Raspberry Coconut Oat Bars are a delightful treat, combining the sweetness of raspberries with the rich flavor of coconut and the hearty goodness of oats. Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Raspberry Coconut Oat Bars
Ingredients:
For the Base:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Raspberry Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square baking pan (8×8 inches or a similar size) and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, shredded coconut, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
3. Prepare the Raspberry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and the raspberries break down. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Bars: Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the oat base in the baking pan.
5. Add the Topping: Sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup of shredded coconut evenly over the raspberry layer.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The center may still be a bit soft but will firm up as it cools.
7. Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut into squares or bars of your desired size.
8. Serve: Serve the Raspberry Coconut Oat Bars and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!
These bars are perfect for snacking, dessert, or even as a sweet addition to brunch. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.