If you’re craving something sweet, fruity, and with a touch of tropical flair, let me share one of my all-time favorites: this Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of buttery crust, tangy raspberry preserves, and that lovely shredded coconut texture that I just can’t resist. Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to nail this fan-freaking-tastic dessert every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tartness of raspberry preserves mixed with sweet coconut creates a delightful combo.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy stuff needed—just pantry staples you probably already have.
- Great Texture: Buttery crust with a chewy coconut topping that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for these bars at any gathering or just as a treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe really lies in how the ingredients complement one another. Each component adds texture and flavor, making the bars a gorgeously layered dessert that’s still pretty easy to whip up.

- Butter: I always use unsalted and make sure it’s softened, so it creams perfectly with the sugar.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar gives the sweetness and helps the dough create that lovely crust.
- Egg: Brings moisture and binds everything together—using room temp eggs really helps it incorporate smoothly.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the dough.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of our crust; make sure to measure properly to avoid dryness.
- Baking Powder: Just a pinch—helps the bars rise a bit without losing that dense, chewy texture.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Split between the dough and topping for that signature coconut punch.
- Chopped Walnuts: Adds crunch and earthiness; I like to toast them lightly first for extra flavor.
- Raspberry Preserves: Choose your favorite jarred preserves—quality matters here for the best fruity flavor.
- White Baking Chips: They melt into the raspberry topping wonderfully, creating pockets of sweet creaminess.
Variations
I love making this Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe my own depending on the season and what I have on hand. You should definitely feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Nut-Free Version: I swapped out walnuts for sunflower seeds once for a nut-free crowd, and it was still delicious with great crunch.
- Mixed Berry Twist: Sometimes I mix raspberry with a bit of blackberry or strawberry jam, which adds an extra layer of berry goodness.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap white baking chips with dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor contrast—totally indulgent!
- Gluten-Free Option: Using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well here, but the texture shifts just slightly to a more crumbly bar.
How to Make Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar Like a Pro
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, in a large bowl, beat your softened butter and sugar together for about 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and pale. This step really sets the foundation for a tender bar. Don’t rush it—this is where the texture begins.
Step 2: Mix in Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in your room temperature egg and vanilla extract until everything’s well combined. If your egg is too cold, the butter might seize up, so I always crack mine out early to come to room temp—it’s a game changer!
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Coconut
Combine your flour and baking powder in a separate bowl, then gradually add this into the wet mixture. Stir in 1 1/4 cups of the shredded coconut along with the chopped walnuts. I love this part because the smell of coconut and nuts makes my kitchen smell amazing.
Step 4: Layer and Assemble
Press about three-quarters of your dough evenly into a greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Spread the raspberry preserves on top in an even layer, then sprinkle with the white baking chips followed by the remaining 3/4 cup coconut. Crumble the rest of the dough over everything and press down lightly—this layering is what makes it so irresistible!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your bars for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the raspberry filling is bubbly around the edges. I always keep an eye on mine around the 30-minute mark as ovens vary. Once baked, cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars—this step is key to clean slices.
Pro Tips for Making Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe
- Softened Butter is a Must: If your butter is too cold, your batter won’t come together smoothly—take it out early or soften slightly in the microwave in short bursts.
- Even Spreading: Spread the raspberry preserves in a thin, even layer to avoid sogginess or uneven baking.
- Don’t Skip Cooling: Let the bars cool completely before cutting—you’ll get neater bars without crumbling.
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different; start checking the bars at 30 minutes to prevent over-baking and drying out the bars.
How to Serve Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe

Garnishes
I often dust a little powdered sugar on top just before serving for a pretty finish, and sometimes add a few fresh raspberries on the side to echo that delicious fruit flavor. It makes these bars feel extra special, especially for guests.
Side Dishes
This Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance out the tartness. I also love serving it alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea—it’s my perfect afternoon pick-me-up combo!
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings or parties, I like cutting them into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a pretty platter with a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top. It turns a simple bar into a beautiful dessert centerpiece without much extra work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, I store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay wonderfully moist but firm enough to handle. If your kitchen is warm, keeping them in the fridge is a safe bet.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil with great results. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge and they’re ready to enjoy like fresh! Perfect for making ahead for parties or indulging later.
Reheating
If you prefer your Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe a little warm, I recommend a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave or warming in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes—just enough to soften the white chips and release that fresh-baked aroma without drying out the bars.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh raspberries instead of raspberry preserves in this Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe?
Fresh raspberries don’t work quite as well because they release water during baking, which can make the bars soggy. Using preserves gives the bars a nice, thick fruity layer that holds up well. If you prefer fresh fruit, you could try cooking them down into a thick jam first, but preserves are definitely the easiest and most foolproof option.
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Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts or leave them out?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds also add a lovely crunch and toasty flavor. If you’re nut-allergic or prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or try adding seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for texture. Either way, the bars will still be delicious.
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How do I ensure the crust stays buttery and doesn’t dry out?
Make sure not to overbake your bars and always use softened butter for creaming. Also, don’t skip the cooling step—cutting bars while warm can lead to crumbly slices and dryness. A toothpick test near the edges helps you avoid overbaking as well.
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Can I make these Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend typically works great. Just note the texture might be slightly less chewy and more crumbly, but the flavor stays just as amazing. I recommend chilling the dough a bit before pressing it into the pan to help it hold together better.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years because it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether I’m bringing it to a potluck or just craving something sweet after dinner, it never disappoints. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these bars as much as I do—they’re truly the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for anytime you need a little homemade happiness.
Print
Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes plus cooling time
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these luscious Raspberry Bars with Coconut, featuring a buttery coconut and walnut crust layered with sweet raspberry preserves and topped with white baking chips and toasted coconut. Perfectly golden and chewy, these bars are a crowd-pleasing treat for dessert or snacking.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Filling
- 1 jar (12 ounces) raspberry preserves
- 1 cup white baking chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your bars are assembled, allowing for even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is important for a tender, airy crust.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, which adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, then gradually add this to the creamed mixture, mixing well to form a dough.
- Mix in Coconut and Walnuts: Fold in 1 1/4 cups of the shredded coconut along with the chopped walnuts evenly throughout the dough.
- Form Bottom Layer: Press about three-quarters of the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 13×9-inch baking pan, creating the base layer for your bars.
- Spread Raspberry Preserves: Evenly spread the entire jar of raspberry preserves over the dough base, making sure to cover the surface to the edges.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the white baking chips over the raspberry layer, then scatter the remaining 3/4 cup of shredded coconut on top for texture and flavor.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining quarter of the dough over the coconut topping and press it lightly to adhere without compressing it too firmly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bars turn golden brown on top.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into approximately two dozen bars.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- Use raspberry preserves without seeds for a smoother filling texture.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
- For a nut-free version, omit walnuts and add an extra 1/2 cup coconut.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 24 bars)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg


