Magic Coconut Bars

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If you like this recipe, please share!

Magic coconut bars are a simple treat to make for the family. Perfect as an after school treat or dessert. They are ideal for any dessert buffet.

Magic coconut bars are super easy to make and you may have all the ingredients in your pantry.

October is National Cookbook Month. Some blogger friends and I are celebrating by sharing a recipe from a favorite community cookbook. I have a few community cookbooks from local organizations as well as some Junior League cookbooks. I chose a favorite recipe, magic coconut bars, which I’ve never made before, from the cookbook Gourmet Gallery.

You may be wondering why, if it’s a favorite recipe, I’ve never made it before. It’s because I LOVE magic coconut bars and I could eat the entire pan. I was saving myself from myself, if you know what I mean. Need less to say, I shared most (some) of the bars.

Gourmet Gallery Cookbook from The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, FL

First, please indulge me while I tell you a little bit about the cookbook. Gourmet Gallery Cookbook is a compilation of recipes from The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, FL.

The Museum of Fine Arts holds a special place in my heart. When I was a child my Mom took me to two exhibits that impacted me for life. The first was an exhibit of Leonardo da Vinci inventions. They were actual working models that patrons were able to touch and work. I was fascinated. T

he second was an exhibit of French Impressionist works. Claude Monet, August Renoir, Alfred Sisley, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro and more. I fell in love, right then and there. Impression Sunrise by Monet is one of my favorite paintings. About 18 years ago I had the good fortune to visit Giverny, residence of Monet, but I digress.

So when National Cookbook Month rolled around and I went looking through my collection, I knew I had to choose one from Gourmet Gallery.

You make know these magic coconut bars by the name magic cookie bars, or 7 layer bars, but I think, because this cookbook is older, it could be a very early version of the recipe.

This cookbook was published in 1975 and it had three printings. It is now out of print, unfortunately, but copies are available on eBay. The recipes came from members and friends of the museum.

As I was making the recipe, I’m thinking this is not enough chocolate. Then I think, the can of sweetened condensed milk will not cover this pan. Well, I was wrong on both counts. It was the perfect amount and it really is magic.

I’ve enjoyed reviewing cookbooks for many years. Other favorite recipes from cookbooks include strawberry scones with lemon glaze, simple chocolate pound cake and molten lava brownies.

Magic coconut bars are a real treat.

 

Magic Coconut Bars

Full of flavor and texture, these magic coconut bars won't last long.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Desserts and Sweets
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 stick butter melted
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup nuts chopped (pecans or walnuts)
  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or milk
  • 1 1/3 cup flaked coconut
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Pour melted butter in bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle evenly with graham cracker crumbs.
  • Over this, in layer fashion, evenly sprinkle nuts, then chocolate chips then coconut.
  • Pour sweetened condensed milk over all.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until light and coconut is lightly toasted.
  • Allow to cool 15 minutes before cutting into small squares.

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8 Comments

  1. These look so easy to make! Old cookbooks are fun – I’ve borrowed a few from our local library and can’t wait to check them out.

  2. I remember my Mom making these when I was young. Haven’t thought of them in years and now I won’t be able to forget them until I have one. Thanks for sharing Ellen.

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