These Coconut Bounty Cookie Bars are an easy, irresistible treat with a chocolate cookie crumb base, a sweet coconut center, and a rich chocolate topping. Perfect for a quick dessert or to freeze for later!
Ingredients:
2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos or chocolate wafer cookies)
1/4 cup sugar 🍬
1/2 cup melted butter 🧈
1 can sweetened condensed milk (300ml in Canada, 14 oz in the US) 🥛
2 cups unsweetened dried coconut (desiccated coconut) 🥥
2 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
1 1/4 cups chocolate chips 🍫
3 tbsp butter or whipping cream 🧁
Instructions:
Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, melt 1/2 cup of butter and mix with the chocolate cookie crumbs and sugar. Stir until fully combined.
Form the crust: Press the cookie crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even base.
Bake the base: Bake the crust for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, then remove it from the oven and set aside.
Make the coconut filling: While the base is baking, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, desiccated coconut, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
Assemble the layers: Spread the coconut mixture evenly over the baked chocolate cookie crust layer.
Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn brown. Be careful not to overbake, as this will make the bars dry.
Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the chocolate topping: Melt the chocolate chips and 3 tablespoons of butter (or whipping cream) together until smooth. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled coconut layer.
Set the chocolate: Let the bars stand for about an hour to allow the chocolate topping to set.
Serve: Once the chocolate has set, cut into squares and enjoy!
Storage:
These bars are freezer-friendly, so you can make a batch ahead of time for holiday baking or keep them on hand for a sweet treat anytime!
Enjoy your Coconut Bounty Cookie Bars—a delightful combination of chocolate and coconut in every bite!