Samoas Cookie Caramel Coconut Bars Recipe
Samoas Cookie Caramel Coconut Bars are a decadent treat inspired by the classic Girl Scout cookie. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust layered with gooey caramel-infused coconut, semisweet chocolate, and a rich chocolate drizzle, these bars combine chewy, crispy, and creamy textures for an irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup softened butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Coconut Topping
- 1 jar (8 ounces) caramel sauce
- 1 (14 ounce) package sweetened flaked coconut
Chocolate
- 1 ½ (18 ounces) packages semisweet chocolate chips, divided
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, extending the foil over the edges for easy removal later. Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Crust: In a small bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for the crust preparation.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a mixer on medium speed for about 30 seconds until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, then beat on medium to high speed until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring the mixture is creamy.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually beat in the flour mixture until just combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
- Form and Bake Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown.
- Mix Coconut and Caramel: While the crust bakes, combine the sweetened flaked coconut and caramel sauce in a large bowl, stirring until well mixed.
- Add First Chocolate Layer: Remove the crust from the oven. Immediately sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the semisweet chocolate chips over the hot crust. Let them stand for 5 minutes to melt, then spread the melted chocolate evenly over the crust.
- Top with Coconut Mixture: Carefully spread the caramel coconut mixture over the melted chocolate layer, making sure to distribute evenly.
- Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Then remove and allow to cool on a wire rack.
- Drizzle with Melted Chocolate: Microwave the remaining chocolate chips in a small bowl for 20 seconds, stir, then continue heating for 10 to 15 seconds until smooth and melted. Drizzle this chocolate over the coconut topping.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to set. Use the foil edges to lift the block from the pan and cut into bars for serving.
Notes
- Use good quality caramel sauce for the best flavor and texture.
- Be careful not to overbake the crust to keep it tender yet firm enough to hold toppings.
- Allow the chocolate chips to sit and melt on the hot crust before spreading to achieve a smooth layer.
- For easier cutting, chill the bars for longer or briefly freeze them before slicing.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (about 2 x 2 inch)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: Samoas bars, caramel coconut bars, chocolate coconut bars, Girl Scout cookie bars, easy dessert bars, caramel bars, chocolate bars