There’s something incredibly comforting about making a batch of easy dessert bars. They remind me of family gatherings, where everyone would gather around the table, laughter filling the air, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through the room. I love how these bars come together so effortlessly, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a lively barbecue with friends, these dessert bars are sure to please everyone. Plus, they’re so simple to whip up! With just a few ingredients, you’ll be on your way to enjoying a delicious dessert that can be cut into perfect little squares. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings to your gatherings—after all, dessert is best when shared with loved ones!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup of melted butter – This is the base that helps bind everything together, giving the bars a rich flavor.
- 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs – You can crush these yourself or buy them pre-crushed. They provide that lovely, sweet crunch.
- 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut – This adds a wonderful chewiness and a tropical twist. If you’re not a coconut fan, you can skip this or replace it with more chocolate chips!
- 1 cup of chocolate chips – Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work beautifully here. Feel free to mix in dark chocolate for a richer taste!
- 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk – This sweet and creamy ingredient is what makes these bars wonderfully soft and indulgent. Don’t skimp on it!
How to Prepare Easy Dessert Bars
Making these easy dessert bars is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. So, while you’re gathering your ingredients, let that oven warm up!
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
Next, grab a mixing bowl and combine your melted butter with the graham cracker crumbs. Mix them together until they’re fully combined; it should look a bit like wet sand. Now, take this mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. You want a compact base to ensure your bars hold together nicely, so don’t be shy—really press it down!
Step 3: Add Toppings
Once your crust is ready, it’s time to sprinkle on the toppings! Evenly distribute the sweetened shredded coconut and chocolate chips over the crust. Feel free to get creative here—if you love dark chocolate, go ahead and swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Just make sure everything is spread out nicely for an even bite!
Step 4: Pour on the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Now, here’s where the magic happens! Take your can of sweetened condensed milk and pour it over the top of the coconut and chocolate. Make sure to cover everything completely; this will help bind all the layers together and give your bars that deliciously gooey texture we love.
Step 5: Baking Time
It’s time to pop your dish in the oven! Bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on those edges; you want them to be golden brown. You can also gently shake the dish to check if the center is set. If it jiggles too much, give it a few more minutes.
Step 6: Cooling and Cutting
Once they’re baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely. This is important! Cooling helps them firm up, making it much easier to cut them into neat squares. Once cool, you can slice them up and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
These easy dessert bars are not only delicious but also provide a satisfying treat when you need a little something sweet. Here’s the estimated nutritional information per serving (1 bar):
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind that these figures are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use. Enjoying these bars in moderation is always a good idea, especially if you’re watching your calories or sugar intake!
Tips for Success
Here are some tips that I’ve gathered over the years to make your easy dessert bars even better! First, when pressing the crust into the baking dish, make sure it’s really compact. A firm base will help your bars hold together beautifully. Also, if you’re looking to make these bars gluten-free, just swap out the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free ones. It works like a charm!
After baking, let those bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This will ensure that they don’t fall apart when you slice them. If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your baking!
Common Questions About Easy Dessert Bars
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! One of the great things about these easy dessert bars is how versatile they are. If you prefer a deeper flavor, you can swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate. It adds a nice richness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the condensed milk. If you’re a fan of white chocolate, feel free to use that as well! Just keep in mind that white chocolate is sweeter, so you might want to slightly adjust the other sweet ingredients if you go that route.
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your easy dessert bars fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container. They can sit at room temperature for about three days, but if you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge! Just remember to let them sit out for a few minutes before serving, as this will help bring back that lovely, gooey texture. Trust me, letting them warm a bit can make all the difference in flavor!
Can I make these bars in advance?
Yes, you can definitely make these bars ahead of time! They’re perfect for preparing a day or two in advance. Just bake them, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container. You can even freeze them for longer storage—just be sure to wrap them tightly. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. It’s a great way to have a tasty dessert ready for gatherings or when you need a sweet treat during the week!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Minimal ingredients make it simple and accessible.
- Deliciously gooey texture with a perfect balance of sweetness.
- Versatile topping options for customizing to your taste.
- Great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting treat at home.
- Perfectly portioned into squares for easy serving and snacking.
- Encourages creativity—substitute ingredients to suit dietary needs or preferences!
Variations on Easy Dessert Bars
One of the best parts about these easy dessert bars is how adaptable they are! If you’re looking to mix things up, consider adding some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch. You could also toss in some dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a delightful chewiness and a burst of flavor. Want to switch up the taste? Try using flavored sweetened condensed milk, like caramel or coconut, to give your bars a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make these bars your own!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl – You’ll need this for combining your ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula – A great tool for mixing and spreading the crust evenly in the baking dish.
- Baking dish – A 9×13 inch greased baking dish is perfect for these bars.
- Measuring cups – Accurate measurements ensure perfect results every time.
- Oven mitts – Safety first! Always use these when handling hot pans.
Serving Suggestions
These easy dessert bars are simply delightful on their own, but if you want to elevate your dessert experience, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy coldness pairs wonderfully with the warm, gooey bars! You could also enjoy them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat. For an extra touch, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce on top before serving. Trust me, these little additions make every bite even more indulgent!
Print
Easy Dessert Bars: 5 Comforting Recipes You’ll Adore
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy dessert bars you can enjoy anytime.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and graham cracker crumbs.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle shredded coconut and chocolate chips over the crust.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- You can substitute gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free option.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy dessert bars, quick dessert, simple dessert recipe
