Prayer Bars
Prayer Bars are rich, chocolatey layered treats with a crunchy graham cracker base and a sweet coconut topping. They offer a delightful combination of cocoa, vanilla, and nuts, making them perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting snack with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter and cocoa over water and add vanilla and beaten egg.
- Mix well and add crushed graham crackers, coconut, powdered sugar, and chopped nuts.
- Press the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Put in refrigerator and let set while making the second layer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the butter and cocoa mixture. If you're out of graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits can be a great substitute. You can also use almond flour instead of powdered sugar for a low-carb option. Feel free to mix in dried fruits or different nuts to personalize the bars. They can be made ahead of time for a special occasion or family gathering.
Serving Suggestions
These Prayer Bars are delicious on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside My Mom'S Hollywood Squares for a delightful dessert spread at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Prayer Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them, placing parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. To enjoy them again, let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Prayer Bars contains roughly 1239 calories, with 15g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (34% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 532mg per serving (23% 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 use egg substitute in this recipe?
Yes, you can use a commercial egg replacer or substitute with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana for each egg. This will maintain the moisture and texture of the bars while making them suitable for those avoiding eggs.
What type of nuts work best in Prayer Bars?
Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds are great choices for this recipe. They add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also toast the nuts lightly before adding them to enhance their taste. If you're nut-free, simply omit them or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead.
Can I add chocolate chips to the mixture?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can enhance the chocolate flavor and provide an extra layer of sweetness. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips after mixing the other ingredients. This will create a delightful texture in your Prayer Bars.
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).