Irresistible Homemade Samoa Bars Recipe

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If you're a fan of Girl Scout Samoa cookies, you'll love these homemade Samoa Bars! They feature a buttery shortbread crust, a rich caramel filling, and a delicious topping of toasted coconut, crunchy peanuts, and drizzled chocolate. These bars are a perfect combination of sweet, chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Whether you're making them for a party, a bake sale, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you create decadent Samoa Bars from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the base.
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – Adds a subtle caramel-like sweetness.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled – Creates a rich, tender crust.

For the Caramel Filling:

  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk – The key to a smooth, creamy caramel layer.
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – Deepens the caramel flavor.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces – Helps achieve a silky texture.

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips – Brings rich, chocolatey contrast.
  • 1/4 cup coconut flakes – Adds a classic Samoa cookie flavor.
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts – Provides a satisfying crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Stir in the melted butter until a crumbly dough forms.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  6. Remove from the oven and let the crust cool completely before adding the caramel layer.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Filling

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Once simmering, reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the caramel thickens slightly.
  4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before pouring over the crust.

Step 3: Assemble and Add Toppings

  1. Pour the cooled caramel filling evenly over the cooled crust.
  2. Sprinkle coconut flakes and chopped peanuts evenly over the caramel layer.
  3. Melt the chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave in short 15-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth.
  4. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the coconut and peanut topping in an elegant zigzag pattern.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is completely set.

Step 4: Cut and Serve

  1. Once the bars are fully set, cut them into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
  2. Serve and enjoy these rich, chewy, and chocolatey Samoa Bars!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No need to wait for Girl Scout cookie season – make your favorite Samoa-inspired treat anytime!
  • Super easy to prepare with just a few simple steps.
  • Perfect balance of textures – buttery crust, gooey caramel, crispy coconut, crunchy peanuts, and smooth chocolate.
  • Great for gifting, parties, or indulging at home!

Pro Tips for the Best Samoa Bars

✔ Use dark brown sugar for a deeper, more intense caramel flavor.
✔ Toast the coconut flakes for an extra layer of nuttiness and crunch.
✔ Chill the bars before cutting to get cleaner, neater slices.
✔ Use high-quality chocolate chips for a more decadent taste.
✔ Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair these Samoa Bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat.
  • Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
  • Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for even more gooey goodness.

Final Thoughts

These homemade Samoa Bars take everything you love about Samoa cookies and transform them into an easy-to-make, totally addictive dessert. The buttery shortbread crust, gooey caramel, crunchy toppings, and luscious chocolate drizzle make every bite an irresistible treat.

Try this recipe today, and you’ll never need to buy store-bought Samoa cookies again!

Let me know if you’d like any substitutions or creative variations!