Canadian · Baking

Dream Bars

A buttery shortbread base topped with a chewy, caramel-like layer of brown sugar, coconut and walnuts. A Canadian bake-sale and Christmas tray favourite.

Not yet ratedThis recipe has no ratings yet 55 min total Serves 16 servings Medium
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How to Make Dream Bars

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  1. Heat the oven to 175°C / 350°F (155°C / 310°F fan). Line a 20 cm square tin with baking parchment.

  2. Beat the butter and the 60 g of brown sugar until creamy. Stir in the 150 g of flour and the pinch of salt until it forms a soft dough.

  3. Press the dough evenly into the base of the tin. Bake for 15 minutes, until pale golden.

  4. While the base bakes, whisk the eggs, the 200 g of brown sugar and the vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the 30 g of flour, baking powder and salt, then the coconut and walnuts.

  5. Pour the topping over the hot base and spread it evenly. Return to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and set.

  6. Cool completely in the tin. Lift out using the parchment and cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife.

Tips for Making Dream Bars

  • Pre-bake the base until it is just golden. It is the layer that keeps the sticky topping from soaking through.
  • Cool the bars completely before cutting. The topping sets as it cools, and warm bars fall apart.
  • Wipe the knife between cuts. The sticky topping drags on the blade and smears the layers.

What to Serve with Dream Bars

  • Hot tea
  • Coffee
  • Vanilla ice cream

Storing & Reheating Dream Bars

Keeps in an airtight container for 5 days, or in the freezer for 3 months. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Dream Bars FAQ: Common Questions

How long does Dream Bars take to make?

About 55 minutes in total — 20 minutes of preparation and 35 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 16.

What are the key tips for making Dream Bars?

Pre-bake the base until it is just golden. It is the layer that keeps the sticky topping from soaking through. Cool the bars completely before cutting. The topping sets as it cools, and warm bars fall apart. Wipe the knife between cuts. The sticky topping drags on the blade and smears the layers.

What should I serve with Dream Bars?

Hot tea; Coffee; Vanilla ice cream.

Can Dream Bars be made ahead or frozen?

Keeps in an airtight container for 5 days, or in the freezer for 3 months. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Is Dream Bars suitable for a special diet?

This recipe is vegetarian. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.

How many calories are in Dream Bars?

About 246 kcal per serving, with 3 g protein, 27 g carbohydrate and 14 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.

Dream Bars Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.

246Calories
3gProtein
27gCarbs
14gFat
2gFibre
16gSugar
90mgSodium

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Written and tested by Turab

One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.