Coconut bars are one of the foods that bring back so many childhood memories for me. My mom made them all the time. They were one of her go to recipes because they contained everyday ingredients that she always had on hand. They were also an inexpensive and very easy dessert to make and she made them often.
I knew coconut bars were one of those food that I needed to make gluten free, but I was afraid to. I did not think I could make something that matched my childhood memories, but after almost two years of gluten free eating, and not having my mom’s coconut bars, I knew it was time to try adapting them.
And now I am wondering what took me so long to try it.
These turned out so good. They are just like I remember. They are perfect. I am not sure you could even tell they the difference if you ate them side by side with the original recipe. Really they are that good.
If you love old fashioned type desserts and if you love coconut, you need to give these a try.
Gluten Free Coconut Bars
My mom's tried and true coconut bar made gluten free.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- ¼ cup and 2 Tablespoon sorghum flour
- ¼ cup and 2 Tablespoon potato starch
- ¼ cup tapioca flour
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups coconut
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine all ingredients, except coconut, and mix well. You want to mix this by hand. It really turns out better mixed by hand and not with a mixer.
- Add coconut and stir until combined
- Spread batter into a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 28-30 minutes.
- Cool and cut into squares.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
15Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 219Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 222mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 1gSugar: 28gProtein: 1g
Nutritional values are approximate and aren't always accurate.
Although my kids aren’t big fans of coconut, I might have to try making these sometime. Your gf version look just like I remember.
Thank you for posting these! I made these last night for a work function today and they have been a great hit. You did a very good job adapting your recipe. Most people who tried them didn’t know they were gluten free and several people told me they were their favorite dessert on the table today! I’m pretty new to GF so I’m still building my collection of go-to recipes, and I know these will be a keeper. Thanks again. You really made my day with these. 🙂
Thank you for letting me know how much you enjoy them. You made my day. 🙂 I love adapting recipes so that regular eaters cannot tell that they are gluten free. Comments like yours make it all worth it, so thank you!
Aw. Well, you deserve it. I might try using your ratios as a base for experimenting with other flavorings/mix ins. If I turn up anything good I’ll pass it on to you!
I made these yesterday afternoon — and I messed up! They were in the oven when I realized I hadn’t added the baking powder – ooops! They still tasted great though – but more like a cookie. Next time I will watch what I am doing and add the baking powder – I’m sure they will be even better!!
I see coconut and I screech to a halt! Thank you for these. I am MOST excited to try them. I still remember my first taste of coconut as a child and, like chocolate and dill pickles, it started me on a lifelong pursuit to get as much of it as I could any where I could – – and in any form, be it coconut cream, coconut flavor, fresh coconuts, coconut milk, flaked coconut, macaroons, coconut oil, etc.. I’m 65 and it’s a lucious venture. Thank you.
Do you use sweetened or unsweetened coconut?
I use what I have, which is usually sweetened, but either one should work.
Awesome; thanks Lynn!
I was looking for a quick dessert and came across this recipe. I didn’t have the flours mentioned in the recipe so I just used the gf flour I had and adapted it to the measurements used in your recipe. I know I’m supposed to let it cool first but I had to sample a little and all I can say is AWESOME best coconut bar I’ve ever had and don’t know if it will get a chance to cool. Can’t wait to make it for my mom who loves coconut. Thank you for sharing!
Oh I am so glad you enjoyed it and that you let me know! My family has been making coconut bars for years and I love it when other people discover them. The gf version is one of our favorite desserts to make and take places because no one can tell they are gluten free. Thanks again for letting me know.