Made-from-Scratch Chocolate Coconut Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 2 cups melted chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil (optional, for a smoother chocolate covering)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Coconut Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla essence. Stir well until the coconut is fully coated.
- Form the mixture into small rectangular bars with your hands and place them on a parchment paper-covered baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the coconut bars for at least 30 minutes to let them stiffen up.
2. Melt the Chocolate
- Using a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate chips or fondant in a double boiler, ensuring the bowl does not touch the boiling water. Stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Alternatively, microwave the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until completely melted.
- Optionally, add 2 teaspoons of coconut oil to the melted chocolate for a smoother coating.
3. Coat the Coconut Bars
- Using a fork, dip each chilled coconut bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully covered. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing the bar back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Repeat for all coconut bars, reheating the chocolate as needed if it begins to harden.
- Refrigerate the coated bars for 15-20 minutes to let the chocolate set completely.
4. Serve and Store
- Serving: Enjoy the bars straight from the refrigerator for a chilled treat or at room temperature for a softer texture.
- Storing: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.