As the holiday season approaches, the house is alive with the comforting scents of cinnamon and pine, but nothing quite compares to the rich aroma of chocolate baking in the oven. That’s how I felt when I decided to whip up a batch of Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars—a treat that perfectly captures the essence of festive indulgence.
Imagine biting into a soft, chocolatey square, the velvety sweetness melting in your mouth while toasted coconut flakes add that delightful texture. This recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but effortlessly elevates your holiday gathering, winning over even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just enjoying a cozy night in with loved ones, these bars are a breeze to make and can be prepared in under an hour. So, let’s embrace this season of joy and surprise your friends and family with a dessert that’s as dreamy as it is delicious!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars
- These Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- The rich combination of chocolate and coconut creates an irresistible flavor that will leave everyone craving more.
- Their delightful squares are not only tasty but also visually appealing, making them a perfect centerpiece for your holiday gatherings.
- Plus, they are a surefire crowd-pleaser, winning over guests young and old with their decadent sweetness.
Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars Ingredients
For the Crust
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – this forms the base of your bars, giving them a delightful texture.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness to the crust, balancing the richness of the chocolate.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – ensures a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth flavor for the crust.
For the Filling
• 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes – brings a tropical essence and chewy texture to your Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – these little gems melt beautifully, creating a luscious filling that satisfies chocolate lovers.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature – binds the filling together, ensuring it sets perfectly for a wonderful slice.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances the flavors, adding a warm, inviting aroma to the bars.
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring your bars release easily after baking.
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Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing to achieve a creamy texture.
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Combine the crust ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. This will create a dough-like consistency.
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Press and bake the crust: Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.
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Prepare the filling: While the crust cools slightly, whisk the large eggs and vanilla extract together in a bowl. Then, fold in the sweetened coconut flakes and semi-sweet chocolate chips until well combined.
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Pour and bake again: Spread the filling evenly over the baked crust and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
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Cool and slice: Allow your Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing them into squares. Enjoy their delightful textures and flavors!
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra decadent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars Variations
Let your creativity shine as you customize these bars to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, to the filling for a delightful crunch and rich flavor.
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Coconut-Free: Substitute the sweetened coconut flakes with a cup of crushed graham crackers for a different texture and taste.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, ensuring everyone can indulge in these treats.
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Dark Chocolate Delight: Switch out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips, elevating the flavor profile with a rich, bittersweet taste.
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Minty Freshness: Add 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract to the filling for a refreshing twist that brings the holiday spirit to life.
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Spiced Flavor: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the crust for an unexpected warmth that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
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Fruity Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or cherries to the chocolate mixture for a festive burst of flavor and color.
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Chili Chocolate: For a daring kick, mix in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the filling, creating a spicy contrast with the chocolate.
What to Serve with Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars?
Indulging in these delightful bars will create the perfect warm essence for any holiday gathering, but why not elevate your dessert experience?
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Fresh Berries: Vibrant strawberries or raspberries add a tart contrast, beautifully balancing the rich chocolate and coconut flavors. Their juiciness brings a refreshing brightness to each bite.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream takes these bars to the next level, creating a luscious melt-in-your-mouth moment. This classic pairing complements the chocolate with its smoothness, making every indulgence feel extra special.
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Hot Chocolate: Serve a warm cup of homemade hot chocolate to enhance the cocoa experience. The warmth and creaminess create a cozy environment, perfect for enjoying with friends or family by the fireplace.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream brings a light, airy touch that contrasts with the bars’ dense texture. It creates a heavenly layer of flavor, making each bite feel indulgent yet fluffy.
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Toasted Nuts: Chopped pecans or almonds add a delightful crunch and enhance the bar’s tropical notes. Their nutty flavor harmonizes beautifully with the chocolate and coconut, providing an unexpected twist.
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Decaf Coffee: A cup of smooth decaf coffee pairs wonderfully, enhancing the chocolate’s richness while soothing the palate. Nothing beats the combination of coffee and dessert on a chilly evening!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep the bars fresh and chewy.
Fridge: If you want to enjoy them longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Allow to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the bars in a single layer wrapped well in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before indulging.
Reheating: To warm them up, place the bars on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, enhancing their delicious chocolatey essence.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday season! You can prepare the crust up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake it and then let it cool before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating. The filling can also be made a day ahead—just mix the eggs, vanilla, coconut, and chocolate, but store it separately in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy your bars, pour the filling over the chilled crust and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have a delectable treat ready to impress your guests with minimal last-minute effort!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars, make sure your butter is softened properly to ensure it creams well with the sugar, as this creates a light texture for the crust.
- When mixing the flour into the butter and sugar, avoid over-mixing to prevent the crust from becoming tough; just mix until combined.
- To achieve a beautifully set filling, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before whisking them, as this helps with even mixing and better texture.
- Always let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing to achieve clean cuts and prevent the filling from falling apart.
Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right coconut flakes for the Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars?
Absolutely! Look for sweetened coconut flakes that have a fine texture and are bright white in color. Avoid any flakes that have dark spots or feel overly dried out, as these may indicate staleness. If you prefer a less sweet option, unsweetened coconut can be used instead, but you may need to adjust the sugar in the recipe slightly.
How should I store the Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars?
For optimal freshness, store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before serving, as this enhances their delightful flavors!
Can I freeze the Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars?
Yes! To freeze your bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored like this for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for an hour before savoring!
What do I do if my filling doesn’t set while baking?
If your Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars don’t set as expected, this could be due to underbaking or using eggs that are too cold. Always ensure your eggs are at room temperature for proper mixing. For future reference, check the bars at the 25-minute mark; if the filling is still jiggly, give it an additional 5 minutes in the oven. Let them cool thoroughly; they’ll firm up once they’ve had a chance to rest!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Definitely! These bars contain ingredients like eggs and butter, making them unsuitable for those with egg or dairy allergies. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg. For a dairy-free version, try using vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. These modifications will help ensure that everyone can indulge in these delicious bars!
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Whisk
- parchment paper
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour this forms the base of your bars, giving them a delightful texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar adds sweetness to the crust, balancing the richness of the chocolate.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened ensures a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth flavor for the crust.
Filling
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes brings a tropical essence and chewy texture to the bars.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips these little gems melt beautifully, creating a luscious filling.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature binds the filling together, ensuring it sets perfectly.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract enhances the flavors, adding a warm aroma.
Instructions
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Coconut Dream Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes.
- While the crust cools, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract, then fold in the coconut flakes and chocolate chips.
- Spread the filling evenly over the baked crust and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing them.
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