Walnut Dream Bars
Base
- 1 Cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup plus 1 tbs. (lightly packed) light brown sugar
- 8 tbs. (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 8 pieces
Topping
- 1 cup (lightly packed) light brown sugar
- ¼ cup plus 3 tbs. dark corn syrup
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 tbs. unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ tbs. all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- Preheat the oven to 350°.
- Lightly grease an 11 x 7" baking pan with butter or vegetable oil.
- For the base, process the flour and sugar in a food processor for several seconds.
- Add the butter and process until the dough comes together, 20 to 30 seconds.
- Pat the dough gently over the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the base on the center oven rack until golden around the edges, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Place the base in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to cool completely. Keep the oven on.
- Meanwhile prepare the topping: Using a hand-held whisk, beat the sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, butter, flour, and eggs in a medium-size bowl until blended.
- Stir in the walnuts and coconut with a rubber spatula.
- Spread the topping evenly over the base.
- Bake the bars on the center oven rack until the top is golden and set, about 25 minutes.
- Allow them to cool completely before cutting.
Makes 16 bars