Description
These Chocolate Coconut Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a luscious layer of sweetened condensed milk, topped with semi-sweet chocolate chips and toasted coconut flakes. Baked to golden perfection, these bars offer a delightful mix of crunchy, creamy, and chocolaty flavors perfect for any dessert craving.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cup fine graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, separated
Filling and Topping
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8″x8″ baking dish to prepare for the crust.
- Prepare Crust: In a small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt until well combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish to form the crust layer.
- Add Condensed Milk: Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt on top to balance the sweetness.
- Layer Chocolate and Coconut: Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly across the dish, then sprinkle the coconut flakes on top. Gently press the chocolate chips and coconut into the condensed milk layer using the tines of a fork to ensure they adhere well.
- Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 28-30 minutes, until the coconut flakes turn a golden-brown color. Remove from oven and carefully run a sharp knife along the edges of the dish to loosen the bars.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour to set. Once cooled, cut into 12 bars or 16 smaller squares, serve, and enjoy your delicious dessert.
Notes
- Make sure to use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk, for the proper sweetness and texture.
- Press the crust firmly to ensure it holds together well during baking.
- Let the bars cool fully before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- You can toast the coconut flakes briefly before adding for extra crunch and flavor, if desired.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
