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- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed) - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of sea salt To create these delicious Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars, gather your ingredients first. You will need graham cracker crumbs for the base. These crumbs give the bars a sweet and crunchy texture that everyone loves. Next, you’ll need unsweetened shredded coconut. This adds a tropical flavor that pairs well with the raspberries. Melt your unsalted butter to bind everything together. Sweetened condensed milk is key for that rich, creamy layer. Fresh raspberries bring a burst of flavor and color. If you can’t find fresh ones, thawed frozen raspberries work too. Semi-sweet chocolate chips add a touch of richness. You can include chopped walnuts or pecans if you want extra crunch. Don’t forget a bit of vanilla extract for flavor and a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness. Each ingredient plays a role in making these bars truly magical. - 9x9-inch baking pan - Mixing bowls - Spatula - Measuring cups For this recipe, you need a few key tools. A 9x9-inch baking pan works best for even cooking. Mixing bowls help combine all your ingredients with ease. Use a spatula to spread the layers and ensure everything is well mixed. Measuring cups are essential for accuracy. You want your bars to turn out perfectly. With these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make a treat that will impress everyone. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease the pan or line with parchment paper. - Combine graham cracker crumbs, coconut, melted butter, and a pinch of sea salt. - Press the mixture into the bottom of the baking pan. This forms the base for your bars. - Pour sweetened condensed milk over the crust. - Evenly add the fresh raspberries, chocolate chips, and nuts if you choose to use them. - Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges will turn golden brown, and the center will bubble. - Let the bars cool in the pan for 30 minutes before moving on. - Transfer the pan to the refrigerator. Chill for one hour before cutting into squares. This helps them set and makes cutting easier. For the best texture, let your bars cool completely in the pan. This helps them set well. I find that cooling for about 30 minutes is just right. Then, move them to the fridge for an hour. This step firms them up nicely. If you want to switch things up, consider ingredient substitutions. You can use gluten-free graham crackers if needed. Also, swap fresh raspberries for frozen ones; just make sure they are thawed and drained well. To wow your guests, dust the bars with powdered sugar. This adds a nice touch. You can also garnish with fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of shredded coconut. Arrange the bars on a decorative platter for a beautiful display. These bars are perfect for special occasions like birthdays or holidays. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. If your bars turn out too gooey, try baking them a bit longer. Look for golden edges and a bubbling center. This means they’re done! For even baking, make sure to spread your ingredients evenly in the pan. Press the crust down firmly. This helps the layers stay together during baking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Raspberries: Fresh raspberries provide the best flavor and texture, but if using frozen, ensure they are thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture. Chill for Best Texture: After baking, let the bars cool completely, then refrigerate for at least an hour. This helps them firm up, making cutting easier and preventing crumbling. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to mix and match nuts based on your preference. Pecans or almonds can add a unique flavor profile to your bars. Layering Technique: When adding toppings, press them down lightly into the condensed milk layer to ensure they adhere well while baking, creating a more cohesive bar. {{image_4}} You can make these bars even better with different flavors. Try adding fresh blueberries or strawberries. These fruits mix well with the tartness of raspberries. You can also switch the chocolate. Use white chocolate for a sweeter taste or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Each choice changes the bars in a fun way. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers. They work just as well in the crust. For a vegan version, swap the butter for coconut oil. You can also use coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. These changes still keep the bars tasty and satisfying. Want a quick treat? You can make a no-bake version of these magic bars. Simply mix the crust ingredients and press them into a pan. Instead of baking, chill the mixture in the fridge for a few hours. After it firms up, add the toppings. This way, you get a delicious dessert without any cooking. To keep your Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. The best temperature for storage is at room temperature for short periods. If you live in a hot area, it’s better to refrigerate them. These bars can last about 3-4 days at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, move them to the fridge. In the fridge, they stay fresh for up to a week. Just remember to seal them well to keep moisture away. Freezing these magic bars is simple. First, cut them into squares. Next, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to label the bag with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat one, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice and tasty. Yes, you can. If you want to swap out walnuts or pecans, try almonds or hazelnuts. Each nut gives a unique taste and texture. Almonds add a nice crunch, while hazelnuts offer a rich flavor. Use the same amount as the original nuts for best results. You have several options. For a gluten-free choice, use gluten-free graham crackers. You can also try crushed cookies like vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits. If you want a nutty twist, use ground almonds or oats. Each option will change the flavor and texture a bit. Yes, you can make them in advance. Bake the bars and let them cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container. They last well for up to five days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving. You now have a simple guide to make Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars. Gather your essential ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and enjoy a delicious treat. Remember to chill the bars for the best taste and texture. You can try different flavors or even a no-bake version. Whether you share them or keep them for yourself, these bars are sure to please. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of your sweet creation!

Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars

Deliciously layered bars with a graham cracker crust, coconut, fresh raspberries, and chocolate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9-inch baking pan by either greasing it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later on.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, melted butter, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are fully integrated, forming a cohesive crust.
  • Transfer the crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using your hands or the flat bottom of a measuring cup, firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the pan to create an even layer.
  • Gently pour the sweetened condensed milk over the pressed crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
  • Evenly distribute the fresh raspberries on top of the condensed milk. Follow with an even scattering of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and if you’re using them, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans on top.
  • Drizzle the vanilla extract over the assembled layers. Lightly press the toppings down into the condensed milk to ensure they adhere well during baking.
  • Place the baking pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and you’ll notice the center bubbling slightly.
  • Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This can take about 30 minutes.
  • For optimal texture, once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and let the bars chill for at least one hour to firm up before cutting into squares.

Notes

For an inviting presentation, arrange the cut magic bars on a decorative platter. Lightly dust them with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance, and consider garnishing with a few fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top for a beautiful finish.
Keyword coconut, dessert, magic bars, raspberry