Tom Thumb Bars (Coconut Specialties)

These are chewy moist coconut bars. This was a special treat during the 1930s and 40s which my mother served often to our farming community by popular demand.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 110 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• ½ cup shortening
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 ½ cups coconut

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, mix together the shortening and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of flour and salt until well blended. Press into the prepared pan.

Step 3

Bake the crust for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until delicately browned. After removing the crust from the oven, increase the heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 4

Make the filling while the crust is baking. In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup brown sugar, baking powder, and 2 tablespoons of flour until well blended. Mix in eggs and vanilla, beating until thick and foamy. Stir in the coconut and chopped nuts. Spread over the warm crust.

Step 5

Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until bars are lightly browned and puffy. Cool completely, and cut into small bars.