Description
Indulgent Almond Joy Magic Cookie Bars combine coconut, chocolate, and almonds into a heavenly dessert that transports taste buds to paradise. Rich layers of sweetness and crunch invite dessert enthusiasts to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies Base:
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling and Topping:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1.5 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup whole almonds
- 0.5 cup sliced almonds
Garnish:
- 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
- 0.25 cup toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand, then firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even, compact base.
- Evenly drizzle the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the graham cracker crust, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut in a uniform layer across the condensed milk surface.
- Distribute semi-sweet chocolate chips generously over the coconut layer, creating an even chocolate coverage.
- Arrange whole almonds across the chocolate chips, spacing them consistently to ensure each bar will have an almond in each bite.
- Scatter sliced almonds over the entire surface for additional texture and nutty crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the top becomes slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup in a decorative pattern across the cooled bars.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the chocolate drizzle for a final garnish and extra flavor dimension.
- Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
- Prevent crumbly crust by pressing graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, ensuring a solid foundation for your magic bars.
- Control sweetness by adjusting the amount of condensed milk or using a reduced-sugar version for a lighter dessert option.
- Toast coconut and almonds before adding to enhance their natural nutty flavors and add a delightful depth to the overall taste profile.
- Experiment with dairy-free alternatives like coconut condensed milk and vegan chocolate chips to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 264
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 98 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 24 mg