Every once in a while, I get a little obsessed with a flavor combination. These past couple weeks, it’s been chocolate and coconut. There’s just something about dark, velvety chocolate and crunchy toasted coconut. isn’t there? First, let me talk about toasting. Toasting coconut really, really makes a difference. Trust me, I’m a bit of a lazy cooks at times, but I never skip this step because of how much more flavorful the end result is. The same goes for slithered almonds- they taste that much better when slightly golden and toasted. In fact, just the smell of them while they’re toasting in the pan reminds you what flavor you’re actually cooking with.
These bars turned out to be delicious! They’re not too sweet, and the combination of chocolate ganache, toasted coconut and chocolate base was really a winner. I’m planning out my Christmas baking packages, and this will be a great addition. Cut in smaller bit-size pieces they should be a great addition to my ever-growing list of must-bakes for the Holidays.
We bought our Christmas tree this weekend, and it has to be the nicest tree I’ve had with Oliver. It’s plump yet elegant, and is just waiting to be dressed. I have a batch if gingerbread batter in the fridge waiting to be transformed into tree ornaments – it’s hard not to be in the Christmas spirit now!
Coconut-Chocolate Bars
Adapted from BBC Good Food
100 grams (1 stick) of softened butter
100 grams (1/2 cup) of granulated sugar
2 eggs, beaten
140 grams (1 cup) of self-rising flour
1 tsp of baking powder
2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
2 tablespoons of milk
Ganache:
1/4 cup of bittersweet chocolate chips
A good splash of heavy cream
100 g of dessicated coconut
Preheat your oven to 350F. Butter and line and 20cm square tin.
Cream the softened butter and sugar with a hand mixer until pale and creamy (about 2 minutes). Add the eggs and beat until just combined.
Sieve in the flour, baking powder and cocoa. Beat in the milk. Place the batter in the tin making sure it’s evenly distributed in the pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the cake springs back when pressed.
Let the cake cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin.
While the cake is cooling, make the chocolate ganache. Using a double boiler, gently melt chocolate. Once melted, transfer chocolate to a small bowl and add a good splash of heavy cream. Whisk until the cream is fully incorporated.
Place a pan on medium heat. Add the coconut to the pan and stir until the coconut turn lightly golden. Remove from the heat. Stay close to the pan when toasted the coconut because it can burn easily. Remove from the heat as soon as the coconut is golden as it will continue to cook if left in the warm pan.
Cut the cake into small squares. Using a spoon, add a dollop of chocolate to the top of each square and spread to create an even layer. Sprinkle with toasted coconut. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Enjoy!
Enjoy the read!
Amanda
December 2, 2009 at 2:17 pm (14 years ago)I too am a fan of chocolate and coconut. The rich flavor of chocolate and crunchy texture of coconut flakes are a wonderful mixture. I think these would be a welcomed addition to my holiday spread.
Trissa
December 2, 2009 at 3:01 pm (14 years ago)200% agree – I love roasted coconut and it does make a big difference. I always use it in savoury food though – what a great idea to add in a sweet! Thanks!
Dawn
December 2, 2009 at 4:07 pm (14 years ago)I am a huge lover of coconut. I go crazy with it on my food blog. These do look wonderful!
Chanel
December 2, 2009 at 6:52 pm (14 years ago)Oh my goodness, I am craving one of these now!
Azusa
December 2, 2009 at 9:17 pm (14 years ago)Beautiful recipe! I adore the chocolate/coconut combo. I’ll must try this!
Foodie with Little Thyme!
December 2, 2009 at 9:43 pm (14 years ago)Wow! Beautiful!
Rebecca
December 2, 2009 at 9:47 pm (14 years ago)LOVING THE CHOCOLATE/COCONUT COMBO! It really looks delicious!
Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets
December 3, 2009 at 12:14 am (14 years ago)Definitely understand what it’s like to get stuck on flavor combinations. I love the way the toasted coconut contrasts with the dark chocolate in your photos.
Olive
December 3, 2009 at 1:55 am (14 years ago)I am a COCONUT-NUT and a chocoholic too..and these look so yummy, it’s making me crave for some too!
Nina Timm
December 3, 2009 at 2:24 am (14 years ago)I love coconut and toasted is the best way to enjoy it.Paired with dark chocolate, it could only have been heavenly!!
Cikolata Agaci
December 3, 2009 at 2:29 am (14 years ago)This receipt is great and easy to understand! Definitely I’ll try and I think I can eat all of them (: Thank you!
ali @ gimme some oven
December 3, 2009 at 11:25 am (14 years ago)These look DELICIOUS!!!
I’m also a big coconut+chocolate fan. Lately, it’s been my favorite flavor combo for bubble tea — fun!
Mary
December 3, 2009 at 12:06 pm (14 years ago)Oh, my goodness! These look most excellent. I have to give them a try when things slow down here.
CookiePie
December 3, 2009 at 4:41 pm (14 years ago)Delicious — LOVE chocolate and coconut together!! These bars look especially yummy!
El
December 4, 2009 at 12:01 am (14 years ago)I thought I died and went to heaven when I saw these photos. What I wouldn’t give for one right now. Let’s just say I’ll be making them this weekend!
Deborah
December 4, 2009 at 1:43 pm (14 years ago)I’m always in the mood for chocolate and coconut!
pigpigscorner
December 5, 2009 at 9:45 am (14 years ago)I’m not a huge fan of coconut flakes but it does make a different when it comes to food decor. The bars look great!
Barbara
December 5, 2009 at 12:47 pm (14 years ago)I wish I wasn’t reading this when I am hungry!!!
Love chocolate and coconut together.
peasepudding
December 5, 2009 at 4:19 pm (14 years ago)They look delicious and topped with ganache and coconut, what more could a girl ask for ;o)
Katerina
December 5, 2009 at 6:24 pm (14 years ago)OMG These look amazing! I guess I will have to learn to adapt a british recipe (self-raising flour and the like)
Grace
December 6, 2009 at 3:40 am (14 years ago)i get easily obsessed, too, and chocolate and coconut is one obsession that i do believe is permanent. these bars are OUTSTANDING.
Maya
December 6, 2009 at 9:01 am (14 years ago)I am big fan of coconut and am looking for new recipes to try this year. Yep, this is bookmarked!
Dodol & Mochi
December 6, 2009 at 1:05 pm (14 years ago)Regret that I didn’t find out your blog earlier … It’s full of goodies!! What a gem!
Pei-Lin
Dodol & Mochi
December 6, 2009 at 1:05 pm (14 years ago)Regret that I didn’t find out your blog earlier … It’s full of goodies!! What a gem!
Pei-Lin
Dodol & Mochi
December 6, 2009 at 1:05 pm (14 years ago)Regret that I didn’t find out your blog earlier … It’s full of goodies!! What a gem!
Pei-Lin
Chocolate Shavings
December 6, 2009 at 2:25 pm (14 years ago)Dodol & Mochi: Thanks, and let me know if you get to try any of the recipes!
Maya: Let me know what you think of them, I’ll be making a new batch soon!
Ellie
December 7, 2009 at 4:50 am (14 years ago)Lovely chocolate bar. I love chocolate with coconut. Very moreish. Great photographs.
zurin
December 7, 2009 at 12:38 pm (14 years ago)Oh Yum YUm…i love toasted coconut. Here we use that in savoury foods too. really good. Those choc bars look delicious!!
len
December 9, 2009 at 5:36 pm (14 years ago)They look like I could eat them right off the screen 🙂 Yummy
Jo
December 10, 2009 at 9:12 am (14 years ago)Wow, chocolate and coconut .. what a delicious combination. The bars look scrumptious and beautiful photos as well.
Coconut Recipes
December 10, 2009 at 3:04 pm (14 years ago)Looks delicious!
Cikolata Agaci
January 18, 2010 at 5:53 am (14 years ago)Yesterday I could make the same as yours.Thank you for this receipt! These bars are very delicious (:
http://cikolatagaci.blogspot.com/2010/01/hindistan-cevizi-cikolata-dilimleri.html
Elizabeth
July 18, 2010 at 3:46 pm (14 years ago)This looks so beyond yummy! I love coconut and chocolate so im guessing this would be a definite hit!