Satisfy your sweet tooth with these Chocolate Coconut Bars. Layers of gooey coconut and rich chocolate make this treat a dream come true for coconut lovers. Trust me, this dessert will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds!) in no time.
Jump to:
Coconut Chocolate Bars
Coconut adds a tropical flair to any dish. Of course, my favorite way to eat coconut is always with chocolate because it enhances the nutty flavor. This chocolate cream of coconut cake and this coconut chocolate pie are two of my all-time favorites.
However, when I need a quick dessert, I reach for a box of cake mix. This week, I modified my easy coconut bars to create a chocolate version.
With a sweet coconut filling and a rich chocolate glaze, these bar cookies are guaranteed to be a hit with your whole family.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Amazing flavor combo. The rich chocolate and sweet coconut combine perfectly in these magic bars. They are guaranteed to make you smile!
- Easy to make. This recipe is easy to assemble using a cake mix as the base. It's perfect for busy schedules or sudden cravings.
- Crowd-pleasing dessert. Planning a family gathering, hosting a party, or just craving a sweet treat? These bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Main Ingredients
This simple chocolate coconut bars recipe calls for a basic cake mix as its base, making it a quick option for coconut lovers.
- Chocolate Cake Mix - This recipe only uses the dry powder. Any brand works, but make sure it is 15 ounces.
- Milk - Provides moisture to make the dough.
- Unsalted Butter - Set it out ahead of time so it can soften.
- Large Egg - Provides the moisture needed to make a dough.
- Almond Extract - Gives a great flavor to the chocolate and coconut.
- Shredded Coconut - Use sweetened coconut flakes for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer a less sweet option, use unsweetened shredded coconut.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk - You need one 14-ounce can of sweetened milk, NOT evaporated.
- Chocolate Ganache - Heating heavy cream and dark chocolate chips over low heat makes a silky smooth topping.
How To Make Chocolate Coconut Bars
Our chocolate coconut cake bars are a delicious and simple dessert that comes together in minutes
- Make the cookie crust. Mix the dry cake mix, butter, egg, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until a soft dough forms.
- Stir together the topping. Add the shredded flakes to a bowl, then pour the sweetened condensed milk. Stir until combined.
- Assemble the bars. Press half the dough evenly into a prepared pan, then spread the gooey mixture on top of the crust. Crumble the remaining dough on top.
- Bake and cool. Place in the oven and bake until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Remove and then place on a wire rack. Cool completely before adding the glaze.
Storage Recommendations
Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. However, if you are keeping them longer, place the container in the fridge for up to one week.
Tips and Tricks
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make it easier to remove the bars after baking.
- Try a different cake mix. While chocolate adds a rich flavor, a vanilla cake balances the coconut flavor.
- For a crunchy texture, sprinkle chopped nuts on the melted chocolate before it sets.
- Use sweet, condensed coconut milk to add more coconut taste to the bars.
- Stir caramel bits into the coconut layer before baking to give it a sweet caramel flavor.
FAQs
You can use different cake mix flavors, such as yellow, white, or even a spice cake mix, for a unique twist. Each will give the magic cookie bars a slightly different flavor profile.
You can mix chopped nuts, caramel bits, or toffee pieces into the coconut filling for added texture and flavor.
Let the bars come to room temperature if refrigerated before cutting them with a sharp knife. Warming the knife slightly by running it under hot water and then drying it off will also help get clean cuts.
More Easy Coconut Desserts
- Coconut Nutella Cookies
- Coconut Bundt Cake
- Coconut Cheesecake Brownies
- White Chocolate Macaroons
- Coconut Cheesecake Bars
Do you love a recipe you tried from Inside BruCrew Life?
Please leave a 5-star ⭐️ rating and a review in the comments section below.
Recipe
Chocolate Coconut Bars
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these Chocolate Coconut Bars. Layers of gooey coconut and rich chocolate make this treat a dream come true for coconut lovers. Trust me, this dessert will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds!) in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 - 15.25 ounce chocolate cake mix
- ⅓ cup milk
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 - 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a glass 9x13 pan with nonstick baking spray.
- Beat the cake mix, milk, melted butter, and extract until a soft dough forms. Press a little more than half the dough in the prepared pan. Set aside.
- Stir the sweetened condensed milk and coconut until everything is coated. Spread the mixture evenly over the dough in the pan.
- Crumble the rest of the dough over the coconut mixture. Bake for 25-26 minutes. Place on a wire rack and let it cool completely.
- Place the chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute on high. Stir until creamy.
- Spread the chocolate over the top of the cooled cake bars. Let the chocolate set before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make it easier to remove the bars after baking.
- Try a different cake mix. While chocolate adds a rich flavor, a vanilla cake balances the coconut flavor.
- For a crunchy texture, sprinkle chopped nuts on the melted chocolate before it sets.
- Use sweet, condensed coconut milk to add more coconut taste to the bars.
- Stir caramel bits into the coconut layer before baking to give it a sweet caramel flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 343Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 254mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 3gSugar: 34gProtein: 4g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
This post was first published in June 2013. It was updated and then republished in July 2024.
Sharon Rose
I have made these twice since I found you! You're right, these are dangerous bars. We added chopped almonds to the second batch. Wow, tasted like my favorite "healthy" candy bar, 'cause almonds are healthy, right? Great recipe, keep them coming...Happy New Year 2022!
Susie
Do you put these in the refrigerator after to harden??
Jocelyn
No you do not need to refrigerate these. I added the chocolate topping once the coconut bars were cooled. I hope that helps and you enjoy the recipe.
Angela
I only have a 8×11×2 pan will that still work for this recipe
Jocelyn
Yes, that size pan should be fine too. It may need to bake a minute or two longer though because it is slightly smaller. I hope you enjoy the bars!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
Oh my! Coconut desserts are always irresistible to me! Add chocolate and I am craving these now! Thanks for the link to my bars!
Renee
Pinned and Yum'd this! Can't wait to try these!
April Y.
I would love to make these! They aren't to overly sweet are they?
Jocelyn Brubaker
They are sweet, but I don't think extremely over the top sweet. Try them and see what you think 🙂
Sara
Quick question: Do I combine the dry cake mix with the butter and milk, or do I prepare the cake mix according to the box, and then also add butter and milk?
Jocelyn Brubaker
You will mix the DRY cake mix with the butter and milk and then press it into the pan. Do not use the box directions...it will not turn out right! I hope you enjoy the bars!
Anna
Thank you SO much for posting the recipe so that it's easily copied and printed out. I've gotten so tired of blogs where the recipe is tucked into a dozen different places between what are essentially the same photograph of the food.
Well done!
Debby
Hi! I already have some sweetened shredded coconut. By any chance, is this what you used in your recipe for the Chocolate Coconut Bars? Or did you use regular, unsweetened shredded coconut? Thanks!
Jocelyn Brubaker
I'm pretty sure I used sweetened because that's usually what I buy. You could use either one...the sweetened will obviously be a little sweeter. I can't wait to hear what you think 🙂
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor
Chocolate and coconut is only the best combination EVER!! Yumx10, Jocelyn!!
Vicki Bensinger
Wow these sound amazing. I love anything with coconut and chocolate so I'm certain I will love these. Great recipe and so simple. Now to check out those samoas. Those are my all time favorite Girl Scout cookie.
Mackenzie
Yum! These look awesome Jocelyn!
Alyssa Rivers
These look amazing! And I love coconut so I know that I would love these!
Tery
Hey love the recipe, but can't read it on my iPhone because of all the options to pi it to Facebook or Pinterest or tweet. It's a shame. To inconvient to deal with. Should come with an option to close it till you need or want it. You have it posters at the bottom. Sorry some of its covered so excuse the misprint.
Jocelyn Brubaker
I am so sorry to hear that the buttons make it unreadable. I will be looking into a better mobile version. Thank you for letting me know.
ashley - baker by nature
You know how much I love chocolate and coconut... these bars look heavenly!!!
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl
Eek! Look how soft and gooey and perfect those look - there's no way I could stop at just one of those!
We're giving our kiddo a 30-minute a day time limit on electronic "stuff" (he's not old enough for an iPod yet, but he does have a DS and a LeapPad). Fortunately, he has lots of camp activities and t-ball this summer, so hopefully it won't be a huge issue. I'm not the best example, since I'm often on the computer blogging or checking social media on my phone...maybe I need a time limit, too! 😉
Julia
How can I choose from all these incredible desserts? Thanks for sharing these!