Hawaiian Joy Bars
With the hint of rum plus the nuts and coconut, these bars are like a trip to the islands. I served them to my family and at my work and church, and I always hear murmurs of appreciation.
With the hint of rum plus the nuts and coconut, these bars are like a trip to the islands. I served them to my family and at my work and church, and I always hear murmurs of appreciation.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup butter melted
- 1 teaspoon shortening
- 1/3 cup rum
- 2-1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips divided
- 1 package (10 to 12 ounces) white baking chips
- 1-1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1-1/2 cups macadamia nuts chopped
- 1 ounce white candy coating melted
- Carbohydrate 314.198785110363 g
- Cholesterol 915.113893178032 mg
- Fat 197.418808344278 g
- Fiber 3.37941673057171 g
- Protein 29.8447716781638 g
- Saturated Fat 120.918904885729 g
- Serving Size 1 1 dozen. (813g)
- Sodium 3183.31500268214 mg
- Sugar 310.819368379792 g
- Trans Fat 15.0577405439631 g
- Calories 3198 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, stir the butter, brown sugar, eggs, rum and vanilla until well blended.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to butter mixture.
- Stir in 2 cups chocolate chips, white chips, coconut and nuts.
- Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack.
- In a microwave, melt shortening with remaining chocolate chips; drizzle over bars.
- Drizzle candy coating over bars.
- Store in an airtight container.
My Hawaiian Escape: A Recipe for Joy (and Delicious Bars!)
As a busy working mom, finding time for myself is a luxury. But even amidst the chaos of school runs, work deadlines, and endless to-do lists, I carve out moments of pure, unadulterated joy. And one of those moments? Baking. Specifically, baking these Hawaiian Joy Bars. They're my little escape, a taste of paradise in the middle of a hectic week.
The recipe itself is deceptively simple, yet the outcome is nothing short of magical. The combination of rich, melted butter, sweet brown sugar, and the subtle hint of rum creates a base that's both comforting and exciting. Then, the addition of chocolate chips (both semisweet and white!), toasted coconut, and crunchy macadamia nuts elevates these bars to a whole other level. They’re chewy, they're decadent, and they're utterly irresistible. I've lost count of the times I've brought these to potlucks, office gatherings, or even just shared them with friends and family—and every time, they disappear faster than you can say "Aloha!"
The best part? These bars are surprisingly easy to make. The process is straightforward, even for novice bakers. It’s a perfect recipe for a relaxing weekend afternoon, a chance to unwind and create something delicious that will brighten everyone's day. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a tropical beach, where the only worry is deciding whether to take another dip in the ocean or grab another one of these heavenly bars. Each bite is a miniature vacation, a moment of pure bliss amidst the everyday grind.
I often find myself reminiscing about the times I’ve shared these bars. The smiles on my kids' faces as they devour them, the appreciative murmurs from colleagues, the happy chatter at church potlucks—these are the moments that make baking so rewarding. More than just a recipe, it's a way to connect with others, to share a piece of happiness, a taste of paradise. And that, my friends, is priceless.
So, the next time you need a little escape, a little joy, a little taste of the islands, reach for this recipe. Trust me, it's worth it. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine; it's the perfect blend of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy, and the rum adds a touch of sophistication without being overpowering. It’s a recipe I’ll always cherish, a little piece of my own personal paradise, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
More than just a recipe, these Hawaiian Joy Bars represent a commitment to creating moments of joy, to sharing happiness with the people I love, and to embracing the simple pleasures in life. And in a world that's often overwhelming, sometimes that's exactly what we need.
So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite music, and get ready to bake your way to paradise. One bite at a time, you'll find yourself transported to a place where the only thing you have to worry about is whether you’ll have enough room for seconds (or thirds!). Happy baking!
