Dream Bars are a beloved vintage treat, often found in old-fashioned family cookbooks. These layered dessert bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a sweet, chewy layer rich in coconut, nuts, and brown sugar. Popular in mid-century America, Dream Bars were a staple at bake sales, holiday gatherings, and potlucks. Their dreamy texture and caramel-coconut flavor made them a household favorite. This recipe’s charm lies in its simplicity and the nostalgic flavors it evokes.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup flour
For the topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs (well beaten)
- 2 tbsp flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the crust
- Mix butter, brown sugar, and flour together.
- Press into a greased baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Make the topping
- Combine brown sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in coconut and chopped nuts.
- Spread evenly over the partially baked crust.
Step 3: Final bake
- Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 20 minutes.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips
- Substitute chopped almonds or pecans for the walnuts for a twist.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract to the topping for extra depth.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking for a sweeter version.
- For gluten-free, use almond flour in both crust and topping.
Nutrition
Calories: 312kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 145mgPotassium: 136mgFiber: 2gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 42IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 86mgIron: 2mg
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