How to make the ultimate coconut, pecan and shortbread bars

If your idea of happiness includes pecans, coconut and shortbread, we have just the treat for you. This Paradise bar recipe, from Bread & Cie in San Diego, involves a pecan-pie-like filling studded with bits of coconut, baked over a rich and buttery shortbread crust. We liked the recipe so much, we named it one of our Top 10 of 2010.

PARADISE BARS

Total time: About 1 1/2 hours | Serves 12 to 16

Note: Adapted from Bread & Cie.

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

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

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

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.

Each of 16 servings: 451 calories; 5 grams protein; 52 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams fiber; 26 grams fat; 12 grams saturated fat; 76 mg. cholesterol; 38 grams sugar; 136 mg. sodium.

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