If you are a fan of the heavenly combination of rich chocolate and chewy coconut, then this Coconut Mounds Bars Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to treats. With a crisp graham cracker crust, a luscious coconut-sweetened condensed milk middle, and a smooth chocolate topping, these bars perfectly capture the beloved flavors reminiscent of the classic candy bar. They are simple enough to whip up on a cozy afternoon but impressive enough to serve at any gathering as a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Coconut Mounds Bars lies in their simplicity—the ingredients list is short but every item plays an essential role in building layers of texture and flavor. From the buttery crust to the creamy chocolate topping, each component works in harmony to delight your palate with each bite.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 cup): Gives the crust a subtly sweet, crunchy base that holds everything together perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a touch of sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients smoothly.
- Butter, melted (¼ cup): Provides richness and moisture, creating that irresistible golden crust.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces): Brings luscious creaminess and sweetness, the heart of the coconut layer.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (7 ounces): Offers chewy texture and authentic coconut flavor that defines these bars.
- Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (4 ounces): Melts into a silky, rich topping that balances the coconut’s sweetness with a hint of cocoa bitterness.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons): Makes the chocolate topping smooth and glossy for that perfect finish.
How to Make Coconut Mounds Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF to ensure the perfect baking environment for both the crust and the coconut filling. Preparing ahead helps everything cook evenly and develop that lovely golden color.
Step 2: Create the Graham Cracker Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Mix until all crumbs are evenly coated with butter, then press the mixture firmly into an 8 x 8-inch pan. Using non-stick foil to line the pan makes for a fuss-free removal later. Bake for about 10 minutes until the crust sets and turns lightly golden.
Step 3: Warm and Mix the Coconut Filling
Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a microwave-safe bowl and gently warm it until it’s quite warm to the touch. This helps the sugars dissolve better and makes mixing easier. Stir in the shredded coconut thoroughly so every bit is coated with the creamy sweetness.
Step 4: Bake the Coconut Layer
Spread this coconut mixture evenly over the baked crust. Bake again for 15 to 20 minutes, checking that the coconut layer turns lightly browned and fragrant. This step melds the flavors and gives a wonderful chewy texture to the filling. Once done, allow the bars to cool slightly before adding the final chocolate layer.
Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
Melt the chopped semi-sweet chocolate together with the heavy cream in the microwave. Stop and stir every 30 seconds to ensure the chocolate melts smoothly without burning. A nicely melted chocolate ganache will top off these bars perfectly.
Step 6: Spread the Chocolate Over the Coconut
Whisk the melted chocolate and cream mixture until it’s completely smooth and glossy. Pour it over the coconut layer and spread evenly to cover the entire surface. This rich chocolate topping brings gorgeous contrast and indulgence to every bite.
Step 7: Chill and Cut for Serving
Chill the bars slightly to let the chocolate set nicely before cutting. For a clean cut, if the chocolate topping feels too hard and cracks easily, score it gently with a hot, dry knife before slicing. This careful attention creates bars that look as stunning as they taste.
How to Serve Coconut Mounds Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut can add a charming finishing touch. Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate these bars further when serving guests.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or tea, balancing their sweetness with a warm beverage. For a special treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream to create a delightful dessert combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized pieces and place them on a decorative platter for parties. You can also layer chunks with fresh fruit and whipped cream in individual dessert cups to turn them into elegant parfaits that impress everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Coconut Mounds Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated where they will stay moist and delicious for about a week.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen bars, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. If you prefer warm bars, gently warm them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds—just enough to soften the chocolate without melting it completely.
FAQs
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Absolutely! Using unsweetened shredded coconut will reduce the overall sweetness and create a more natural coconut flavor. You may want to add an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar if you prefer a sweeter bar.
Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?
Yes! Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies. This minor swap keeps the texture and flavor close to the original while making it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Definitely. Dark chocolate adds a richer, slightly more bitter contrast that pairs wonderfully with the coconut’s sweetness. Just choose a quality chocolate with about 60-70% cocoa for best results.
How thick should I spread the coconut layer?
The coconut mixture should be spread evenly and about half an inch thick. This ensures each bite has a nice balance of chewy coconut without overwhelming the crust or the chocolate topping.
What’s the best way to get clean chocolate cuts?
For smooth cuts, chill the bars until the chocolate is firm but not rock solid. If the chocolate cracks, heat a knife blade with hot water, dry it, and gently score the chocolate before slicing. This prevents cracking and keeps the bars looking beautiful.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting and indulgent about making the Coconut Mounds Bars Recipe at home—simple ingredients come together to create a delicious treat that delights every time. Whether for a casual get-together, a gift for friends, or just a personal pick-me-up, these bars bring joy with their perfect balance of textures and flavors. Give them a try and watch how they become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Coconut Mounds Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Coconut Mounds Bars are a delightful treat featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust topped with a sweet, chewy coconut layer and finished with a smooth semi-sweet chocolate glaze. Perfect for coconut lovers, these bars combine creamy sweetness with a crisp base and a rich chocolate topping for a deliciously satisfying dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Coconut Layer
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 7 ounces sweetened, shredded coconut
Chocolate Topping
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and allow it to fully preheat for even baking.
- Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into an 8 x 8-inch baking pan. For easy removal, you may line the pan with non-stick foil. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until set.
- Warm Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave until it is quite warm to the touch. This helps it mix better with the coconut.
- Mix Coconut Layer: Stir the shredded coconut into the warm sweetened condensed milk until fully combined. Evenly spread this coconut mixture over the baked crust in the pan. Return to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the coconut layer is lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chopped semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Apply Chocolate Layer: Whisk the melted chocolate mixture to ensure smoothness then pour it evenly over the cooled coconut layer, spreading it to cover completely.
- Chill and Serve: Allow the bars to chill slightly to set the chocolate topping for a cleaner cut. If the chocolate topping becomes too hard and cracks when cutting, score it first using a hot, dry knife to avoid cracking the surface.
Notes
- Lining the pan with non-stick foil or parchment paper will make removing the bars easier.
- Be careful not to overbake the coconut layer to keep it moist and chewy rather than dry.
- Scoring the chocolate topping with a hot knife helps achieve clean slices and prevents cracking.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate firm and coconut fresh.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
