why make this recipe
Coconut Dream Bars are easy to make and need simple ingredients. They pair a crunchy graham crust, sweet coconut filling, and a smooth chocolate top. You can make them for holidays, snacks, or a quick dessert.
introduction
These bars are sweet, chewy, and topped with chocolate. If you like simple bar recipes, try this easy rhubarb bars recipe for another treat. The steps are clear and the bars freeze well.
how to make Coconut Dream Bars
- Preheat the oven and get the pan ready.
- Mix the graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan and bake 10 minutes.
- While the crust bakes, mix sweetened condensed milk, coconut, and vanilla.
- Spread the coconut mix over the warm crust and bake 10–15 minutes more until the edges just brown. Do not overbake.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Melt chocolate chips with the 3 tbsp butter or whipping cream and spread over the cooled coconut layer. Let the chocolate set about an hour.
- Cut into squares and enjoy or freeze for later.
Ingredients :
- 2 cups graham wafer crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (300ml in Canada, 14 oz in the US)
- 2 cups unsweetened dried coconut (dessicated coconut)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
- 3 tbsp butter or whipping cream
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Melt the 1/2 cup of butter and mix together with the graham crumbs and sugar.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- While the bottom layer is baking, stir together the sweetened milk, coconut & vanilla extract.
- Spread the coconut mixture evenly over the previously baked graham crust layer.
- Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn brown. Be careful not to overbake or the cookie bars will be too dry.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- When cool, melt together the chocolate chips and butter (or whipping cream).
- Spread evenly over the cooled coconut layer and let stand for an hour or so for the chocolate to set.
- Cut in squares and enjoy.
- These cookie bars are very freezer friendly for Holiday baking or just to keep on hand for a dessert or sweet treat at any time.
how to serve Coconut Dream Bars
Cut bars into small squares and serve at room temperature. They go well with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. For a nicer touch, sprinkle a little sea salt on the chocolate before it sets.
how to store Coconut Dream Bars
- Room temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temp before eating for best texture.
- Freezer: Wrap squares tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temp.
tips to make Coconut Dream Bars
- Press the crust firmly so it holds together.
- Do not overbake the coconut layer; watch the edges.
- Cool fully before adding chocolate so the top stays smooth.
- Use whipping cream for a softer chocolate topping.
- Use parchment paper overhang to lift bars from the pan easily.
variation (if any)
- Add 1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds or pecans to the coconut mix for crunch.
- Use white chocolate or a mix of dark and milk chocolate for different flavors.
- Stir 1/4 cup shredded lime or orange zest into the coconut for a citrus note.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crumbs.
FAQs
Q: Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?
A: Yes, but the bars will be sweeter. Reduce the sugar slightly if you use sweetened coconut.
Q: Can I skip the chocolate topping?
A: Yes. The bars are still good without chocolate. You can dust the top with powdered sugar or leave plain.
Q: How do I know when the coconut layer is done?
A: It is done when the edges just start to brown. The center will set as it cools. Avoid browning too much to keep the bars moist.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes. You can make them a day ahead and store in the fridge or freeze them and thaw before serving.
Coconut Dream Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, chewy bars with a crunchy graham crust, a coconut filling, and a smooth chocolate topping. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham wafer crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (300ml in Canada, 14 oz in the US)
- 2 cups unsweetened dried coconut (dessicated coconut)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
- 3 tbsp butter or whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Melt the 1/2 cup of butter and mix together with the graham crumbs and sugar. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- While the bottom layer is baking, stir together the sweetened milk, coconut, and vanilla extract.
- Spread the coconut mixture evenly over the previously baked graham crust layer.
- Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn brown. Be careful not to overbake.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- When cool, melt together the chocolate chips and butter (or whipping cream). Spread evenly over the cooled coconut layer and let stand for about an hour for the chocolate to set.
- Cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
These cookie bars are freezer-friendly for holiday baking. For best texture, store them in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
