Description
Coconut Saffron Dream Bars are a soft, chewy dessert that combines the exotic floral notes of saffron with the creamy sweetness of coconut over a buttery shortbread crust. Elegant and easy to make, they’re perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (for crust)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 15–20 saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon warm milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang.
- Mix flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Press dough evenly into prepared pan and bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- While crust bakes, whisk eggs, sugar, honey, vanilla, and cardamom in a bowl until smooth.
- Stir in saffron milk, shredded coconuts, and flour until fully combined.
- Pour mixture over warm crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for another 22–26 minutes, until the top is set and lightly golden.
- Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into squares.
Notes
- Add 1/4 cup chopped pistachios for extra texture and flavor.
- Use rose water instead of vanilla for a more floral twist.
- Bars can be stored at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- They freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
- For clean slices, chill bars before cutting and wipe the knife between cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
