Go Back
–+ servings
Final plated shot of Tom Thumb Bars, stacked to showcase their golden-brown layers

Tom Thumb Bars

These Tom Thumb Bars feature a buttery brown sugar crust topped with a chewy coconut and nut filling. They are rich, easy to make, and perfect for dessert trays, bake sales, or a simple homemade treat.
Print Pin
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Tom Thumb Bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 16

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 2/3 c butter room temperature
  • 1 1/4 c all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 c dark brown sugar
  • 1 tsp salt

For the Topping

  • 1 c dark brown sugar packed
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 c chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1 3/4 c shredded sweetened coconut flakes

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Make the Crust

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and dark brown sugar. Mix until well blended. Add the flour and salt, then continue mixing until the dough comes together.

Press the Crust into the Pan

  • Transfer the crust dough to the prepared baking dish. Press it into an even layer across the bottom of the pan. The crust layer will be thin.

Bake the Crust

  • Bake the crust for 13 to 15 minutes, or until it is just beginning to turn lightly golden.

Prepare the Topping

  • While the crust is baking, prepare the topping. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and baking powder. Stir until evenly mixed. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the mixture is airy and well combined. Fold in the shredded coconut and chopped walnuts or pecans.

Add the Topping

  • Spread the topping evenly over the partially baked crust.

Bake the Bars

  • Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the topping is set.

Cool and Slice

  • Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

To make these Tom Thumb Bars gluten free, replace the all-purpose flour in both the crust and topping with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure the blend is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum, or add it if needed according to the package directions. Also check that the baking powder, vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and nuts are certified gluten free and free from cross-contact warnings. Once those substitutions are made, the recipe can be prepared in the same way.