Oatmeal Coconut Raspberry Bars

veruca salt's Note:

I received this recipe from a friend,when I told her I wanted to make something for everyone at work. This was fantastic and a big hit at my job. I will definitely make these again--not only for work (though they keep bugging me for more), but for all occasions.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 24

• 1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Spread 3/4 cup coconut evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Toast in middle of oven, stirring once, until golden, about 8 minutes, and then cool.
4. Blend together flour, sugars, and salt in food processor.
5. Then add butter and blend until a dough begins to form.
6. Transfer to a bowl and knead in oats and toasted coconut until well combined.
7. Reserve 3/4 cup of dough.
8. Press remainder of dough evenly into bottom of a buttered 13x9-inch metal baking pan.
9. Spread jam over it.
10. Crumble reserved dough evenly over jam.
11. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup untoasted coconut.
12. Bake in middle of oven until golden, 20-25 minutes.
13. Cool completely in pan on a rack.
14. Loosen from sides of pan with a sharp knife.
15. Lift out in one piece and transfer to a cutting board.
16. Cut into 24 bars.
17. Note: Bars can be made 3 days ahead and kept in an airtight container.

Reviews

[ladyfingers]

The food processor is a good idea--it makes quick preparation time of these delicious bars. I used Solo raspberry filling instead of jam. Mine were a little crumbly, so taking them out in one piece (as directed in step #15) was impossible. That didn't matter; the good taste is what counts. Thanks, veruca salt!

[Breezytoo]

Made these for my husband to take to a potluck at work and everyone loved them! Such an easy bar to put together that bakes up so nice,thanks for sharing!

[Sydney Mike]

Loved the combo of raspberry & coconut in these bars ~ VERY TASTY, & a great addition to my bar-&-cookie layout! Thanks for sharing a great recipe! [Tagged, made & reviewed in Zaar Chef Alphabet Soup cooking game]