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The Boat Shed Kitchen

Homemade Samoa Bars

These chewy Samoa bars combine a soft shortbread crust, sweet toasted coconut caramel topping, and rich chocolate drizzle. They taste just like the iconic cookies—only easier to make in bar form and perfect for sharing.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cool + Set Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
For the Topping:
  • 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 12 oz chewy caramels e.g., Kraft
  • 3 Tbsp milk
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • 2 tsp shortening

Method
 

  1. Toast coconut until golden. Set aside.
  2. Beat butter and sugar. Mix in egg and vanilla. Add flour + salt.
  3. Press into greased 9x13” pan. Bake 20–25 mins. Cool.
  4. Melt caramels with milk and salt. Stir in coconut.
  5. Spread over crust. Cool and slice.
  6. Dip bottoms in melted chocolate. Drizzle remaining on top. Let set.
  7. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/homemade-samoa-bars/

Notes

  • Toasted coconut makes a huge difference—don’t skip that step.
  • Line your baking dish with parchment for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
  • If the caramel topping gets sticky while cutting, chill the bars briefly before slicing.