Aunt Josie’s Coconut Bars

My Aunt Josie used to make these coconut bars for almost every family party. They were a favorite of mine when I was a kid and they are a favorite of mine now. The bars are made from white cake that is cut up and frozen. The frozen cake is dipped in a chocolate sauce and then dipped in desiccated coconut. Desiccated coconut is the same kind of coconut used for coconut shrimp. It looks like panko bread crumbs and is not sweetened. I get mine at the local Asian grocery store.

The result is a cake that is tender and delicate and full of flavor. I sometimes make cupcakes instead of a sheet cake that I cut up. Either will work just fine. You can also make a gluten free cake, if you prefer.

Every time I make these, I think of my Aunt Josie.

Coconut Bars

1 white cake, prepared and frozen solid

1 c. cocoa

1 1/4 c. sugar

2 c. water

1 t. vanilla

1-1½ c. desiccated coconut (available at cake supply stores, Asian stores and some health food stores)

Cut frozen cake into small squares, or cake can be baked in regular or mini cupcake tins. You can also cut the cake into squares before freezing. Keep cake frozen until ready to dip. Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients, except coconut in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil then simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely. This can be done a day ahead, if you like, and sauce stored in fridge until ready to use.

Using skewers or fondue forks, dip cake in sauce, let drain a few seconds, then roll in the coconut. Can be served almost right away. They thaw very quickly. You can refreeze them to enjoy later, too.