Irresistible Chocolate Coconut Pecan Five Layer Bars: An Easy Dessert Masterpiece

Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly simple yet utterly delicious Five Layer Bars! This classic dessert, often known as “Magic Bars,” combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a luscious layer of sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, rich chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors in every bite – chewy, gooey, crispy, and nutty, all wrapped in a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth experience. They are remarkably easy to assemble, requiring minimal baking skill and maximum enjoyment. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these bars promise a perfect treat that will impress without the stress.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Magic Bars

There’s a reason Five Layer Bars have remained a beloved dessert for generations. Their universal appeal lies in their simplicity and incredible flavor profile. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortless Preparation: Forget complicated techniques or extensive ingredient lists. These bars come together in minutes with simple layering, making them perfect for busy schedules or spontaneous baking urges.
• Customizable to Perfection: One of the best aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. Easily adjust the toppings to suit individual tastes or dietary preferences, ensuring everyone gets a piece they’ll adore. Want more chocolate? Less coconut? No problem!
• Crowd-Pleasing Taste: The combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy elements creates an addictive treat that appeals to almost everyone. They’re perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, bake sales, or simply as a comforting dessert at home.
• Minimal Cleanup: With just one baking pan and a few measuring tools, cleanup is a breeze, letting you enjoy your delicious creation without the hassle.

What Exactly are Five Layer Bars? (A Sweet History)

Five Layer Bars, famously known as Magic Bars or Hello Dolly Bars, are a classic American dessert renowned for their simplicity and irresistible taste. The concept dates back to the 1960s, gaining popularity due to a recipe published by Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk. The “magic” lies in how the layers meld together during baking, creating a singular, cohesive, and incredibly flavorful bar. The sweetened condensed milk caramelizes, binding all the toppings into a gooey, chewy delight over a sturdy graham cracker crust.

While the traditional recipe calls for graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and pecans, the beauty of these bars is their adaptability. Bakers quickly started experimenting with different nuts, candies, and even crust variations. Our version focuses on the timeless combination of chocolate, coconut, and pecans, offering a tropical, nutty, and rich experience that’s truly magical.

Unveiling the Five Delicious Layers

Each component of these bars plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Let’s break down the magic:

The Golden Graham Cracker Crust: Foundation of Flavor

The base of our Five Layer Bars is a simple yet essential graham cracker crust. When combined with melted butter and pressed firmly into the pan, it bakes into a sturdy, slightly crumbly, and wonderfully buttery foundation. This crust not only holds the bars together but also provides a delightful contrast to the softer, sweeter layers above it. For an extra touch of flavor, ensure your graham crackers are finely crushed, allowing for a more uniform and satisfying crust.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: The Magical Binder

This is where the “magic” truly happens. Sweetened condensed milk is poured evenly over the crust and acts as the binding agent for all the delicious toppings. As it bakes, it transforms into a rich, golden, caramel-like sauce that permeates the layers, creating that signature gooey and chewy texture these bars are famous for. It ensures every bite is moist, sweet, and perfectly integrated.

Toasted Coconut Flakes: Tropical Delight

Shredded coconut flakes add a wonderful chewiness and a hint of tropical sweetness to the bars. As they bake, the coconut toasts slightly, intensifying its flavor and adding a subtle crunch. We recommend using unsweetened or lightly sweetened flakes to avoid an overly saccharine bar, letting the natural flavor of the coconut shine through. If you’re not a fan of coconut, don’t worry – this is one of the layers you can easily adjust or omit!

Rich Chocolate Chips: The Ultimate Indulgence

What’s a dessert bar without chocolate? Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, melting beautifully into pockets of rich, decadent goodness that perfectly complement the other flavors. They provide a delightful contrast in sweetness and a satisfying chocolatey hit. Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate for a sweeter profile, dark chocolate for more intensity, or even a mix of different varieties.

Crunchy Pecans: Nutty Perfection

Finally, chopped pecans provide a much-needed crunch and a warm, earthy flavor that balances the sweetness of the other layers. Their buttery notes pair exceptionally well with chocolate and coconut. Toasting the pecans lightly before adding them can further enhance their flavor and aroma, though it’s an optional step. If pecans aren’t your favorite, this layer is also highly adaptable!

Crafting Your Own Chocolate Coconut Five Layer Bars: The Recipe

Get ready to create a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. This recipe simplifies the baking process without compromising on flavor.

Endless Customization: Make Them Your Own!

While the classic Chocolate Coconut Pecan Five Layer Bar is undeniably delicious, one of its greatest strengths is its incredible versatility. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize your bars to suit your personal preferences or what you have on hand in your pantry. Here are some ideas to inspire your next batch:

Alternative Chips & Candies

Swap out or add to the chocolate chips to create entirely new flavor profiles. Consider butterscotch chips for a rich, caramelly taste, white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier bar, or peanut butter chips for a nutty twist. For a fun, colorful touch, mini M&M’s or chopped toffee bits can be sprinkled over the top. The possibilities are truly endless!

Different Nuts & Seeds

Pecans are fantastic, but walnuts, almonds, or even cashews can offer a different texture and flavor. For those with nut allergies or simply wanting something different, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can provide a similar crunch and healthy boost. Lightly toasting any nuts or seeds beforehand will amplify their flavor.

Spice It Up!

A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of nutmeg mixed into the graham cracker crust or sprinkled with the coconut layer can add a warm, comforting note, especially perfect for fall or holiday baking. Extracts like almond or vanilla can also be added to the melted butter for an extra layer of aroma.

Vary the Crust

Beyond graham crackers, you can experiment with other cookie crumbs. Crushed Oreo cookies make a decadent chocolate crust, while vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies offer a buttery, less sweet alternative. Ensure you maintain the correct crumb-to-butter ratio for a stable base.

Pro Tips for Flawless Five Layer Bars

Achieving bakery-quality Five Layer Bars is easier than you think with a few simple tricks up your sleeve. Follow these expert tips for a truly flawless batch every time:

Pan Preparation is Key

Always line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This creates “handles” that allow you to easily lift the entire slab of baked bars out of the pan once cooled. This simple step makes cutting and serving incredibly clean and hassle-free.

Layer Evenly for Uniform Baking

Ensure that each layer, from the graham cracker crumbs to the various toppings, is spread as evenly as possible across the pan. This promotes uniform baking, ensuring every square has the same delightful blend of ingredients and bakes consistently, preventing burnt edges or undercooked centers.

Don’t Overbake!

Keep a close eye on your bars during the last few minutes of baking. They are done when the edges are golden brown and the coconut is lightly toasted, but the center still appears slightly soft. Overbaking can lead to dry, hard bars, losing that coveted gooey texture. The residual heat will continue to cook them slightly as they cool.

The Importance of Cooling

Patience is a virtue, especially with these bars! It’s absolutely crucial to let the Five Layer Bars cool completely – ideally for several hours at room temperature, or even in the refrigerator – before cutting them. This allows the sweetened condensed milk to set properly, ensuring clean, neat slices and preventing the bars from falling apart when handled.

Storing Your Delicious Bars

Proper storage will ensure your Five Layer Bars stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Room Temperature

Once completely cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing parchment paper between layers can prevent them from sticking together.

Refrigeration

For extended freshness, especially in warmer climates, you can refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to a week. The texture will be firmer when chilled, but they’re still wonderfully chewy.

Freezing for Later

Five Layer Bars freeze beautifully! Cut the cooled bars into individual servings, then wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for an hour or two before serving, or enjoy them slightly chilled.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

These versatile bars are wonderful on their own, but they also shine when paired with certain accompaniments. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent treat, or alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. They’re also fantastic with a cold glass of milk, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. Their portability makes them an excellent choice for picnics, lunchboxes, or sharing with friends.

Explore More Irresistible Dessert Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of these Chocolate Coconut Five Layer Bars, we encourage you to dive into more of our easy-to-make dessert recipes. Whether you’re looking for comforting classics or new favorites, we have something for every sweet tooth. Here are a few to get you started:

• Crockpot 7 Layer Bars
• Pumpkin Pecan Pie
• Crockpot Candied Pecans
• Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Honey Glazed Pecans

Don’t forget to explore our extensive collection of copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and our incredible CrockPot Recipes.

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Recipe originally shared on April 14, 2014. Updated December 2020.