Handwritten recipe for Tom Thumb Bars
by: salvagedrecipes

Tom Thumb Bars with Coconut, Nuts & Brown Sugar

Tom Thumb Bars
Tom Thumb Bars are a nostalgic layered dessert featuring a tender brown sugar crust topped with a rich, chewy layer of sweet coconut and chopped nuts. This mid-20th century treat likely originated in American home kitchens, combining pantry staples into a comforting, portable dessert. The combination of textures, from the crumbly base to the gooey topping—makes these bars uniquely satisfying. Popular in bake sales and potlucks, they carry the cozy warmth of simpler times and the resourcefulness of vintage baking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars
Calories 315 kcal

Ingredients
  

Crust Layer:

  • ½ cup shortening
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Topping Layer:

  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs (well beaten)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1½ cups shredded coconut
  • 1 cup nuts (coarsely chopped, e.g., walnuts or pecans)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  • In a mixing bowl, cream together shortening, brown sugar, and salt.
  • Add flour and mix until crumbly.
  • Press evenly into a greased 8x12x2 inch baking pan.
  • Bake for 15 minutes until lightly set but not browned.

Step 2: Make the Topping

  • In a clean bowl, combine brown sugar, vanilla, and beaten eggs.
  • Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Fold in coconut and chopped nuts.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

  • Spread the topping mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.
  • Return to oven and bake at 325°F (165°C) for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

  • Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Tips

  • Press the base firmly into the pan for a sturdy bottom layer
  • Toast the coconut lightly before adding for deeper flavor
  • Walnuts or pecans both work well for the chopped nuts
  • Let bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices
  • Line the pan with parchment for easy removal
  • Chill briefly before slicing if topping feels soft
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm spice note
  • Cut smaller squares for cookie trays or dessert platters

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 4.5gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 165mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.4mg
Keyword bake sale classic, brown sugar bars, coconut and nuts, dessert bars, heirloom recipe, retro dessert, vintage baking
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