Coconut pecan bars are the perfect sweet treat to kick off the holiday season! There’s something so special about whipping up a delicious homemade dessert for family gatherings, parties, weddings, and potlucks. Whether you’re playing host or heading to a celebration, these bars are guaranteed to steal the show and leave everyone asking for the recipe.
What makes coconut pecan bars so irresistible is their combination of flavors and textures. A buttery graham cracker crust sets the stage for a rich, chewy filling full of cranberries, pecans, coconut, and chocolate. They’re quick to prepare, easy to transport, and look like they took hours to make, making them a holiday baking win! Bake a batch for your next get-together, or simply enjoy them at home with your loved ones.
How to Make Coconut Pecan Bars
Making coconut pecan bars is as simple as layering flavors and textures in a few easy steps. Let’s start by getting the pan ready for baking.
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
These coconut pecan bars begin with a delicious graham cracker crust. First, line a 13 x 9 pan with parchment paper, letting it hang at least 2 inches off either side.
Don’t skip this step! This will allow for easy removal once the bars are cooked.
Bars that need to cool before you can cut them?
Heidi's pecan pie bars are already cut and boxed.
Step 2: Create the Crust
Then mix together 1 1/2 cups of honey graham cracker crumbs (equal to 1 packet or 9 full crackers) with 1/2 cup of melted butter. Stir these until they form a ball, and then use your fingers to spread and press it into the pan.
Step 3: Mix the Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of golden raisins. Sometimes these raisins are hard to find. Look for them in the produce or nut section.
Step 4: Add More Sweet Goodness
Now pour in 1 1/4 cups of chopped pecans, 3/4 cup each of white chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 1 cup of shredded and sweetened coconut flakes.
Step 5: Combine with Sweetened Condensed Milk
Mix all of that yummy goodness with a 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk. The mixture should be very sticky. Pour it over the graham cracker crust and use a spatula to level the coconut pecan bars out.
Step 6: Bake and Cool the Coconut Pecan Bars
Bake your pan of coconut pecan bars at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until they are golden brown on the edges. Use the overhanging parchment to lift the pecan bars out of the pan and place them on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. Cut into 24 squares.
I like to put these irresistible morsels in the refrigerator to chill completely before cutting. I find that the coconut pecan bars stick together better that way.
Why These Bars Are Crowd Favorites
The first time I made this coconut pecan bars recipe, it was for a bake-off at a school party. Though I didn’t win first place, my tray had just one bar left. I think that says a lot!
Here are some other delicious recipes perfect for sharing this holiday season:
These homemade cinnamon rolls are fluffy, full of cinnamon, and perfect for Christmas morning! Who needs to spend an arm and a leg for the real thing when you can make these copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars in your own kitchen?! My Nana always made these irresistible molasses gingersnaps at Christmas time. Once you start, you can’t stop!
What is your favorite treat to make this time of year? Tell me all about it in the comment section below! Happy cooking, y’all!
Coconut Pecan Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment, leaving at least 2 inches overhanging on two sides.
- Stir the graham crumbs and melted butter until they clump, then press evenly into the pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the cranberries, raisins, pecans, both chocolate chips and coconut. Stir in the condensed milk; it will be very sticky.
- Spread the mixture over the crust and level it with a spatula.
- Bake 25 minutes, until golden at the edges. Lift out with the parchment and cool completely on a rack; chill before cutting into 24 squares for cleaner bars.
