Caribbean Coco-Almond Bars

Jun 06, 2023June 6, 20230 12
Caribbean Coco-Almond Bars Recipe
in Dessert

Prep

20 min

Cook

40 min

Ready In

60 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup light brown sugar , firmly packed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 cup unsalted butter , chilled and cut into small pieces
3/4 cup toasted almond , finely chopped ( about 3 ounces )
1 tablespoon dark rum
1 1/2 cups medium shred unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons dark rum
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate , chopped ( at least 60 % cocoa )
2 tablespoons heavy cream or 2 tablespoons evaporated milk
1 cup shredded coconut
additional sliced almonds

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
16
Calories
296
Sugar
19g
Fat
24g
These Caribbean-inspired bars are a delicious and unique treat. With a buttery, spiced crust, a sweet and chewy coconut filling, and a rich dark chocolate topping, they are the perfect combination of flavors and textures. They are a bit reminiscent of a tropical vacation, and can be enjoyed as a dessert or snack any time of year. The bars are easy to make and transport, making them ideal for potlucks, parties, or just a sweet treat at home. They can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Serve them chilled or at room temperature for the perfect indulgence.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
2.In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and allspice. Stir until well mixed.
3.Add the butter to the bowl and, using a fork or pastry cutter, mix the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4.Stir in the chopped almonds and 1 tablespoon of rum until the mixture is evenly moistened.
5.Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
6.While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the shredded unsweetened coconut, sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of rum, and salt. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is well combined and the coconut is evenly moistened.
7.Pour the coconut mixture over the warm crust and spread it out evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the coconut is golden brown and set.
8.Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
9.While the bars cool, prepare the chocolate topping. In a small saucepan, melt the bittersweet chocolate with 3 tablespoons of butter and heavy cream or evaporated milk. Stir until the chocolate is smooth and glossy.
10.Spread the chocolate mixture over the cooled coconut layer and sprinkle with additional shredded coconut and sliced almonds, if desired. Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to set the chocolate. Cut the bars into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

PROS

These Caribbean Coco-Almond Bars are a perfectly sweet and nutty dessert.

They are easy to make and transport, and can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

The bars can easily be customized with different types of nuts and flavorings to suit your preferences.

CONS

The bars are quite sweet and rich, so they should be enjoyed in moderation.

The recipe does require a fair amount of butter and condensed milk, making it a bit high in saturated fat and calories.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Despite having some potential cons, these Caribbean Coco-Almond Bars do have some good health benefits.
Almonds contain healthy fats, fiber, protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E and magnesium. They have been linked to heart health, weight management, and reducing inflammation.
Coconut also contains healthy fats and fiber, as well as iron, potassium, and manganese. It has been linked to cholesterol and blood sugar control, as well as digestive health.

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