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Coconut Chocolate Bar Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat, let me share my all-time favorite Coconut Chocolate Bar Recipe that’s nothing short of magic. These bars blend luscious coconut, rich chocolate, and a buttery crumb crust into one unforgettable bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep a batch handy at all times. Ready to dive in? Let’s get to the good stuff!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Texture Balance: The crunchy graham cracker crust with a chewy coconut-chocolate topping creates a delightful contrast in every bite.
  • Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is pantry-friendly and easy to find, making this recipe approachable for all skill levels.
  • Flavor Harmony: Sweetened condensed milk ties together the coconut, chocolate, and nuts seamlessly, adding richness and moisture.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store well and even freeze beautifully, perfect for prepping ahead or gifting.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Coconut Chocolate Bar Recipe plays a starring role — some for texture, others for flavor, and a few to bring the whole thing together. I always recommend using fresh coconut flakes and quality semi-sweet chocolate chips to get the best result.

Coconut Chocolate Bar, Delicious Coconut Chocolate Bar, Easy Coconut Chocolate Bar, No-Bake Coconut Chocolate Bar, Coconut Chocolate Square - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of crushed golden graham crackers, a small white bowl of fine white flour, a small white bowl holding coarse sea salt, a small white bowl with light brown soft brown sugar, a small white bowl filled with pale off-white baking powder, a small white bowl of melted golden butter, a small white bowl heaped with fluffy white coconut flakes, a small white bowl of shiny semi-sweet dark chocolate chips, a small white bowl containing chopped light brown walnuts, a small white bowl filled with thick creamy condensed milk, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Graham Crackers: Crushing them adds that light, sweet crunch that forms the crust’s foundation.
  • Flour: Helps bind the crust, giving it structure without becoming too dense.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to balance and enhance sweetness.
  • Unsalted Butter: Melted butter ensures a moist, crumbly base that holds when baked.
  • Brown Sugar: Its deep caramel notes complement the coconut and chocolate perfectly.
  • Baking Powder: For a slight lift in the crust—nothing too fluffy, just enough to keep it light.
  • Coconut Flakes: Provide texture and that tropical flair, the star ingredient of course!
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melt into melty pockets of goodness you’ll want to savor slowly.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Acts as a luscious binder for the topping, adding creaminess and sweetness.
  • Chopped Walnuts: Optional crunch that brings a nutty contrast to the sweet and chewy layers.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this Coconut Chocolate Bar Recipe, and you should too! Whether you swap walnuts for pecans, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top, or even drizzle with white chocolate, it’s a canvas that’s easy to personalize.

  • Nut-Free Version: When my niece came over, I swapped walnuts for extra coconut flakes and sunflower seeds—equally delicious and safe.
  • Extra Chocolate: Double up the chocolate chips in the topping for a wilder, more indulgent chocolate fix; it never disappoints.
  • Coconut Variations: Toast the coconut flakes lightly before mixing for an extra depth of flavor and crunch.
  • Smaller Bars: Cut into bite-sized squares to make these bars last longer at parties or for snacking portion control.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Coconut Chocolate Bar Recipe

Step 1: Crush & Combine the Crust Ingredients

I start by crushing the graham crackers in my food processor to get fine crumbs—no big chunks! In a large bowl, I stir together the crushed crackers, flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar until evenly mixed. Then, I pour in the melted butter and work it all with a spoon or my hands until it feels like soft, crumbly dough.

Step 2: Press the Crust & Bake

Get an 11×16 inch baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread the crust dough in a thin, even layer. I find pressing down firmly with my hands works best to compact everything — this helps the crust hold together after baking. Pop it in the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10 minutes until just set.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

While the crust is baking, I mix the coconut flakes, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts in a bowl. Then I drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over and stir until the entire mixture is sticky and combined. It looks almost like a candy filling at this point—super tempting to sneak a taste!

Step 4: Spread Topping & Bake Again

Once the crust is out and slightly cooled but still warm, I spread the coconut-chocolate topping evenly over it. Pop it back into the oven at 350°F for another 20 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the edges bubbling up lightly and the topping turning golden brown.

Step 5: Cool & Cut

This is the hardest part! Let the bars cool completely to room temperature so they can firm up properly. If you try to cut them too soon, the topping will be gooey and messy. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles — I usually aim for about 40 bite-sized bars for sharing.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Even Crust Thickness: Press the crust firmly and evenly for a sturdy base that won’t crumble when cutting.
  • Watch Baking Times: Slightly underbake the crust and topping to keep the bars chewy, not dry.
  • Use Parchment Paper: It makes removing the bars a breeze and clean-up quicker.
  • Patience is Key: Let the bars fully cool before slicing to get clean lines without gooey mess.

How to Serve Coconut Chocolate Bar Recipe

Coconut Chocolate Bar, Delicious Coconut Chocolate Bar, Easy Coconut Chocolate Bar, No-Bake Coconut Chocolate Bar, Coconut Chocolate Square - The image shows several square pieces of dessert bars arranged on a dark surface with scattered flakes of salt. Each square has a base layer that looks firm and brown, topped with a creamy white layer mixed with melted cheese and chocolate chips, creating a textured and slightly golden top. The dessert pieces have a crispy, slightly toasted look on top with a mix of creamy and crunchy textures. The white marbled texture is not visible as the background is dark. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on each bar—it’s a game changer that enhances the chocolate and coconut flavors beautifully. Sometimes I’ll also add extra toasted coconut flakes on top for that extra crunch and wow factor.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of strong coffee for the perfect balance. They also shine with fresh berries on the side, especially in warmer months.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging the bars on a wooden board with small bowls of nuts and fruit around, creating a mini dessert platter. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying with twine also makes great grab-and-go party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep the leftover Coconut Chocolate Bars in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay fresh for about 4-5 days. If it’s warmer where you live, refrigeration helps extend their life, but let them come to room temp before eating for best texture.

Freezing

These bars freeze like a dream. I slice them first, then freeze in a single layer on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag or container. When you want a treat, just thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

Reheating

If you want to warm them slightly, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave softens chocolate without melting the bars too much. Perfect if you like a gooey texture!

FAQs

  1. Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of coconut flakes?

    Yes, you can, but keep in mind sweetened shredded coconut is finer and more moist, which might affect texture slightly by making the topping denser. If you use shredded, consider toasting it lightly to add crunch.

  2. What type of chocolate should I use?

    Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal because they balance the sweetness of condensed milk and coconut. But feel free to experiment with bittersweet chocolate or even milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter bar.

  3. How do I get clean cuts without the topping falling apart?

    Let the bars cool completely before cutting. Chilling them in the fridge for 20-30 minutes can also help solidify the topping, making slicing much easier and neater.

  4. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Swap graham crackers for gluten-free alternatives and use gluten-free flour in the crust. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easy to adapt.

  5. How long will these bars last?

    Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay good for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet, keeping them fresh for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

This Coconut Chocolate Bar Recipe has become my go-to for when I want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s dependable, delicious, and truly magical in how flavors come together. Give it a try, tweak it your way, and soon enough, you’ll be baking these bars over and over, just like I do. You’re going to love how easily you can turn simple ingredients into something special—bon appétit!

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Coconut Chocolate Bar Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 40 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Magic Coconut Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a crispy graham cracker crust topped with a luscious mixture of coconut flakes, semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, and sweetened condensed milk. This easy-to-make treat combines a buttery base with a rich, chewy topping, perfect for parties or a sweet snack.


Ingredients

Crust

  • 2 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 14 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder

Topping

  • 3 cup coconut flakes
  • 2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 24 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 2/3 cup chopped walnuts


Instructions

  1. Prepare Crust: Crush the graham crackers finely using a food processor or blender. In a large bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar. Add the melted butter and mix well until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
  2. Bake Crust: Spread the dough evenly in a thin layer on a lined 11×16 inch baking sheet, pressing down firmly with your hands to compact it. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 °F for 10 minutes until set.
  3. Prepare Topping: In a bowl, mix together the coconut flakes, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the mixture and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Spread the coconut topping mixture evenly over the baked crust layer. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake at 350 °F for an additional 20 minutes until the topping is bubbly and set.
  5. Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, cut into 40 bars of your preferred size and serve.

Notes

  • For a nuttier flavor, toast the coconut flakes lightly before mixing with the chocolate chips and walnuts.
  • You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds depending on your preference.
  • Make sure to press the crust firmly to prevent it from crumbling after baking.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to achieve clean slices.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

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