Are you craving a delicious, no-bake dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! These Dream Bars, made with the creamy richness of sweetened condensed milk, are the perfect treat for any occasion. They’re a delightful blend of buttery shortbread, a luscious coconut-chocolate layer, and a dreamy topping that will have everyone asking for more. This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, offering a quick and easy way to create a homemade dessert that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery. Prepare for a sweet escape with this simple yet impressive recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup flaked coconut, toasted (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup flaked coconut, toasted (optional)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast the coconut (if using) on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Set aside to cool. This simple step adds a delightful depth of flavor.
Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but can be done by hand with a little elbow grease.
- Beat in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Stir in the toasted coconut (if using) and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Assemble and Bake:
- Spread the filling evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Add the Finishing Touch:
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely. This allows the bars to set properly.
- While the bars are cooling, melt the chocolate chips for the topping in a double boiler or microwave.
- Once melted, spread the chocolate evenly over the cooled filling. Sprinkle with toasted coconut (optional).
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set.
Cut and Serve:
- Once firm, cut into bars and serve. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer crust: Use digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers.
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the filling.
- Get creative with chocolate: Use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for the filling and topping.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or gluten-free digestive biscuits.
- Customize the sweetness: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your liking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input the exact brands and quantities. However, expect each bar to contain roughly:
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-4g
These Dream Bars are a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes. They’re a great addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas or simply a delightful treat for any time of day. So grab your ingredients and embark on this delightful baking adventure – you won't regret it! These homemade cooking masterpieces are sure to become a family favorite. They are among the best recipes for satisfying sweet cravings without excessive effort.