Chocolate Coconut Bars are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines rich chocolate with sweet coconut in a chewy, satisfying bar. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars are easy to make and sure to please any chocolate and coconut lover!

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans, optional)

Timing

Making Chocolate Coconut Bars takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Base

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until combined and a thick batter forms.
3. Spread in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

1. Combine Topping Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) until well combined.
2. Spread Topping: Spoon the coconut mixture over the chocolate base, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the top is lightly golden.
2. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Cut and Serve

1. Slice: Once cooled, cut into squares or bars.
2. Enjoy: Serve and enjoy your delicious Chocolate Coconut Bars!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Chocolate Coconut Bars (per bar, based on 16 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	180
Protein	2g
Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	25g
Sugar	12g

Tips for Customization

• Dark Chocolate: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
• Nut Variations: Experiment with different nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts for added texture.
• Add Flavor: Incorporate a teaspoon of almond extract or coconut extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover chocolate coconut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Conclusion

Chocolate Coconut Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and coconut in a chewy, satisfying bar. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these bars are sure to become a favorite!

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container.