Dream Bars II: A Decadent Dessert Recipe with Step-by-Step Instructions
Dream Bars II – the sequel to the already irresistible Dream Bars – take indulgence to a whole new level. These layered bars are a symphony of textures and flavors, boasting a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy coconut-pecan filling, and a luscious chocolate topping. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s sure to impress, whether it’s for a potluck, a holiday gathering, or just a weekend treat, look no further. This recipe provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to guide you through each stage, ensuring a perfect batch of Dream Bars II every time.
## Why Dream Bars II Are the Perfect Dessert
Dream Bars II offer a compelling combination of qualities that make them a winner in the dessert category:
* **Texture Contrast:** The interplay of the crumbly crust, the chewy filling, and the smooth chocolate creates a delightful sensory experience.
* **Rich Flavors:** The buttery shortbread is the perfect foundation for the sweet coconut, nutty pecans, and decadent chocolate. This complexity keeps your taste buds interested.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Dream Bars II can be made a day or two in advance, making them ideal for entertaining. The flavors actually meld together even more over time.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Their universally appealing flavors and textures ensure that everyone will love them. They’re a guaranteed hit at parties and family gatherings.
* **Easy to Transport:** Cut into squares, these bars are easy to pack and transport, making them a great choice for potlucks and picnics.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather all your ingredients. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t forget anything crucial.
### For the Crust:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* ½ cup powdered sugar
* ¼ teaspoon salt
### For the Coconut-Pecan Filling:
* 4 large eggs
* 2 cups granulated sugar
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 ½ cups shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, depending on preference)
* 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
### For the Chocolate Topping:
* 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
## Equipment You’ll Need
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls (large and medium)
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Spatula
* Saucepan
* Whisk
* Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own batch of Dream Bars II.
### Step 1: Prepare the Crust
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the crust will bake evenly.
2. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the ingredients.
3. **Cream the butter:** In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until it is light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the butter, creating a tender crust.
4. **Add dry ingredients to butter:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough crust.
5. **Press into the pan:** Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to create a smooth, even layer. Using parchment paper to line the pan beforehand will make it easier to remove the bars later.
6. **Bake the crust:** Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
### Step 2: Make the Coconut-Pecan Filling
1. **Whisk the eggs:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until they are light and frothy. This will help to create a light and airy filling.
2. **Add sugar and melted butter:** Gradually add the granulated sugar to the eggs, whisking constantly until well combined. Then, add the melted butter and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
3. **Add vanilla and salt:** Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. The vanilla enhances the other flavors, and the salt balances the sweetness.
4. **Fold in coconut and pecans:** Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the eggs and result in a dense filling.
5. **Pour filling over crust:** Pour the coconut-pecan filling evenly over the partially baked crust. Spread it out with a spatula to ensure it covers the entire surface.
6. **Bake the bars:** Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely before adding the chocolate topping.
### Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
1. **Melt chocolate and butter:** In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and butter together, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn easily. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
2. **Spread over filling:** Once the filling is completely cool, pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the top. Spread it out with a spatula to create a smooth, even layer.
3. **Chill and set:** Place the bars in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate topping is firm and set. This will make it easier to cut the bars into clean squares.
### Step 4: Cut and Serve
1. **Remove from pan:** Once the chocolate topping is firm, remove the bars from the pan. If you lined the pan with parchment paper, you can simply lift the bars out. Otherwise, you may need to loosen the edges with a knife.
2. **Cut into squares:** Cut the bars into squares using a sharp knife. For neat squares, wipe the knife clean after each cut. The size of the squares is up to you, but smaller squares are great for serving a crowd.
3. **Serve and enjoy:** Serve the Dream Bars II chilled or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own, or you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
## Tips for Success
* **Use softened butter:** Softened butter is crucial for creating a tender crust. Make sure the butter is at room temperature before you start baking.
* **Don’t overmix the crust:** Overmixing the crust can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
* **Use quality chocolate:** The quality of the chocolate will affect the taste of the topping. Use a good quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best results.
* **Let the bars cool completely:** Letting the bars cool completely before adding the chocolate topping will prevent the chocolate from melting and running. It will also make it easier to cut the bars into clean squares.
* **Chill the bars before cutting:** Chilling the bars before cutting will help to firm up the chocolate topping and make it easier to cut them into neat squares.
* **Add variations:** Feel free to add your own variations to the recipe. You can add different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, or you can add dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins. You can also use different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate.
* **Store properly:** Store leftover Dream Bars II in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
## Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about Dream Bars II is their versatility. You can easily customize them to suit your tastes and preferences.
* **Nut Variations:**
* **Walnuts:** Substitute the pecans with chopped walnuts for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Almonds:** Use slivered or chopped almonds for a more delicate nutty flavor.
* **Macadamia Nuts:** For a truly decadent treat, try using chopped macadamia nuts.
* **Chocolate Variations:**
* **Milk Chocolate:** Use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter, creamier topping.
* **Dark Chocolate:** Opt for dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. You can even use a combination of semi-sweet and dark chocolate.
* **White Chocolate:** Drizzle melted white chocolate over the set chocolate topping for an elegant touch.
* **Flavor Enhancements:**
* **Espresso Powder:** Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate topping for a mocha-flavored Dream Bar.
* **Orange Zest:** Grate orange zest into the coconut-pecan filling for a citrusy twist.
* **Cinnamon:** Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon into the crust mixture for a warm, spicy flavor.
* **Add-Ins:**
* **Dried Cranberries:** Stir dried cranberries into the coconut-pecan filling for a chewy, tart contrast to the sweetness.
* **Butterscotch Chips:** Add butterscotch chips to the chocolate topping for a caramel-like flavor.
* **Pretzel Pieces:** Sprinkle crushed pretzel pieces over the chocolate topping before it sets for a salty-sweet combination.
## Serving Suggestions
Dream Bars II are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with other treats and beverages to create a complete dessert experience.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve a warm Dream Bar II with a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or coffee ice cream.
* **With Whipped Cream:** Top a Dream Bar II with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or Cool Whip.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy a Dream Bar II with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
* **As Part of a Dessert Platter:** Include Dream Bars II on a dessert platter alongside other treats like cookies, brownies, and fruit.
* **For Special Occasions:** Serve Dream Bars II at holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or potlucks.
## Troubleshooting
Even with the best recipe, baking can sometimes be tricky. Here are some common problems you might encounter when making Dream Bars II and how to fix them.
* **Crust is too hard:**
* **Cause:** Overmixing the crust dough. This develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust.
* **Solution:** Mix the crust ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
* **Cause:** Baking the crust for too long.
* **Solution:** Bake the crust for the recommended time, or until it is lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
* **Filling is too runny:**
* **Cause:** Not baking the bars for long enough.
* **Solution:** Bake the bars for the recommended time, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
* **Cause:** Not using enough flour in the crust.
* **Solution:** Make sure to use the correct amount of flour in the crust recipe.
* **Chocolate topping is not setting:**
* **Cause:** The filling was not completely cooled before adding the chocolate topping.
* **Solution:** Make sure the filling is completely cooled before pouring the chocolate topping over it.
* **Cause:** The chocolate was not melted properly.
* **Solution:** Melt the chocolate and butter together slowly over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
* **Bars are difficult to cut:**
* **Cause:** The chocolate topping is not firm enough.
* **Solution:** Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate topping is firm. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut.
* **Bars are sticking to the pan:**
* **Cause:** The pan was not greased or lined properly.
* **Solution:** Grease the baking pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper before pressing in the crust dough.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
_Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used._
* Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 16 bars per pan)
* Calories: 350-400
* Fat: 20-25g
* Saturated Fat: 12-15g
* Cholesterol: 75-100mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-45g
* Sugar: 30-35g
* Protein: 4-5g
These bars are a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation. Consider reducing the sugar content by using unsweetened coconut, or using a sugar substitute in the crust and filling. Also, opting for dark chocolate offers benefits compared to milk or semi-sweet chocolate.
## Conclusion
Dream Bars II are a truly special dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their irresistible combination of textures and flavors, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. The detailed, step-by-step instructions provided in this recipe make it easy to create a perfect batch of Dream Bars II every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a dessert that’s as dreamy as its name suggests! Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to create your own unique version of this classic treat. Happy baking!