Dessert Bars
Sweet and chewy dessert bars packed with chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth at gatherings or as a homemade treat, these bars combine classic ingredients in a versatile, crowd-pleasing dessert that can be enjoyed anytime.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix melted oleo and brown sugar until well combined.
- Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Add beaten eggs and vanilla extract, then stir thoroughly.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing well.
- Stir in chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts.
- Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of oleo. If you want to reduce sugar, you can use half brown sugar and half coconut sugar. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. Don't overmix once the dry ingredients are added, as this can make the bars tough. For added texture, try mixing in some oats or dried fruit.
Serving Suggestions
These dessert bars are perfect as a sweet treat for gatherings. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For a festive touch, serve with holiday-themed Cut-Out Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dessert bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dessert Bars contains roughly 388 calories, with 6g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 884mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can use white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even swap them for chopped dark chocolate. If you prefer a healthier option, consider using dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a different flavor profile.
What can I use instead of nuts?
If you're allergic to nuts or prefer to omit them, you can replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Alternatively, you could use more chocolate chips or even add shredded dried fruit for added texture.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).