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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

If you’re a fan of coconut desserts, these Louisiana Crunch Bars are an easy treat to add to your baking list. They have a simple brown sugar batter and plenty of coconut baked right into the top and bottom, giving the bars a lightly toasted finish. The combo of soft cake and crunchy coconut is just divine!

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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
Louisiana Crunch Bars Vertical 1
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

The batter comes together quickly with melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and a little vanilla and coconut extract. Once the flour and baking powder are mixed in, half of the coconut goes into the bottom of the baking dish before the batter is spooned over it. The rest gets sprinkled on top.

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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
Louisiana Crunch Bars Vertical 9
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

As the bars bake, the coconut toasts around the edges and across the top, while the inside stays soft and chewy. The brown sugar adds a little extra richness without making the bars overly sweet, and the coconut flavor comes through in every bite.

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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
Louisiana Crunch Bars Vertical 19
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

Let the bars cool completely before slicing so they hold together nicely. They’re simple enough for an everyday dessert but also make a nice addition to a holiday cookie tray or a casual get-together. Give the recipe a try and I know they’ll become a favorite!

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