Mrs. Fields Coconut Mud Bars

Total Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened and cut into small pieces
• 10 ounces semisweet chocolate pieces, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 3 1/2 ounces flaked coconut (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Recipe

• 1 preheat oven to 350°f.
• 2 lightly butter a 9x13-inch baking pan.
• 3 to make the bottom layer, stir together 1 1/3 cups flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, pinch salt and the brown sugar.
• 4 use a pastry blender to add the 1/2 cup of butter (in small pieces), until the mixture is crumbly and coarse.
• 5 press into the bottom of the baking pan.
• 6 bake at 350°f for 10 minutes, then place pan on rack to cool.
• 7 leave oven on.
• 8 next prepare the chocolate ganache.
• 9 after the chopped chocolate is placed in a medium bowl, bring the cream to a simmer in a small saucepan.
• 10 pour the cream over the ganache, and wait 5 minutes before stirring.
• 11 the ganache will be smooth when ready to refrigerate and set (15 minutes in the refrigerator).
• 12 to prepare the topping, cream the remaining butter in a bowl.
• 13 add the granulated sugar, and extracts.
• 14 beat until blended, then beat in the eggs; then stir in coconut and nuts.
• 15 drop the topping by spoonfuls evenly over the ganache and spread with a spatula or a knife.
• 16 bake at 350°f for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
• 17 set pan on rack to cool before cutting into bars.