Coconut Caramel Candy Bars

I found this latest recipe in a King Arthur Flour catalog, and it is delicious!  I asked my husband what I should say about these bars.  "You should say that they're awesome!"    These chewy bars are full of coconut and topped with caramel, chocolate, and more coconut.  The gooey chewiness of the caramel really puts these bars over the top.  Plus, these aren't hard to make, which I totally love!

Coconut Caramel Candy Bars

6 Tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 egg
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
6 ounces caramels
1 Tablespoon whipping cream
3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup shredded coconut

Preheat the oven to 350F.  Very lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Cream together the butter and brown sugar.  Add the vanilla and egg and beat until smooth.  Add the flour, salt, baking powder, and coconut, and beat until combined.  Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

During the last several minutes of baking, prepare the caramel.  Place the caramels in a microwaveable bowl and add the cream.  Microwave the caramels and cream in 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.  

When the crust is finished baking, drizzle the caramel evenly over the top, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown.  Remove the bars from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top.  Let sit for about 5 minutes, then spread evenly over the bars.  Sprinkle the coconut over the top.  Let cool completely before cutting.  Makes about 32 candy bars.

Enjoy!  -Cardamommy