Coconut Rum Snow Squares: Holiday Bars You’ll Crave

The holiday season calls for desserts that bring warmth, joy, and a little festive indulgence. These Coconut Rum Snow Squares are an irresistible treat you’ll want to share (or not!). Bursting with tropical coconut and a subtle kick of rum, these bars are the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table.

this Recipe

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Let me walk you through making these moist, flavorful holiday bars that deliver a snowy dusting of powdered sugar for a festive finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously moist and tender with rich coconut flavor
• A festive touch of rum adds warmth without overpowering
• Easy to make with common ingredients and simple steps
• Perfect texture – soft bars with a slight chew from shredded coconut
• Ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or gifting in a sweet tin

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Coconut Rum Snow Squares. The combination creates a luscious, tender bar with tropical flair and a festive rum undertone.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut, plus extra for garnish
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons coconut rum (or rum extract for less alcohol)
• ¼ cup coconut milk
• ½ cup powdered sugar, for dusting

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 12 squares
• Calories: Approximately 210 per serving

How to Make Coconut Rum Snow Squares: Irresistible Holiday Bars from Emma’s Cake Studio

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and shredded sweetened coconut until combined.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract, coconut rum, and coconut milk until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of shredded coconut over the surface for extra texture.
7. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a cutting board.
9. Dust generously with powdered sugar before slicing into 12 equal squares. Serve and enjoy your festive coconut rum snow squares!

Tips for the Best Results

• Use sweetened shredded coconut for a richer flavor and moist texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and light.
• Let the bars cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to avoid melting.
• For a non-alcoholic version, substitute rum extract or omit the rum entirely.
• Store bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness and softness.

Storage and Reheating

Store your Coconut Rum Snow Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to keep them fresh longer. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen bars at room temperature and warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer a soft, just-baked feel. These bars are perfect for serving chilled or slightly warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

Yes, you can substitute unsweetened shredded coconut, but it may result in less sweetness and a drier texture. You might want to increase the sugar slightly or add a touch more coconut milk.

Is it necessary to use coconut rum?

Coconut rum adds a lovely, subtle boozy flavor, but you can use rum extract or omit it if you prefer a non-alcoholic option. The flavor will still be deliciously coconut-forward.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Coconut Rum Snow Squares, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for best texture.

How should I serve these bars for a party?

Cut into small squares for easy finger food, dust with powdered sugar just before serving, and consider garnishing with toasted coconut or a mint leaf for a festive presentation.