Tropical Delight Bar

justcallmetoni's Note:

Rich and fruity this three layer bar is sinfully good. A soft cake-like coconut cookie base topped with an apricot and pineapple layer covered with a crumbly coconut crisp topping. Even better using a yellow cake mix makes it easy. (Since the end of RSC on March 20, I have updated the directions a bit to reflect the helpful feedback provided.)

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 32

Layer 1

• 1 (18 ½ ounce) yellow cake mix
• 2⁄3; cup coconut milk or 2⁄3; cup light coconut milk
• 2 eggs

Layer 2

• 1 cup dried apricot , diced
• 4 oranges, juice and zest of
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup crushed pineapple

Layer 3

• 2 cups oatmeal
• ½ cup coconut
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ginger

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Prepare a 9 by 13 inch pan with cooking spray.
3. To prepare the middle fruit layer: Place apricots, orange juice and zest, and brown sugar into a small saucepan over low-medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the crushed pineapple and cook an additional 5 minutes until somewhat thickened. Make sure you have a small amount of liquid left as it keeps the fruit layer moist. Using an immersion blender, chopper or food processor blend into a puree. Remove from stove top and allow to cool while you prepare the base layer.
4. To prepare the bottom layer: Pour cake mix into a large mixing bowl.
5. Add eggs and coconut milk and mix by hand. The batter will be quite sticky.
6. Reserve one cup of the batter for the topping and spread the rest evenly into the bottom of the baking pan.
7. Next, spread the fruit puree (middle layer) onto the cookie base.
8. To prepare the top layer: Take the batter reserved in making the base and combine with oatmeal, coconut, sugar, cinnamon and ginger. The mixture will resemble a sticky version of a fruit crisp topping. Using.
9. a fork to break off bits and place crumbles on top of the fruit layer covering the entire pan.
10. Bake bars for 30 minutes.
11. Let cool for 30 minutes to an hour. Cut and serve.

Reviews

[susie cooks]

This was really fun to make. I thought it was very good, a little sweet for me, but everyone else thought it was just right. Definitely, we will make this again. Thanks!

[momaphet]

I thought this was Ok but the ladies in my Bible study loved it. For me, when I use a mix it's because I'm in a hurry and with having to cook the fruit (longer than stated) that's not quick. I would have like more coconut flavor too, maybe some coconut extract would be a good addition.

[pattikay in L.A.]

This dessert was beautiful and delicious! It never really achieved "bar" status for me though - it was too soft in the middle to slice into pieces that could be lifted out of the pan in one piece. I'm not sure if the fruit was perhaps too moist - I cooked it longer than 10 minutes total till it was "somewhat thickened." But I would definitely try it again because the taste and overall texture and color was really nice.