Quick And Easy Bars
These quick and easy layered bars combine chocolate, coconut, nuts, and graham cracker crumbs for a delicious treat perfect for any occasion or snack time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9 x 9 x 2-inch square pan with butter or margarine.
- Place margarine in the pan and melt it in the oven or microwave.
- Remove the pan from the oven and spread the melted margarine evenly.
- Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the melted margarine.
- Add a layer of flaked coconut on top of the graham cracker crumbs.
- Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips over the coconut layer.
- Spread chopped nuts over the chocolate chips.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and loosen edges with a knife.
- Cool completely, then cut into squares and refrigerate.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute butter for margarine. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with additional chocolate chips or seeds. You can also use graham cracker crumbs made from whole grain crackers for a healthier twist. Ensure you pack the layers evenly for uniform baking and consider adding a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delightful as a sweet snack or dessert. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with fresh fruit for a lovely contrast. They pair beautifully with rich coffee or tea, making them a perfect treat for afternoon gatherings. You can also cut them into smaller pieces for a fun addition to potlucks or parties, similar to the vibe of Picnic Some-Mores.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just warm. Alternatively, you can enjoy them cold directly from the fridge. These bars also freeze well; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Easy Bars contains roughly 562 calories, with 5g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 45g 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 different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of nuts you prefer, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Just ensure they are chopped finely to distribute evenly in the bars. If you have nut allergies, consider using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as a substitute.
What can I do if I don't have graham cracker crumbs?
If you don't have graham cracker crumbs, you can substitute them with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed up cookies like Oreos for a unique twist. Just ensure the texture is similar to graham cracker crumbs so that the layers hold together well.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they turn golden brown on top and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan. You can also do a toothpick test; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Let them cool completely before cutting for best results.
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).