Equipment Needed
- 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Small microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Fork or dipping tools
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, we make the iconic coconut center. Line your square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides. This sling is your best friend for easy removal later. In your medium saucepan, pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with your spatula. You’re not boiling it, just warming it through until it becomes loose and very easy to stir, about 3-4 minutes. This gentle heat activates its binding power. I learned the hard way that skipping this and using it cold from the can makes for a crumbly, dry center that falls apart.
Remove the warm milk from the heat and immediately pour it into your large mixing bowl. Now, dump in all 4 cups of sweetened shredded coconut. Use your spatula to fold and stir until every single strand of coconut is thoroughly coated and the mixture looks like a very thick, cohesive dough. It will be incredibly sticky and fragrant. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared pan. I use the bottom of a measuring cup to really compact it—this ensures your bars hold their shape and have that satisfying chew. Pop the whole pan into the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This firm-up step is non-negotiable.
While the coconut slab chills, prepare your chocolate shell. Place your chocolate chips (and the optional tablespoon of coconut oil, if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring thoroughly after each burst, until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy. Alternatively, melt it over a double boiler. The coconut oil isn’t essential, but it makes the chocolate more fluid, giving you a thinner, snappier shell that mimics the real thing. Let the melted chocolate cool for about 5 minutes; you don’t want it so hot it melts the coconut center.(See the next page below to continue…)