Fantasia Bars
Fantasia Bars are rich, coconut-flavored treats with a chocolate topping, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and ideal for parties, picnics, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a 1-quart saucepan, melt butter. Remove from heat and stir in graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
- Pat the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Mix coconut and sweetened condensed milk together and carefully spread over the hot crust.
- Bake an additional 12 minutes.
- Cool in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes.
- Spoon melted chocolate chips on top.
- Cool until chocolate sets.
- Cut into small bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted butter before mixing with the graham cracker crumbs. If you want to switch things up, try using almond flour instead of graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free option. To enhance the texture, mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruits with the coconut.
Serving Suggestions
These Fantasia Bars are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat, or pair with fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside other favorites like Pepperoni Pizza Hors D'Oeuvres or Over That Dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Fantasia Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. For a quick treat, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying, or microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer them warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fantasia Bars contains roughly 148 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 12g fat.
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 use a different type of chocolate for the topping?
Absolutely! You can use white chocolate or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference. Just remember to adjust the melting time as different chocolates may require different temperatures to melt smoothly.
Is it necessary to cool the bars before cutting?
Yes, cooling the bars for at least 10 minutes in the pan helps them set properly, making it easier to cut them into neat bars. If you try to cut them while they are still warm, they may crumble and lose their shape.
Can I add other ingredients to the bars?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in ingredients like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even mini marshmallows to customize the bars to your liking. Just keep in mind that adding too many extras might affect the baking time.
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).