Sunday, November 11, 2012

Baked Sunday Mornings: Caramel Coconut Cluster Bars

 
 
The Baked Sunday Morning challenge this week is from the newer cookbook Baked Elements. This cookie, which is actually much more like a candy bar, was not too difficult to make but very time intensive. From toasting the coconut to making the shortbread crust then patiently waiting for the caramel to get to the right temp, waiting 3 hours for them to cool and set and another 15-20 minutes for the chocolate to harden it was an all day affair!
These bars are pretty decadent and rich, the shortbread is quite good, the caramel layer is soft and luscious and the chocolate tops them off quite nicely. I always make the recipe just as it reads the first time, but if I were to make these again I would not make as much caramel, that layer was a bit too thick and it was out of balance with the rest of the flavors. These are suppose to be inspired by the Girl Scout Samoa cookie. I have never had one of those (I am a thin mint gal) so I can't really judge.
 
 
 
All in all these were a pretty tasty treat. They are going to work with my husband tomorrow!! Need to get these babies out of the house!
To get the recipe and to see what the other bakers did with this challenge go here.
 
As Always
Enjoy!
 


7 comments:

  1. Chelly - these look great! We really enjoyed these & I'm sure to make them again.

    Enjoy your week!

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  2. Chelly, your bars look lovely!

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  3. I'm the same - thin mints for me, if I'm going to eat GS cookies. But still, I liked the combination - and yours are so pretty!

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  4. Your bars look great. I agree, they are decadent. My hubbie thinks they should have been cut into bit size pieces. (think that might be a good idea....shhh don't tell him) :o)

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  5. I never liked Samoas, but these I could handle since I could control the amount of toasting on the coconut (I like toasted, but regular coconut grosses me out). I had to get mine out of the house as well! :)

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  6. Awesome looking bars! As a former Girl Scout who sold cookies for 8 years, it was always about the Samoa for me...Thin Mints a close second. Bite size makes more sense to me as well, I think they would be easier to eat!

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  7. Gorgeous close-up photos-- Makes me want to eat a couple of things for lunch!! :)

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