The Coconut Dream Bar is the ultimate bake sale hero—a gooey, chewy, and intensely satisfying dessert layered with texture and flavor. These bars, sometimes known as Magic Bars, are beloved for their simplicity; they require no complicated mixing and come together in under 15 minutes of prep time. Originating from the mid-20th century American dessert craze for easy, layered treats, these bars combine a buttery graham cracker-like crust with a decadent filling of sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips. They are truly irresistible and perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simply satisfying a deep craving for tropical sweetness.
Ingredients
- **For the Crust:**
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups (180 g)
- Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup (50 g)
- Unsalted Butter (melted): ½ cup or 1 stick (115 g)
- **For the Filling:**
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 (14 oz) can (400 g)
- Shredded Sweetened Coconut: 2 cups (170 g)
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup (175 g)
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional): ½ cup (60 g)
Step-by-step Preparation
- **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- **Make the Crust:** In a medium bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. *Tip: Use the bottom of a flat glass or measuring cup to ensure the crust is tightly packed for a firm base.*
- **Pre-Bake the Crust (Optional but Recommended):** Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes just until it sets and the edges are lightly golden. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy later.
- **Layer the Toppings:** Once the crust is lightly baked, pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the warm crust. Then, sprinkle the chocolate chips, followed by the coconut, and finally the chopped nuts (if using). *Tip: Gently press the toppings down into the condensed milk to ensure they adhere and don’t burn during baking.*
- **Final Bake:** Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the coconut topping is toasted and caramelized. The center should look set, not jiggly.
- **Cool Completely:** This step is crucial! Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack—about 2 hours—before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 16 or 24 squares.
Nutritional Information
Coconut Dream Bars are an indulgent treat. Based on a standard 16-serving portion, each bar contains approximately 320–350 calories, 18g of fat, and 30g of sugar. While high in calories, they offer some dietary fiber from the coconut and nuts, and they are an excellent source of quick energy. Enjoy these bars in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Storage
Store leftover Coconut Dream Bars in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to 1 week (refrigeration helps maintain the firm, chewy texture). For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag; they will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen bars at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
These Coconut Dream Bars are the perfect blend of crunchy edges and a soft, gooey center. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. For variations, try swapping out the semi-sweet chips for butterscotch or white chocolate chips, or add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the condensed milk before pouring it over the crust for an extra layer of flavor complexity. No matter how you serve them, these bars are guaranteed to disappear quickly!