Coconut Chocolate Bars

These bars are three layers of coconut, chocolate and brown sugar bliss!  While the layering may make them seem involved, these bars could not be any quicker or easier to make.  First you start with a brown sugar crust - bake for 10 minutes.  Then sprinkle the chocolate over the crust, put back in the oven for a minute to soften the chocolate, and spread evenly.  Last you make the coconut topping, spread over the chocolate layer, and bake again (be careful not to over bake).  The result is an elegant and delicious bar cookie that is sure to delight and impress!

Coconut Chocolate Bars
Yields 36 bars

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup (1 stick) light butter, cut into chunks
1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 eggs
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Spray a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with cooking spray.  Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, butter and salt until crumbly.  (While messy, I found using fingers works best).  Pat into baking pan and bake for 10 minutes.
3. Sprinkle chocolate pieces over crust and put back in oven for about 1 minute to soften chocolate.  Spread chocolate evenly over crust.
4. In a medium bowl, beat eggs until thick and lemon colored.  Beat in sugar and vanilla.  Combine flour, baking powder and salt and fold into sugar mixture.  Fold in coconut.  Spread evenly over chocolate layer.  Bake 15-20 minutes (be careful not to over bake).  Cool in pan and cut into 3x1-inch bars.

Source: back of C & H brown sugar bag