Paradise Bars

By FoodPornDirector

from LA Times and adapted from Bread and Cie in San Diego

Ingredients

• Crust:
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups (6.4 ounces) flour
• Filling and assembly:
• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 1/3 cup (1.4 ounces) flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
• 2 cups pecan pieces

Details

Cooking time 90mins
Adapted from latimes.com

Preparation

Step 1

Crust:

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, or in a large bowl using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the flour and mix well.

3. Place the mixture in a parchment-lined 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking pan, pressing the mixture firmly onto the base of the pan to form a packed, even layer.

4. Bake the crust until lightly golden, about 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside until cool.

Filling and assembly:

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, mix the brown sugar, vanilla and eggs well. Set aside.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Combine the flour mixture with the egg mixture until thoroughly incorporated. Stir in the coconut and pecan pieces.

4. Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly with a spatula. Bake until set, about 40 to 50 minutes. Cool before cutting and serving.