What are coconut dream bars?

Coconut Dream Bars are a three-layer dessert bar made with a buttery graham cracker crumb crust, a sweetened coconut filling, and a chocolate topping. This old-fashioned recipe yields 24 bars and is popular for holiday baking and community gatherings. They are known for being freezer-friendly and easy to make.

Can you freeze coconut dream bars?

Yes, these bars freeze exceptionally well. After the chocolate layer has set, wrap the bars tightly and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving. The flavor remains intact, though the chocolate may develop a slight bloom if temperature fluctuates.

What type of coconut is best for coconut dream bars?

Finely shredded unsweetened desiccated coconut is ideal for this recipe. It blends smoothly with the condensed milk and creates a tender, evenly textured filling without adding extra sweetness. Large coconut flakes are not recommended as they can make cutting the bars difficult.

Why are my coconut dream bars dry?

The most common cause of dry coconut dream bars is overbaking the coconut layer. The bars are ready when the edges just start to turn brown, usually after 10 to 15 minutes in the oven. Remove them immediately and allow them to cool completely before adding the chocolate layer.

Coconut Dream Bars - A Simple Bar Cookie for Coconut and Chocolate Lovers

Name: Coconut Dream Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups graham wafer crumbs; ¼ cup sugar; ½ cup butter, melted; 1 can sweetened condensed milk; 2 cups unsweetened dried coconut, finely cut (desiccated); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ¼ cups chocolate chips; 3 tablespoons butter or whipping cream

Description

Coconut Dream Bars Coconut Dream Bars are one of those old school treats that never really left my kitchen. There are three layers working together here: a buttery graham wafer crumb base, a soft coconut filling made with sweetened condensed milk, and a glossy chocolate topping that sets as it cools.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups graham wafer crumbs
¼ cup sugar
½ cup butter, melted
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups unsweetened dried coconut, finely cut (desiccated)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups chocolate chips
3 tablespoons butter or whipping cream

Instructions

Bottom Layer and Coconut Filling
1-Preheat oven to 350 degrees F: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2-Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and: Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
3-Melt the ½ cup of butter and: Melt the ½ cup of butter and mix together with the Graham crumbs and sugar.
4-Press the crumb mixture firmly into the: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
5-Bake for 10 minutes: Bake for 10 minutes.
6-While the bottom layer is baking, stir: While the bottom layer is baking, stir together the sweetened milk, coconut and vanilla extract.
7-Spread the coconut mixture evenly over the: Spread the coconut mixture evenly over the previously baked graham crust layer.

Coconut Dream Bars, second bake
8-Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes,: Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn brown. Be careful not to overbake or the cookie bars will be too dry.
9-Remove from oven and allow to cool: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
10-When cool, melt together the chocolate chips: When cool, melt together the chocolate chips and butter (or whipping cream).
11-Spread evenly over the cooled coconut layer: Spread evenly over the cooled coconut layer and let stand for an hour or so for the chocolate to set.
12-Cut in squares and enjoy: Cut in squares and enjoy.
13-These cookie bars are very freezer friendly: These cookie bars are very freezer friendly for Holiday baking or just to keep on hand for a dessert or sweet treat at any time.

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Method: bake

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 196
Sugar: 19g
Sodium: 64mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 8mg

Keywords: Coconut Dream Bars