add the vanilla extract, you'll notice the mixture becomes even more fragrant. Then gently fold in your flour, coconut, and salt mixture until you have a beautiful crumbly dough that holds together when pressed.

Build Your Layers

Press most of your coconut mixture into the bottom of your pan, creating a firm, even foundation. Think of this as building the structure that will support your delicious raspberry filling. Save that cup and a half for the top – it's going to become your gorgeous golden crumble topping that everyone will love.

Add Filling and Topping

Spread your raspberry jam in an even layer over the crust, being careful not to disturb the base. Then sprinkle your reserved crumble mixture over the top, letting it fall naturally for that perfect rustic look. The contrast between the ruby-red jam and the golden coconut crumble is simply beautiful.

Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and let the magic happen. After about 25-30 minutes, you'll have golden brown bars with a perfectly set filling. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool completely before cutting – trust me, it's worth the patience for clean, beautiful slices.

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Switch Things Up

I first made these bars on a rainy Sunday afternoon when I was craving something sweet but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. I had a jar of homemade raspberry jam from summer sitting in my pantry, and I thought, why not turn it into something special? The recipe came together so quickly that I had time to make a second batch before my neighbors came over for coffee. Watching everyone bite into these bars and seeing their eyes light up was the best feeling. Now I keep the ingredients stocked because you never know when you'll need an impressive dessert in a pinch. Sometimes I swap the raspberry for strawberry jam, or mix in some fresh berries with the jam for extra texture. The coconut adds such a wonderful tropical note that makes these bars feel special without being fussy.

Perfect Pairings

These Raspberry Coconut Bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or Earl Grey tea in the afternoon. For a more indulgent dessert experience, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also complement a fresh fruit salad wonderfully, especially one with tropical fruits like mango or pineapple that echo the coconut flavors. If you're hosting brunch, these bars are perfect alongside mimosas or sparkling lemonade. For a cozy evening treat, pair them with hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?

Yes! You can make a quick raspberry filling by cooking 2 cups of fresh or frozen raspberries with 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch until thickened. Let it cool before spreading over the crust.

→ How do I store these bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. They also freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months – just thaw at room temperature before serving.

→ Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

→ Why is my crust crumbly and not holding together?

Make sure your butter is properly softened (not melted) and that you're pressing the bottom crust firmly into the pan. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon of milk or cream to help it bind better.

→ Can I double this recipe?

Yes! You can double the recipe and use two 9x13-inch pans, or bake in a larger sheet pan. Just keep in mind that a larger, shallower pan may require slightly less baking time, so watch for that golden brown color.

→ What other jam flavors work well?

Strawberry, blackberry, apricot, and mixed berry jams all work beautifully. You can even try lemon curd or Nutella for completely different flavor profiles while keeping the same basic structure.

Conclusion

These Raspberry Coconut Bars are proof that the best desserts don't have to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and less than an hour from start to finish, you can create something that looks bakery-perfect and tastes even better. The combination of buttery coconut crust and sweet-tart raspberry filling is absolutely timeless. Whether you're bringing them to a gathering or enjoying them with your morning coffee, these bars never disappoint. Store them in an airtight container for up to five days, or freeze them for up to three months – though I doubt they'll last that long!