Bright, sweet, and almost too pretty to eat, Raspberry Coconut Bars blend tangy raspberries with creamy coconut and a hint of white chocolate to create dessert magic. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about these bars—the graham cracker crust adds classic crunch, the jammy layer brings a burst of fruit, and that coconut topping makes every bite pure happiness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want an indulgent afternoon treat, you’ll fall in love with the flavors, textures, and sunny colors in every slice of Raspberry Coconut Bars.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be surprised at how a handful of humble ingredients can transform into something dazzling! Each element in Raspberry Coconut Bars adds a distinct flavor or special texture, so choose quality ingredients and let them shine.
- Graham crackers: The graham base is subtly sweet and gives these bars their sturdy, chewy foundation.
- Butter: Melted butter binds the crust and adds a rich, comforting taste that pairs so well with coconut.
- Sweetened flaked coconut: This star ingredient brings lovely chewiness and a toasty, tropical flavor throughout the bars.
- Sweetened condensed milk: It’s the secret to cohesive, luscious layers and adds just the right amount of creamy sweetness.
- Raspberry jam: Jam brings the zippy berry flavor and that enticing jewel-toned color—use your favorite kind for best results.
- White chocolate: Chopped and melted, it drizzles smooth decadence over the top and ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Raspberry Coconut Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Set the stage for easy removal and slicing later by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and lining an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. You’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to lift out those dreamy bars without sticking!
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
Grab your food processor and pulse the graham crackers to fine crumbs—almost a sandy texture. Mix the crumbs with melted butter and press the mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared pan, making sure to get into the corners. This crust is going to hold up all those luscious layers.
Step 3: Coconut Layer and Sweetness
Sprinkle 2 cups of the sweetened flaked coconut over your crust, spreading it out to make an even bed of coconut. Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly on top, letting it seep into every crevice. This helps meld the base together and infuses it with creamy sweetness once baked.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top looks lightly golden and the coconut is just starting to toast. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely incredible at this stage—it’s pure anticipation!
Step 5: Add Raspberry and More Coconut
Once out of the oven, carefully spread the raspberry jam over the warm coconut layer. Go slowly to get a gorgeous, even layer of jam. Sprinkle the last cup of coconut on top—this adds texture and cranks up the coconut flavor even more.
Step 6: Drizzle with White Chocolate
Melt your white chocolate using a double boiler or short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Generously drizzle it across the top of your bars; don’t worry about perfect lines, a little messy drizzle adds plenty of charm.
Step 7: Chill and Cut
The hard part: waiting! Pop the pan in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours—it helps set everything so your Raspberry Coconut Bars slice up beautifully. Once they’re firm, lift them out by the parchment, cut into squares, and get ready to dazzle your friends and family!
How to Serve Raspberry Coconut Bars
Garnishes
Dress up your Raspberry Coconut Bars with a few fresh raspberries, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a tiny sprig of mint. The bright pop of red from the berries makes every plate look even more inviting (and, honestly, who can resist a little extra raspberry flavor?).
Side Dishes
For a special dessert spread, serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a bowl of lightly sweetened whipped cream. The creamy coolness pairs perfectly with the chewy, jammy layers, transforming snack time into a celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Raspberry Coconut Bars into neat squares or slim rectangles for lunchboxes and dessert trays—or, try making mini bars or triangles for a party-ready, poppable treat. Stack them up on a rustic board for a cozy, homemade look, or arrange on a cake stand for an elegant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Raspberry Coconut Bars tasting their best by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh, moist, and chewy for up to 5 days, making them a wonderful make-ahead option for busy weeks or gatherings.
Freezing
Want to plan even further ahead? Go ahead and freeze the bars—just layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for an easy treat at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
These bars are delicious cold from the fridge, but if you like them a little softer, you can let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. There’s no need to reheat in the oven; in fact, a slight chill highlights the flavors beautifully!
FAQs
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
While fresh raspberries are certainly delicious, using jam ensures an even, sweet-tart layer that melds perfectly with the coconut and base. If you’d like, you can swirl some mashed fresh berries into the jam layer for a burst of real fruit!
Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk really is the “glue” that brings Raspberry Coconut Bars together, but if you need a dairy-free option, try making your own condensed coconut milk. Just remember, the flavor and sweetness will change slightly.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Simple swap: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust! Double-check your other ingredients to confirm they’re gluten-free, and you’ll have a safe and scrumptious dessert everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best way to melt white chocolate?
A double boiler is ideal for melting white chocolate gently and evenly, but the microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and stir frequently to avoid scorching. Stir until completely smooth, then drizzle away!
Can I make these Raspberry Coconut Bars ahead for a party?
Absolutely! In fact, they taste even better after chilling overnight, as the layers set and flavors mingle. Just cut them on the day you plan to serve, and keep them cold until party time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s colorful, uplifting, and packed with flavor, Raspberry Coconut Bars are a dreamy choice. I hope you’ll give these beauties a try—sharing them always brings smiles, and they just might become your new go-to sweet treat!
PrintRaspberry Coconut Bars Recipe
These raspberry coconut bars are a delightful combination of sweet raspberries, creamy coconut, and decadent white chocolate, making for a perfect treat that’s bursting with flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 18 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 9 graham crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Coconut Filling:
- 3 cups sweetened flaked coconut
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
Topping:
- 1 cup raspberry jam
- 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Crust: In a food processor, crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix the crumbs with melted butter and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Add the Coconut Filling: Sprinkle 2 cups of coconut over the crust, then pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake for about 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Add Raspberry Jam: Spread the raspberry jam over the baked bars, then sprinkle with the remaining coconut.
- Drizzle with White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the bars.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the bars in the fridge for about 4 hours, then cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize these bars by using different flavored jams or adding nuts for extra crunch.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
