Raspberry Bars with Coconut

Introduction

Raspberry Bars with Coconut are a delightful combination of fruity tang, chewy texture, and a hint of tropical sweetness. These bars feature a buttery crust topped with a layer of tart raspberry goodness and a generous sprinkle of toasted coconut, creating a mouth-watering treat that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Perfect for brunches, dessert tables, or simply a sweet afternoon treat!

I first made these bars when I wanted something that would celebrate the vibrant flavors of fresh raspberries while adding a unique twist with coconut. The combination of sweet and tangy raspberry filling with the chewy, golden crust and the light crunch of toasted coconut was a hit. The coconut adds a subtle tropical flair that enhances the overall texture and flavor beautifully.

What I love about this recipe is its versatility and simplicity. You can use fresh or frozen raspberries depending on availability, adjust the sweetness to your liking, and even add a touch of lemon zest to elevate the fruity notes. A dusting of powdered sugar on top offers a snowy finish, making them visually appealing as well. Whether served as an elegant dessert, a brunch centerpiece, or a delightful afternoon snack, Raspberry Bars with Coconut are a scrumptious treat that’s sure to impress.

Perfect for:

Casual gatherings
Afternoon tea
Brunch spreads
Picnics
Raspberry and coconut lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Raspberry Bars with Coconut will become your go-to treat:

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of tangy raspberries and sweet coconut creates a delightful taste sensation.
Buttery Crust: A crisp and buttery crust that holds everything together beautifully.
Coconut Crunch Topping: The toasted coconut topping adds a satisfying crunch and texture.
Easy to Make: Simple, fuss-free instructions with common kitchen staples.
Fruity and Refreshing: Fresh raspberries bring a burst of fruity brightness to every bite.
Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s brunch, tea time, or dessert, these bars suit any setting.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these bars a day in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Customizable Toppings: You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or extra coconut for more variety.
Portable and Shareable: Great for taking to picnics, potlucks, or brunch events.
Simple Presentation: These bars are effortlessly elegant and inviting without any extra fuss.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened

The Raspberry Filling:

2 cups fresh raspberries
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Coconut Topping:

1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Ingredient Highlights

Fresh Raspberries: Provide a natural tanginess and a vibrant burst of flavor.
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds a crunchy, tropical touch to the topping.
Butter in the Crust: Gives a rich, flaky texture to the buttery crust.
Lemon Juice: Enhances the raspberry filling’s freshness and tanginess.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Crust:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
Add Butter: Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press into Pan: Press the crust mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes until golden.

Prepare the Raspberry Filling:

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir until the mixture thickens.
Cool Slightly: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the raspberry filling cool for a few minutes.

Make the Coconut Topping:

Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine toasted shredded coconut, flour, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly.

Assemble the Bars:

Add Raspberry Filling: Pour the raspberry mixture over the baked crust. Spread evenly.
Top with Coconut: Sprinkle the coconut topping over the raspberry filling. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the topping is golden.

Chill and Serve:

Cool Bars: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice into bars. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Raspberry Bars with Coconut:

As a Tea-Time Treat: Perfect alongside afternoon tea for a delightful combo.
With Morning Coffee: A fruity companion to your morning coffee.
Brunch Centerpiece: Serve as a centerpiece on brunch tables for a sweet touch.
Picnic Snack: Pack in your picnic basket for a tasty outdoor treat.
With Ice Cream: Serve with vanilla ice cream for a heavenly contrast.
As a Potluck Contribution: A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to transport and share.
Drizzled with White Chocolate: Add a drizzle of white chocolate for extra elegance.
With Mint Leaves: Garnish with fresh mint for a pop of color and flavor.
As a Gift: Wrap these bars in a pretty box and share them as a thoughtful gift.
For Dessert Tables: A fruity, refreshing addition to dessert tables at parties.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh or Frozen Raspberries: Fresh raspberries work best for vibrant flavor, but frozen ones are a good alternative if fresh berries aren’t available.
Toast the Coconut: Lightly toast the shredded coconut in a skillet or oven to enhance its flavor and add a subtle crunch.
Layer Evenly: Distribute the raspberry filling and coconut topping evenly to ensure consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can reduce or increase the sugar, especially if the raspberries are very sweet or tart.
Add Lemon Zest: Mix in a little lemon zest with the raspberry filling for a bright, citrusy twist.
Chill Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely and chill in the fridge before slicing. This helps achieve cleaner, neater cuts.
Use Unsweetened Coconut: Opt for unsweetened shredded coconut to control the overall sweetness of the bars.
Add Almonds or Walnuts: Throw in some chopped nuts for an extra crunch and a delightful texture contrast.
Drizzle with White Chocolate: Melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the bars for a decorative and decadent touch.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough or raspberry filling for an extra layer of flavor.

Recipe Variations

Almond Raspberry Bars: Add chopped almonds to the crust or topping for a nutty twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour.
Lemon Raspberry Bars: Add lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy punch.
White Chocolate Coconut Bars: Drizzle with melted white chocolate for added decadence.
Mixed Berry Bars: Combine raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a berry blend.

Special Equipment

Baking Pan: For layering the crust and fillings.
Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and cleanup.
Mixing Bowls: For combining crust, filling, and topping ingredients.
Pastry Cutter or Fork: For cutting butter into flour for the crust.
Sharp Knife: For slicing neat, clean bars.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen raspberries before using.
How long can these bars be stored in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
What’s a good substitute for butter in the crust?
Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free substitute.
Can I add nuts to the coconut topping?
Yes! Chopped almonds or walnuts complement the coconut beautifully.
How do I cut clean slices of bars?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead.
Can I skip the coconut topping?
Absolutely—just leave it off or replace it with granola.
What can I do if the raspberry filling is too runny?
Add more cornstarch to thicken it up during cooking.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes, blueberries, strawberries, and even mango work well in this mix.

Conclusion

These Raspberry Bars with Coconut are a delightful treat that combines the perfect balance of fruity sweetness, tangy raspberry goodness, and a hint of tropical coconut. A buttery, crumbly crust meets a vibrant raspberry filling, all topped with a generous layer of shredded coconut for a satisfying texture and a touch of crunch.

Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these bars are a fantastic choice for brunches, afternoon teas, potlucks, or as a unique addition to your dessert table. The fruity tartness of the raspberries pairs beautifully with the tropical flavor of coconut, creating a treat that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

I’d love to see your Raspberry Bars with Coconut creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me so I can admire your tasty masterpiece. Don’t forget to comment and let me know how you personalized your bars—maybe with a drizzle of white chocolate, a sprinkle of almonds, or a touch of lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor!