Chewy Vanilla Coconut Bars Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 9 squares
Description:
These chewy vanilla coconut bars are a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate graham crackers with the soft, chewy texture of coconut. The graham cracker base provides a crisp foundation, while the coconut topping is sweet, chewy, and just slightly golden around the edges. Topped with a drizzle of dark chocolate, these bars are not only delicious but also fun to make, especially for a crowd or a special treat for kids. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a simple dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chocolate graham crackers | 8 crackers |
| Butter | 1/3 cup |
| Evaporated milk | 1 can (12 oz) |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 5 tablespoons |
| Self-rising flour | 1/3 cup |
| Shredded coconut | 1 1/3 cups |
| Dark chocolate (optional) | 1 3/4 oz |
Nutritional Information (per square)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 203.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 12.6g |
| Cholesterol | 47mg |
| Sodium | 139.6mg |
| Carbohydrates | 10.8g |
| Fiber | 2.2g |
| Sugars | 3.4g |
| Protein | 3.4g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). This ensures the oven is fully heated before the bars go in, giving them an even bake. -
Prepare the Baking Pan:
Grease a shallow 8-inch square baking pan with a light coating of butter or non-stick spray. Then, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easy removal once the bars are baked. -
Make the Graham Cracker Crust:
Place the chocolate graham crackers in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or use a food processor to grind them into fine crumbs. This forms the base of the bars, adding a crunchy texture. In a separate bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove until fully melted. Stir the melted butter into the graham cracker crumbs until the mixture is evenly coated. -
Press the Crust into the Pan:
Evenly press the graham cracker mixture into the prepared baking pan, creating a flat, compact layer at the bottom. This will form the sturdy base for the coconut topping. -
Prepare the Coconut Filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat together the evaporated milk, egg, vanilla extract, and sugar using a hand mixer or whisk. Continue mixing until the ingredients are well combined and smooth. Add in the self-rising flour and shredded coconut, stirring until the coconut is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. -
Assemble and Bake:
Pour the coconut mixture over the graham cracker base in the baking pan. Use a spatula to gently level the top of the mixture for an even bake. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the coconut layer is just golden and set. -
Cool and Slice:
Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This makes them easier to cut. Once they are cool enough to handle, slice them into squares. Allow them to cool completely before removing them from the pan. -
Optional Chocolate Drizzle:
If you’re using dark chocolate, melt it in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of each square, giving them a glossy, decadent finish. Allow the chocolate to set before serving. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chocolate has hardened, the chewy vanilla coconut bars are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a sweet treat for family gatherings, special occasions, or an afternoon snack.
Tips & Variations:
- For a Crunchier Base: If you like a more textured bottom layer, you can add chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the graham cracker crust.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sugar level to your preference. If you like things a little sweeter, increase the sugar by 1 tablespoon.
- Coconut Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use sweetened coconut flakes or even try using desiccated coconut for a finer texture.
- No Dark Chocolate?: If you donβt have dark chocolate on hand, you can also use milk chocolate or even white chocolate for a different twist.
Conclusion:
These Chewy Vanilla Coconut Bars are an absolute hit, combining the crispy, chocolatey crunch of graham crackers with the soft, chewy coconut layer on top. Simple to make, yet absolutely delicious, they are a perfect treat for toddlers, kids, or anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you bake them for a party, as a snack, or just because, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire!
