Desserts > Bars > Coconut Bars

Clementine-Coconut Bars Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup clementine juice
- 1 tablespoon clementine zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

Special equipment needed:
- 9x9 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Zester or grater

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, shredded coconut, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

5. Add the clementine juice and zest to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.

6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

8. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top of the batter.

9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

10. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing into 16 squares.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
16 squares

Nutritional information:
Calories: 180
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 75mg
Sugar: 13g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use orange juice and zest instead of clementine juice and zest.
- You can use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened shredded coconut.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the batter for added crunch.
- Top the bars with a drizzle of melted chocolate for a decadent touch.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugars.
- Use a zester or grater to zest the clementines, being careful not to include any of the bitter white pith.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent them from falling apart.

Storage instructions:
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the bars, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the bars on a platter or cake stand with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few clementine slices for garnish.

Garnishes:
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Top with a drizzle of melted chocolate
- Garnish with clementine slices or zest

Pairings:
- Hot tea or coffee
- Vanilla ice cream

Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Green salad with citrus dressing

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bars are too crumbly, try adding an extra tablespoon of butter to the batter.
- If the bars are too wet, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk used.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and any utensils or equipment used in the recipe before and after handling food.
- Store the bars in an airtight container to prevent contamination.

Food history:
Clementines are a type of mandarin orange that are believed to have originated in North Africa. They are named after Father Pierre Clément, who is said to have discovered them in the late 19th century. Coconut is a staple ingredient in many tropical cuisines and has been used in cooking for thousands of years.

Flavor profiles:
The Clementine-Coconut Bars are sweet, tangy, and slightly nutty, with a tropical twist.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the bars as a sweet treat for breakfast or brunch, or as a dessert after dinner.

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Taste: Sweet, Tangy, Citrusy, Coconutty