The Beach House Kitchen

Gluten-Free Coconut Dream Bars

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These decadent Gluten-Free Coconut Dream Bars are a layered, chocolate dessert treat that’s perfect for EASTER!

Overhead photo of Gluten-Free Coconut Dream Bars on a marble background

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Bob’s Red Mill. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make The Beach House Kitchen possible.

Happy Spring folks!

Has everyone been enjoying some gorgeous spring-like weather?

I’ve been enjoying anything but. We got clobbered yesterday with yet another Nor-easter. I love snow as much as the next guy, but when the first day of spring rolls around, that’s where I draw the line!

A stack of three Gluten-Free Coconut Dream Bars on a white pedestal cake plate.

This time of year I’d rather be thinking of pretty spring flowers, warmer temps and when I’ll be packing away all my winter clothes until next year! Sayonara hats and scarves, it’s been real!

And when Easter rolls around, I always think coconut. When I was growing up there was always a chocolate covered coconut cream Easter egg in my basket courtesy of the Easter Bunny. It has always been one of my favorite Easter treats.

A bag of Bob's Red Mill's Coconut and Rolled Oats with coconut, oats and caramels in separate bowls.

So when Bob’s Red Mill asked me to create a recipe for spring using their Unsweetened Shredded Coconut, I knew I’d have to create something special to rival that coveted Coconut Cream Egg. I use Bob’s coconut in all of my baking. It’s my favorite, so I’m so excited to share it with you guys today. It’s naturally sweet, has no added sulfur and no preservatives.

Gluten-Free Coconut Dream Bars on light tan parchment paper.

It’s perfect in my new favorite Easter treat! These Gluten-Free Coconut Dream Bars. And believe me, they’re just that. Absolutely DREAMY! They’ve got four delicious layers that come together into one fabulous dessert bar!

Collage of four photos of each layer for Gluten-Free Coconut Dream Bars

The bottom layer is a pecan/oat crust. I used Bob’s Gluten-Free Organic Old Fashioned Oats so these could also be enjoyed by those who follow a gluten-free meal plan. Bob’s Gluten-Free Oats are handled in a special gluten-free facility and milled from the highest quality farm-fresh oats. The next layer is my fave. The coconut layer. I toasted Bob’s Unsweetened Shredded Coconut and mixed it with some sweetened condensed milk. I think toasting the coconut gives it an amazing nutty flavor.

Ingredients for Gluten-Free Coconut Dream Bars in individual bowls on a marble background.

Next up, the layer of caramel. I mean can you ever go wrong with a layer of caramel? I think not. And it’s only a mixture of two ingredients; caramel squares and some heavy cream melted together until smooth. And lastly, a topping of rich dark chocolate, or any chocolate that happens to your favorite, mixed with some heavy whipping cream and butter.

So while the kids enjoy whatever treats the Easter Bunny brings for them. you can enjoy a few of these decadent little beauties! Hope they become your favorite too! Enjoy!

Overhead photo of Gluten-Free Coconut Dream Bars cut into squares

 

Overhead photo of Coconut Dream Bars on a marble background
Print
Coconut Dream Bars
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Chilling time
2 hrs
Total Time
50 mins
 

These decadent Gluten-Free Coconut Dream Bars are a layered treat that's perfect for EASTER!

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16 bars
Calories: 320 kcal
Ingredients
Oat/Pecan Crust
  • 1 1/2 cups Old Fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup pecan halves
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1/4 tsp. sea salt
  • 7 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
Coconut Layer
  • 3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
Caramel Layer
  • 1 11-oz. bag caramels
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Chocolate Layer
  • 3 Tbsp. heavy whipping cream
  • 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 4 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

  2. Oat/Pecan Crust: In a food processor, pulse the oats and the pecans until mixture resembles a fine crumble. Add the brown sugar and salt and pulse a few more times until combined. Place mixture in a bowl and add the melted butter. Mix with a fork until well combined. Press dough into the prepared pan. Bake on the middle rack of oven for 15 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.

  3. Coconut Layer: Spread coconut on a large baking sheet and toast in oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned, tossing with a spatula to promote even browning. Keep a close eye, because it goes from lightly browned to burnt rather quickly. Remove from oven. Let cool for a few minutes, then stir in the can of sweetened condensed milk until well combined. Spread mixture evenly on top of oat/pecan crust. Place in refrigerator.

  4. Caramel Layer: Combine caramels and heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until caramels have melted and mixture is well combined. Pour mixture over top of coconut layer and spread evenly. Place in refrigerator until caramel has set, about 15 minutes.

  5. Chocolate Layer: In a small saucepan, heat whipping cream and butter to a boil over medium heat; turn off heat. Add dark chocolate and let stand 5 minutes without stirring. After 5 minutes, stir with wire whisk until mixture is totally melted and smooth. Pour over caramel layer, spreading evenly. Let stand at room temperature for one hour, then refrigerate for at least two hours before cutting into bars. Cover and refrigerate remaining bars.

Nutrition Facts
Coconut Dream Bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 320 Calories from Fat 252
% Daily Value*
Fat 28g43%
Saturated Fat 18g113%
Cholesterol 28mg9%
Sodium 42mg2%
Potassium 199mg6%
Carbohydrates 16g5%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 325IU7%
Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
Calcium 26mg3%
Iron 1.9mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Comments

  1. Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says

    I LOVE that you made these gluten free and they do look totally dreamy. I am a huge fan of Bob’s Red Mill and find all of their products to be of the highest quality. It makes baking so much easier when you have trustworthy products like this. These babies are right up my alley with the caramel and chocolate. Can’t wait to try these out!

    Reply

  4. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    It snowed here yesterday too, Mare! Nothing like snow to welcome spring, right? Lol. Needless to say, this season NEEDS all the Coconut Dream Bars!! These look absolutely delicious, my dear! I’m a huge fan of coconut, so these look dangerous in the very best way! Pinned! Cheers!

    Reply

  10. Michele @ Bacon Fatte says

    You’re a girl after my own heart, Mary Ann… Coconut is always one of my “first signs of spring,” too! I’m planning all healthier, homemade goodies for Easter this year, and your delicious dream bars are perfect for me and my fellow coconut + caramel + chocolate lovers! I can’t wait!

    Reply

    • Mary Ann says

      Coconut is always the first thing that comes to mind when I plan out my Easter desserts Michele! And the coconut, chocolate, caramel combo is amazing! I may have eaten one too many of these!

      Reply

  11. Leanne | Crumb Top Baking says

    Chocolate coconut desserts are a favourite in our house! And I’m right there with you regarding coconut and Easter. One of my favourite treats is a coconut cream egg covered in dark chocolate. I’m thinking I may make these bars as my Easter treats for family instead of buying chocolate treats! Thanks for a great recipe Mary Ann!

    Reply

  14. Marissa says

    What a beautiful dessert! So perfect for Easter – I always think of coconut too. I love Bob’s Red Mill products, such great quality. Making my grocery list now!

    Reply

  23. Christina says

    Yeah, these dream bars would last less than a nanosecond at my house. They look AMAZING!!! I adore coconut so I’m loving all the coconut based recipes food bloggers are creating. It’s like I’ve died and gone to coconut-y heaven! YUM!

    Reply

  29. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says

    I am so ready for spring too! We haven’t had a nor-easter here, but we have had several inches of new snow! I am ready to garden! I guess the only positive is I can stay in the kitchen and do more baking! These coconut dream bars look amazing! I’m putting them on my baking list!

    Reply

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