Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars

These Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars bring a sweet, gooey twist to breakfast with tart raspberries, chewy coconut, and a buttery crust! Simple to make, easy to scale for groups, and fun for kids to help layer the ingredients. Make ahead for a delightful, hassle-free treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious bars ready in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sweetened coconut and tangy raspberry ensures that every bite is a flavor explosion.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, making them suitable for any occasion.
• Fun to Make: Kids will love helping layer the ingredients, turning cooking into a fun family activity.
• Easily Scalable: This recipe can be doubled or halved effortlessly to fit your needs.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the crust ingredients and ensuring even mixing.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan helps achieve an even bake and perfect bar texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right balance of flavors.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 and 2/3 cups of graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar

For the Filling

• 3 cups sweetened, flaked coconut
• One 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup seedless raspberry preserves (or your preferred flavor)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup white baking chips
• 1 teaspoon shortening

How to Make Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Crush 15 oz shortbread cookies until they resemble sandy crumbs.
2. In a mixing bowl, blend the crushed cookies with melted butter until fully combined.
3. Press this mixture firmly into a lined baking pan to form an even layer.

Step 2: Add the Raspberry Layer

1. Spread seedless raspberry jam evenly over the crust.
2. Ensure you reach all edges for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Create the Coconut Topping

1. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the raspberry jam.
2. Use a rubber spatula to swirl gently for even coverage without disturbing the layers.

Step 4: Final Touches

1. Sprinkle shredded coconut and chopped pecans on top, pressing them gently into the mixture.
2. Scatter white chocolate chips over everything, reserving some for later decoration.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and aromatic.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting for better texture and flavor melding.
2. Slice into squares and enjoy these delightful Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars!

How to Serve Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars

These delightful Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a versatile treat for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or blueberries for a burst of flavor that complements the coconut and raspberry.
• Sliced Bananas: The creaminess of bananas pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart bars.

Enjoy with Whipped Topping

• Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture to each bite.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: For an extra coconut twist, try using coconut-flavored whipped topping.

Accompany with Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the bars.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or peppermint, balances out the sweetness.

How to Perfect Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars

To create the ultimate Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars, follow these handy tips. They will help you achieve the best flavor and texture for your treats.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your raspberries and coconut are fresh for maximum flavor. This will enhance the overall taste.
• Press Firmly: When forming the crust, press down firmly to prevent it from crumbling after baking. A solid base is essential.
• Swirl Gently: When adding the raspberry preserves, swirl them gently into the sweetened condensed milk to create beautiful marbling without overmixing.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps set their shape and makes slicing easier.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars

Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars can shine even brighter with complementary side dishes. Here are some delicious options that pair wonderfully with these sweet treats.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a cool contrast to warm magic bars.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the richness of the bars.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that complements your dessert.
4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet bites add elegance and extra chocolatey goodness alongside your bars.
5. Nutty Granola: Serve crunchy granola on the side for a satisfying texture contrast.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses offers a savory balance to the sweetness of the bars while adding complexity to your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars can be a fun experience, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold butter – Cold butter won’t mix well with the crumbs, leading to a crumbly crust. Always melt your butter before combining it with the graham cracker crumbs.
• Not pressing down firmly – Failing to press the crust mixture firmly into the pan can result in a loose base. Use the back of a measuring cup to ensure it’s compact and even.
• Overbaking – Baking for too long can cause the bars to dry out. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they’re golden brown and aromatic.
• Skipping cooling time – Cutting the bars too soon can lead to messy pieces. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing for cleaner edges.
• Ignoring ingredient proportions – Deviating from ingredient amounts may alter texture and flavor. Stick closely to the recipe for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars

• Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, freezing for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat bars for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Warm individual bars on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place bars in a non-stick skillet over low heat, warming gently until desired temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars.

Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before layering them.

How do I customize Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars?

You can add nuts like walnuts or almonds, or swap the raspberry preserves for other fruit flavors like strawberry or apricot.

How should I cut my Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars?

To achieve clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe off between cuts for neat edges.

What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?

You can substitute with crushed vanilla cookies or even oat flour mixed with a bit of sugar for a different flavor profile.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

These Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars offer a delightful combination of tartness from raspberries and sweetness from coconut. They are versatile, allowing you to customize flavors or ingredients based on your preferences. Try making these bars for your next gathering; they are sure to impress!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars

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• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 16 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars, where tangy raspberries meet sweetened coconut atop a buttery crust. These bars are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a fun and interactive recipe perfect for family cooking sessions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 and 2/3 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 cups sweetened flaked coconut
• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup seedless raspberry preserves
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup white baking chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare the crust by combining graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Press into a lined 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Layer raspberry preserves evenly over the crust.
3. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the preserves and swirl gently.
4. Top with shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and white baking chips; press down lightly.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
6. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 10mg