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Magic Coconut Bars are simply going to win you over. It only takes a few minutes to put them together and the combination of chocolate, coconut and nuts really just flows together so perfectly. 

Coconut bars cut into pieces

Magic Coconut Bars hit all the craving notes. They are sweet, a little salty, crunchy and chewy. The first time my friend brought them over to my house for a get-together, I couldn’t stop myself from going back to the tray time and time again. I can’t wait for you to try them! 

This recipe makes about 40 medium-sized bars, making them great for a party. Honestly, my boys sometimes ask for these bars on their birthdays instead of having traditional cakes. But, no matter what occasion you make them for, I promise you they will get gobbled up. 

What are Magic Cookie Bars?

Magic Bars are pretty much packed with every decadent morsel you can think of. For this reason, I have also heard them referred to as “Kitchen Sink Bars” because they contain every ingredient but the kitchen sink! Corny, I know…

Even though these bars have a ton of components, the flavors just work so well together. First, you start with a sweet graham cracker crust made with butter, baking powder, flour and brown sugar. While you bake the crust in the oven for a short time, you will mix up coconut flakes, chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a bowl. Spread this mixture on top of the crust and finish the bars off in the oven! 

crumbs, flour, sugar in a bowl
coconut bars base in bowl
coconut bars base
topping for the coconut bars
coconut bars topping
Magic coconut bars on a cutting board

Ingredients to Add to Magic Cookie Bars

  • Graham Crackers: Any brand of graham crackers will work well. If you want a bit more convenience, you might be able to find pre-made graham cracker crumbs at the grocery store. 
  • Coconut Flakes: Feel free to use sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes. It is up to have much of a sweet tooth you have! 
  • Nuts: I love using walnuts or pecans, but use whatever nut you love! 
  • Chocolate: Use dark, milk or semi-sweet chips. I prefer to use semi-sweet since there is so much sugar in these bars. 

Note: I have seen some cooks substitute butterscotch chips for chocolate chips. You could also use half-and-half!  

  • Condensed Milk: Condensed milk is what makes this bar so bomb. As it bakes, it turns the bar a golden, lightly browned color and adds a yummy dulce de leche flavor. 
  • Butter: I love European butters for their richness and higher fat content. My favorites are Kerrygold and Plugra. 

Hot tip: Allow the butter to reach room temperature before incorporating it into your graham cracker crust! 

Coconut bars cut into pieces

Storing Magic Cookie Bars

Magic Bars will stay fresh for a few weeks in an airtight container or Ziploc Bag on the counter. Although I would be surprised if you had them for that long :). They are too delicious to not be gone in a couple of days. 

Refrigerating Magic Bars

Although you can store Magic Bars on the counter, I think your safest bet here is to keep them refrigerated between snacking — especially if you live in a hot climate. These bars are prone to melting! 

Can you Freeze Coconut Bars?

Yes, you can! It would be a good idea to freeze them if you want to preserve them for a few months. Place them in an airtight container, ensuring you separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Allow them to defrost in the refrigerator before snacking.

Recipe

Coconut bars cut into pieces

Magic Coconut Bars

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Servings
40 bars
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin
Magic Coconut Bars are simply going to win you over. It only takes a few minutes to put them together and the combination of chocolate, coconut and nuts really just flows together so perfectly.

Ingredients

Crust

Topping

US Units – Metric

Instructions

  • Crush gram crackers using food processor or blender. In a large bowl combine together flour, baking powder, salt, brown sugar and crackers. Add butter to the mixture and mix until you get a soft crumbly mixture.
    crumbs, flour, sugar in a bowl
  • Spread the dough evenly in a thin layer on a lined baking sheet (size 11X16), pressing down with your hands. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 °F.
    coconut bars base
  • Combine coconut flakes with chocolate chips and walnuts. Drizzle condensed milk over the mixture and stir to combine.
    coconut bars topping
  • Spread the mixture evenly over the crust. Bake for another 20 minutes at 350 °F.
    coconut bars before baking
  • Remove the baked goodness from the oven and let it cool to a room temperature. Cut into sizes of your choice and serve.
    coconut bars cut into pieces
Nutrition Facts
Magic Coconut Bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 236 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Saturated Fat 9g45%
Cholesterol 17mg6%
Sodium 149mg6%
Potassium 186mg5%
Carbohydrates 24g8%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 18g20%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 174IU3%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 71mg7%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Posted September 9, 2020

About Author

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Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.