When it comes to indulging in delicious treats, nothing quite hits the spot like a beautifully layered Samoa Bar. A delightful combination of flavors, these bars feature a crumbly cookie base, a rich layer of caramel and coconut, and a decadent topping of melted chocolate. The result is a sweet treat that's perfect for any occasion, from a simple afternoon snack to a grand dessert for a special celebration.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry items, there are a couple that you might need to pick up. Chewy caramels are key to achieving the gooey caramel layer in these bars. You might also need to buy coconut, which brings a tropical flavor and a nice texture contrast to the bars. When shopping, opt for unsweetened coconut to avoid the bars becoming overly sweet.
Ingredients Needed For The Delicious Samoa Bars
Sugar: The sweet base of any delicious dessert, providing the primary sweetness in the cookie dough base.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cookie dough base.
Egg: Helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the cookie dough a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Offers a depth of flavor and enhances the taste of the other ingredients.
All-purpose flour: The primary structural ingredient in the cookie base.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Coconut: Provides a tropical flavor and a contrasting texture in the caramel layer.
Chewy caramels: Creates the gooey caramel layer that is characteristic of Samoa bars.
Milk: Used to assist in melting the caramels and adds a touch of creaminess.
Chocolate chips: Melted and used to create the decadent chocolate topping.
One reader, Alecia Gunter says:
I recently tried the samoas bars recipe and it was a hit! The combination of the chewy caramel, toasted coconut, and chocolate was absolutely divine. The bars were easy to make and tasted just like the classic Girl Scout cookies. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a delicious treat!
Techniques Required for Making Samoas Bars
How to toast coconut: Spread the coconut on a baking sheet and cook, turning occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes until the tops are slightly golden.
How to melt caramels: Unwrap the caramels and place them in a microwave-safe dish. Add the milk and salt, then microwave until melted, stirring every 30 seconds.
How to melt chocolate: Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until melted.
How to line a pan with parchment paper: Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan, allowing the edges to overhang for easy removal. Smooth the paper to fit the pan.
How To Make Samoas Bars
Have a delightful bite of these delicious and rich Samoas Bars that offer buttery, chocolatey, and caramel-y flavors in one, drizzled with melted chocolate!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupsugar
- ¾cupbutter,softened
- 1large egg
- ½tspvanilla extract
- 2cupsall-purpose flour
- ¼tspsalt,plus an additional ¼ tsp
- 3cupscoconut,shredded
- 12ozchewy caramels
- 3tbspmilk
- 20ozchocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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To make the cookie base, cream together the butter and sugar.
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Next, add the eggs and vanilla.
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Then add the flour and salt until combined. It will be crumbly and that is okay.
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For easier removal, line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
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Press the cookie dough base in the bottom.
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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes and allow to cool.
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Toast the coconut by laying on a baking sheet and cooking turning occasionally for 10 to 15 minutes until the tops are slightly golden.
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Remove from oven and set aside.
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Unwrap the caramels (or use the baking caramel bits) and put them into a microwave-safe dish.
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Add the milk and salt. Microwave until melted stirring every 30 seconds.
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Once melted, add the toasted coconut and spread over the cookie base.
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Allow to cool completely.
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Remove the bars from the pan and cut them into the desired shape.
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Melt the chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, and dip the bottom of each square in the chocolate.
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Or spread the bottom with a spoon, if too crumbly. Lay them on fresh parchment paper.
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Put the remaining chocolate in a zip lock bag and snip the corner.
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Pipe lines of chocolate on each square.
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Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 476.13kcal
- Fat: 24.20g
- Saturated Fat: 15.75g
- Trans Fat: 0.42g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.93g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.25g
- Carbohydrates: 61.25g
- Fiber: 2.73g
- Sugar: 43.48g
- Protein: 5.36g
- Cholesterol: 41.59mg
- Sodium: 122.73mg
- Calcium: 82.47mg
- Potassium: 126.53mg
- Iron: 1.62mg
- Vitamin A: 81.63µg
- Vitamin C: 0.79mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Samoas Bars
When toasting the coconut, keep a close eye on it as it can easily burn. Stir it occasionally to ensure even toasting. The toasted coconut not only adds a crunchy texture to the samoas bars but also enhances its flavor, giving it a rich, nutty taste.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Samoas Bars
Prepare the cookie dough: To save time, consider preparing the cookie dough in advance and storing it in the refrigerator. This way, when you're ready to make the bars, the dough is already prepared and you can simply press it into the pan.
Use store-bought caramel: Opt for store-bought chewy caramels or caramel bits instead of making caramel from scratch. This will significantly reduce the time and effort required for the recipe.
Opt for pre-toasted coconut: Save time by purchasing pre-toasted coconut. This eliminates the need to toast the coconut yourself, streamlining the recipe preparation.
Chill the bars in the freezer: After assembling the bars, place them in the freezer to expedite the chocolate hardening process, allowing you to serve the bars more quickly.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly and efficiently mix the cookie dough, saving time and effort compared to mixing by hand.
Cut the bars efficiently: Use a sharp knife and cut the bars in a swift, confident manner to achieve clean, uniform shapes without spending excess time on precision.
Substitute Ingredients For Samoas Bars Recipe
sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener that can be used as a 1:1 replacement for regular sugar. It has a slightly caramel-like flavor which can complement the other ingredients in the recipe.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter. It adds a subtle coconut flavor and works well in baking recipes.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg: To replace one egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This acts as a binding agent similar to eggs.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour and can add a nutty flavor to the bars.
coconut - Substitute with chopped nuts: Chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts can provide a crunchy texture similar to coconut.
chewy caramels - Substitute with date caramel: Date caramel can be made by blending dates with a little water to create a sticky, sweet caramel-like filling.
milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a rich and creamy texture to the recipe, and it complements the coconut flavor in the bars.
chocolate chips - Substitute with cacao nibs: Cacao nibs are small pieces of crushed cacao beans and can be used as a less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor alternative to chocolate chips.
Presentation Ideas for Samoas Bars
Elevate the plating: When presenting the samoas bars, consider using a clean, white plate to allow the vibrant colors of the bars to stand out. The contrast will make the bars visually appealing and appetizing.
Incorporate garnishes: Add a touch of elegance by incorporating edible flowers or mint leaves as a garnish. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a subtle hint of freshness to the overall presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to create a visually striking presentation. This will allow the samoas bars to take center stage and showcase their textures and layers.
Play with height: Experiment with the height of the bars by stacking them in a pyramid or creating a layered effect. This will add dimension to the presentation and create a visually dynamic arrangement.
Incorporate chocolate drizzle: Use a delicate hand to drizzle a fine, artistic pattern of chocolate over the samoas bars. This will add a touch of sophistication and create an enticing visual appeal.
Consider the use of gold leaf: For an opulent touch, delicately place edible gold leaf on the plate to add a luxurious and extravagant element to the presentation of the samoas bars.
Essential Tools for Making Samoas Bars
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It can be used to make cookie dough, grind nuts, and blend ingredients for various recipes.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool used for combining ingredients, mixing batters, and preparing various components of a recipe. It comes in different sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or plastic.
- 9x13-inch pan: A 9x13-inch pan is a standard baking dish used for making bars, brownies, and sheet cakes. It provides a uniform baking surface and is essential for creating evenly baked treats.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet, also known as a cookie sheet, is a flat, metal pan used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods. It allows for even heat distribution and is often lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Microwave-safe dish: A microwave-safe dish is a container that can be used to heat or cook food in the microwave without causing damage. It is typically made of glass, ceramic, or microwave-safe plastic.
- Zip lock bag: A zip lock bag, or resealable plastic bag, is a convenient tool for piping chocolate, icing, or other ingredients. It can be filled with melted chocolate and used to drizzle or decorate desserts.
Storing and Freezing Samoas Bars
Allow the samoas bars to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or sticky.
Place a layer of parchment paper between each layer of bars to prevent them from sticking together. This will make it easier to remove individual bars when you're ready to serve them.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you live in a humid environment, consider storing them in the refrigerator to prevent the caramel and chocolate from becoming too soft.
To freeze the bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to serve the frozen bars, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before unwrapping them. This will help prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the bars, which can make them soggy.
If you want to keep the bars fresh for longer, consider storing them in the refrigerator and bringing them to room temperature before serving. This will help maintain their texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Samoas Bars
To reheat leftover Samoas bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warm and the chocolate is slightly melted. This method will help restore the crispiness of the cookie base and the gooeyness of the caramel layer.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the Samoas bars on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as the chocolate may burn, and the caramel could become too runny.
For a crispy texture, you can also reheat the bars in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the Samoas bars in the basket. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they don't burn.
If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the Samoas bars in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8-10 minutes. This method will gently warm the bars without making the cookie base too crispy.
For a quick and easy method, you can also enjoy leftover Samoas bars at room temperature. Simply remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the chocolate and caramel to soften slightly, making the bars easier to bite into and enjoy.
Interesting Fact About Samoas Bars
The Samoa bars are a popular Girl Scout cookie, known for their caramel, coconut, and chocolate flavors. They are inspired by the traditional Samoas cookie and are a delicious homemade alternative.
Is Making Samoas Bars at Home Cost-Effective?
This samoas bars recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of common ingredients like sugar, butter, and flour keeps the cost reasonable. However, the quantity of chewy caramels and chocolate chips may slightly elevate the overall cost. Considering the yield and the satisfaction it brings, the recipe rates a solid 8 out of 10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a reasonable indulgence for a special treat.
Are Samoas Bars Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Samoas bars recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here are a few reasons why:
- The recipe is high in sugar, with 1/2 cup of sugar in the cookie base and an additional 12 oz of caramels, which are essentially just sugar and cream.
- It also contains a significant amount of butter (3/4 cup), which is high in saturated fat.
- The recipe calls for 20 oz of chocolate chips, adding even more sugar and fat to the bars.
- While coconut does contain some healthy fats, the 3 cups used in this recipe are likely overshadowed by the less healthy ingredients.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the cookie base by half and use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol for the remaining amount.
- Replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Use unsweetened shredded coconut instead of sweetened to reduce the sugar content further.
- Opt for dark chocolate chips with a high percentage of cocoa (70% or above) instead of milk chocolate, as dark chocolate contains less sugar and more antioxidants.
- Reduce the amount of caramel used or make a healthier homemade version using dates, coconut milk, and a touch of salt.
- Cut the bars into smaller portions to encourage mindful eating and portion control.
Editor's Opinion on Samoas Bars Recipe
The Samoas bars recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Girl Scout cookie. The combination of buttery cookie base, chewy caramel, and toasted coconut creates a symphony of flavors and textures. The addition of rich chocolate takes these bars to the next level. However, to enhance the overall presentation, consider drizzling the chocolate in a decorative pattern. This recipe offers a wonderful opportunity for home bakers to recreate a beloved treat with a personal touch. Enjoy the process of making and indulging in these delectable bars.
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Why trust this Samoas Bars Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted favorite among our community, with sugar and butter creating a rich, indulgent base. The addition of coconut adds a delightful crunch, while the homemade caramel layer brings a luscious sweetness. The use of chocolate chips ensures a decadent finish. With careful attention to detail and a balance of flavors, this recipe promises to deliver a delightful treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
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