Coconut Bars
Coconut Bars – A Sweet Delicacy for Special Moments
Total preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Number of servings: 16 bars
Discover a delicious recipe, perfect for those moments when you crave a sweet snack, but also to impress your guests. Coconut bars are an irresistible combination of a thin cocoa base and a rich coconut cream, with a light hint of vanilla. These homemade treats are not only easy to make but also unmistakably tasty, making them ideal to be served alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea.
Short History
Coconut bars are a modern variation of traditional desserts that have been prepared in various corners of the world. Coconut, the main ingredient of this recipe, has been used for centuries in desserts, thanks to its unique texture and distinct flavor. Today, coconut bars are very popular, often found at parties, birthdays, or simply as a treat.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 2 eggs
- 55 g sugar
- 50 g flour
- 12 g cocoa
- A pinch of salt
For the cream:
- 200 g coconut flakes
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (397 g) – available at most supermarkets like Auchan or Delatte
- Seeds from 1/2 vanilla pod or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Additionally:
- 250 g milk chocolate (for glazing)
Steps for Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 160°C. Make sure you have prepared a baking tray lined with parchment paper to prevent the bases from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the base
In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy. This is a crucial step to achieve an airy base. Add the sifted flour, cocoa, and a pinch of salt. Gently mix using a spatula to avoid losing air from the mixture.
Step 3: Egg whites
Separately, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will add a light and airy texture to your bases. Add a little of the beaten egg whites to the yolk mixture to loosen it, then gently fold in the remaining egg whites with a motion from top to bottom.
Step 4: Baking the base
Pour the mixture into the prepared tray, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Do the toothpick test to check if the base is baked – it should come out clean.
Step 5: Prepare the cream
While the base cools, prepare the cream. In a bowl, mix the coconut flakes, condensed milk, and vanilla seeds or extract. Mix well until combined.
Step 6: Assembling
Once the base has completely cooled, spread the coconut cream evenly on top. Make sure the leveling is perfect for a beautiful appearance. Refrigerate the dessert for about 30 minutes to set the cream.
Step 7: Glazing
Melt the milk chocolate in a double boiler, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove the dessert from the fridge, cut it into equal-sized bars, then dip each bar in the melted chocolate. You can use either a rack to let them drain or a non-stick parchment paper.
Step 8: Cooling and serving
Allow the bars to harden until the chocolate becomes solid. These coconut bars are now ready to be served!
Serving Suggestions
These coconut bars are perfect to be enjoyed alongside a fragrant coffee or a fruit tea. You can also share them with friends at a party or keep them in the fridge for moments when you crave something sweet.
Calories and Nutritional Benefits
Each bar contains approximately 150-170 calories, depending on the serving size. Coconut flakes are an excellent source of fiber, which contributes to digestive health, and can provide a quick energy boost due to their healthy fat content. The condensed milk adds sweetness and calcium.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I substitute the condensed milk?
Yes, you can use a lactose-free alternative or coconut cream for a vegan version.
2. How can I store the coconut bars?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they can stay fresh for up to a week.
3. Can I freeze the coconut bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars before glazing them. Make sure they are well wrapped to prevent excessive freezing.
Possible Variations
If you want to add a touch of creativity, you can try adding some chopped nuts to the coconut cream or using white chocolate for glazing. You can also experiment with flavors, such as a teaspoon of almond extract for a more sophisticated taste.
Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to put your sketches into action and enjoy these delicious coconut bars! The invitation is open, and each bite will take you to a world of enticing flavors!
Ingredients: For the thin cocoa layer: 2 eggs, 55g sugar, 50g flour, 12g cocoa. Cream: 200g coconut flakes, 1 can sweetened condensed milk (397g) - available at Auchan or Delatte, seeds from 1/2 vanilla pod or 1 teaspoon essence. Additionally: 250g milk chocolate.
