These vintage Coconut Bars are a nostalgic treat layered with crushed graham crackers, sweetened condensed milk, and flaked coconut, finished with a simple homemade chocolate frosting. Likely shared among friends or neighbors in the 1960s, the recipe was written using Borden’s condensed milk, a staple of American dessert-making in that era. With a simple prep and bake process, this dessert is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you crave a sweet, chewy bar with a chocolaty finish.
Ingredients
Crust & Filling:
- 2 cups graham crackers (crushed )
- ½ cup butter (melted)
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup flaked coconut
Frosting:
- 1 oz baking chocolate
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1½-2 cups powdered sugar (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine crushed graham crackers and melted butter.
- Press mixture firmly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 5 minutes and remove from oven.
Step 2: Add Coconut Layer
- In another bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and flaked coconut.
- Spread evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Return to oven and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
- In a small saucepan, combine chocolate, water, and butter.
- Bring to a gentle boil while stirring.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread frosting over baked coconut mixture while still slightly warm.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Let bars cool completely before cutting into squares or rectangles.
Tips
- Use chocolate chips instead of baking chocolate for a smoother frosting.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the coconut layer for texture.
- Toast the coconut lightly before mixing for a deeper flavor.
- Add a pinch of salt to the graham crust to balance sweetness.
- Mix vanilla extract into the frosting for extra richness.
- Substitute Borden’s condensed milk with any standard sweetened condensed milk.
- Line the baking pan with parchment for easier removal.
- Chill thoroughly before cutting for clean, even bars.
- Add a thin layer of caramel between crust and coconut mixture for a decadent variation.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a modern twist.
Nutrition
Calories: 234kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 176mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 2gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 66IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 102mgIron: 2mg
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