Gooey Coconut Dream Bars

152 Ratings
  • 5 29
  • 4 35
  • 3 54
  • 2 25
  • 1 9

This delicious recipe is courtesy of Amy Scherber and Toy Kim Dupree and can be found in "The Sweeter Side of Amy's Bread."

The Martha Stewart Show, December Winter 2008, The Martha Stewart Show, Episode 4055

Gallery

Read the full recipe after the video.

Recipe Summary

Yield:
Makes 20 bars
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Ingredients

For the Topping
For the Crust

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees with a rack in the center of oven. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper; set aside.

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  • To make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and salt. Pour mixture into prepared pan and press into bottom of pan using your fingertips.

  • To make the topping: In another medium bowl, mix together chocolate chips and coconut; sprinkle evenly over crust.

  • Pour condensed milk evenly over coconut and chips, covering the entire surface. Transfer to oven and bake, rotating pan halfway through baking, making sure the milk does not get too brown or bubble over in the pan, 26 to 32 minutes.

  • Transfer baking pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into 20 squares. Serve immediately, or wrap each bar tightly with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

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Reviews (68)

152 Ratings
  • 5 29
  • 4 35
  • 3 54
  • 2 25
  • 1 9
Martha Stewart Member
11/11/2017
EVERYBODY to whom I have served these LOVES them! They are so simple and delicious. I also use a darker chocolate, if available from my pantry. For the holiday season, I like the idea of adding cranberries; I will try that.
Martha Stewart Member
10/29/2010
Delectable! So quick and easy to make and so tasty! Def add this to my list of repeat baking
Martha Stewart Member
06/17/2010
Does anybody know where I can find the nutritional information of this bar?
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Martha Stewart Member
06/13/2010
Anarie, I couldn't have said it better myself!
Martha Stewart Member
06/10/2010
Most publishers consider a recipe to be new/adapted if one major ingredient is different, the technique is different, or the proportions are significantly different. This recipe MORE than qualifies compared to the Magic Cookie bars. Several ingredients are omitted, topping ingredients are mixed, not layered, the crust to topping ratio has changed, etc. After all, every baking book has pound cake, chocolate cake, and key lime pie, but we don't accuse them of "ripping off" those!
Martha Stewart Member
06/09/2010
I agree...they are Magic Cookie Bars
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Martha Stewart Member
06/09/2010
No big fuss about who invented them, but these are obviously Magic Cookie Bars. Te original is better since it piles more stuff on top: butterscotch chips, walnuts or pecans, white chocolate chips---just about anything. Good recipe for using up bits and bobs left from other recipes.
Martha Stewart Member
06/09/2010
I don't see why all the uproar about a tweaking of an old recipe. nearly everything on the show, in the magazine or here are things that have been done before and are updated (sometimes) and presented. I don't think they ever say they invented them, but I may be wrong. My mom has recognized tons of things from the craft mags of the 60's and 70's. I guess there is nothing new under the sun in the craft/cooking world, just edited a bit.
Martha Stewart Member
06/09/2010
I don't see why all the uproar about a tweaking of an old recipe. nearly everything on the show, in the magazine or here are things that have been done before and are updated (sometimes) and presented. I don't think they ever say they invented them, but I may be wrong. My mom has recognized tons of things from the craft mags of the 60's and 70's. I guess there is nothing new under the sun in the craft/cooking world, just edited a bit.
Martha Stewart Member
06/09/2010
Sounds a lot like Magic Bars . : ) The lady that spritzed them with Grand Marnier, I would be concerned about children eating them and people that are recovering alcoholics so I would bake that right in the recipe to cook out the alcohol while just having the flavor. Still it might be a concern for recovering alcoholics because of the flavor. Cranberries, dark chocolate, and chocolate grahams sound great!
Martha Stewart Member
09/29/2009
I added 1Cup dried cranberries and used dark chocolate chips. After they came out of the oven I lightly spritz them with Grand Marnier They were too good. The only dish at our potluck that was completely devoured. Noot a crumb left.
Martha Stewart Member
02/02/2009
I used two sleeves of graham crackers. I used chocolate grahams instead, turned out great!
Martha Stewart Member
01/15/2009
The recipe calls for "about 20 crackers"; does that mean 20 whole "sheets" (each with 8 little sections) or 20 "squares" (1/2 sheet)? Would love to hear from those who made them. Thanks!
Martha Stewart Member
01/14/2009
These were fun to make with my four year old nephew and a big hit with the family. Definately something I will continue to make. YUM!
Martha Stewart Member
01/13/2009
Awesome! My gang couldn't eat the squares fast enough!
Martha Stewart Member
01/11/2009
I remember making these as a child (I'm 53) and calling them Magic Cookie Bars, too. I'm sure the Bordon and Nestle people don't care who originated the recipe as long as people are buying SCM! You can make your own, you know. It's not hard, but the flavor is a little different.
Martha Stewart Member
01/11/2009
I remember making these as a child (I'm 53) and calling them Magic Cookie Bars, too. I'm sure the Bordon and Nestle people don't care who originated the recipe as long as people are buying SCM! You can make your own, you know. It's not hard, but the flavor is a little different.
Martha Stewart Member
01/09/2009
I've been making "Hello Dolly's" since the 60's. I still have my original recipe card, written by me when I was 10. We add butterscotch chips
Martha Stewart Member
01/08/2009
People I don't know what the big fuss is I am mexican and very happy that Martha and Amy make this bars regardless where you think the recipe came from because I always use mexican brand condensed milk only which i recommend, (winked) Happy New Year everyboby!
Martha Stewart Member
01/07/2009
The video actually says 2 cups less 2 tbls. The recipe says 1 3/4 cups plus 2 tbls. Both are correct because 1/4 cup is the same as 4 tbls. Looks as simple as could be to make!
Martha Stewart Member
01/07/2009
Your video says omit 2 tbls condensed milk. Your web site recipe says to add 2 tablespoons condensed milk. Which is correct? I made them with 2 tblspns less and they are great.
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
Oops. I didn't mean 3 times the amount of coconut. It is almost double the amount. My mistake!
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
For those who may be wondering, this is not the Eagle Brand Magic Bars recipe. The method may be the same, but this recipe has double the crumb mixture, adds salt, has no nuts, and has 3 times the amount of coconut.
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
aren't these just the same recipe on the "Eagles condensed milk" cans... Aren't they Magic Bars?
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
out and added cold water to pan. When can was cooler, I added it to the recipe. Really rich and good!
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
(cont) and continued to boil milk for 2 1/2 hrs, adding water to keep water above can. I dumped hot water
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
I've made these for years, but recently substituted caramalized Eagle Brand Condensed Milk as an experiment. I covered one can of Eagle Brand Condensed Milk in a pan with cold water, and waited until the water came to a rolling boil. I lowered the termperature to a low-med
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
Really! She didn't claim it was her recipe or new for that matter. What's wrong with the modifications -- not evnough sugar for you?
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
OK, seriously. This is an OLD recipe from the back of the sw. con. milk can - 7 Layer Bars because of the 7 ingredients: graham crackers, butter, coconut, choc. chips, butterscotch chips, nuts, and the milk. I've been making these since I was 10 (I'm 40) Will Cool Whip fruit salads be next?
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
Oh Please!! This is the recipe of Martha's guest, who said she got the recpe from her mother. Lighten up people!
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
Hey, Martha. This is similar to the receipe on the can of sweetened condensed milk. Been making these since the 60's, too. Don't rip off others' receipe's!!
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
sorry, looks like my comment cut off mid sentence! ...and hard and (2) she added raisins, which just did not taste right! I like these with milk chocolate chips, pecans/walnuts and sometimes dried cherries or bits of dried apricot.
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
I am appauled that Martha would have this recipe on her show from a bakery that stole the recipe off of a can of condensed milk! I've been baking these squares for over 10 years! Is this the future of the show!
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
My family has made these (w/ walnuts added) for Christmas since the 60's. We call them "Hello Dollys" - whit5, you are the only other person I've seen call them this! Anyone know the origin of that name? This year my sister tried two "innovations" which were kinda flops. (1) she used a premade graham pie crust, which made the bars come out too thick
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
I also add a cup of butterscotch chips and nuts..yummy
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
Yes that is it..called Magic Cookie Bars from the Bordens Can Sweetened Condensed Milk.
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
Oh the original called for nuts, sprinkled on as well. I use pre-toasted pecans.
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
This recipe as been around for ever! I know it as 'magic cookie bars' you just sprinkle the crumbs into your pan and pour the melted butter over them and then the rest of the ingredients over that. Bake and it becomes a cookie bar, like magic. I think I got the recipe originally from either Nestle's or Eagle brand condensed milk.
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
The original recipe for these is called Layer Bars as I remember. I have made them lots of times, and are a favorite. No mixing except for the crust. Just sprinkle on the chips then the coconut and pour one can of Sweet Milk all over and bake. Must be cooled completely to cut. I chill them for 2 hours then cut with a sharp knife dipped in hot water, and clean off the knife between cuts. Makes a nicer bar.
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
This is not a new recipe, I have been making them for years called magic cookie bars, hello dollys they are the same and you can add or delete what you like or don't like. The two tablespooons of sweentened condensed miilk won't make a big difference if it is added or not. I use foil sprayed or buttered, add your ingredients, bake, cool, lift out, cut into any size-----works beautifully every time.
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
These are my favorite treat from childhood. My grandma always had them in her cupboard when we visited. In Minnesota these bars are called 7-Layer Bars. We would add butterscotch chips and chopped nuts as well. They can be found at almost every church gatthering and in all of the old church cookbooks. I checked out Amy's website and noticed that she is from Minnesota.
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
i make this cookie also but instead of coconut i use peanut butter chips they are so good
Martha Stewart Member
01/06/2009
I made these but they were hard to cut nicely. They were very gooey to cut and i couldnt cut evenly but they were delicious anyway.
Martha Stewart Member
01/05/2009
I wanted to make these for my father-in-law because they're so easy and they sounded so good. He is not, however, a coconut-lover. He still, at 87, makes his own peanut brittle, so I thought nuts might be a great replacement. Being thrifty, I decided upon raw cashew pieces, which I roasted and chopped. I've made a couple more batches and have stuck with the nuts because the bars are delicious this way.
Martha Stewart Member
01/01/2009
I tweaked this a bit, I used 2 sleaves of whole wheat ritz crakers, 1 stick of salted butter and only 1 can of condensed milk(no salt). I cut them into smaller pieces, Everyone loves them.
Martha Stewart Member
12/31/2008
I made these and had to make another batch. Everyone loved them. Didn't change anything. Easy and delicious
Martha Stewart Member
12/30/2008
Ms. Koala, A little salt is frequently used in baking because it complements the sweetness of the other ingredients for a more well-rounded, satisfying flavor. Sorry the rock salt didn't work so well--too much of a "good thing," eh? Good luck with your next try.
Martha Stewart Member
12/25/2008
Not being much of a cook but loving the simplicity of this recipe I tried it. I didn't have any coarse salt so I used rock salt instead. Not a good idea... Does anyone know why the salt is in there at all?
Martha Stewart Member
12/14/2008
awesome recipe- a thrill for the senses. I used mini pie pans that came with graham cracker crusts and just filled it up with the ingredients on the list . I added peanut butter chips and they are sinfully delicious! Thanks for showing the video and the recipe-very motivating!
Martha Stewart Member
12/13/2008
My Hello Dollies contain pecans and butterscotch chips to the topping. These look gooey-er than Hello Dollies. Can't wait to try them!
Martha Stewart Member
12/09/2008
Martha, I tried this recipe yesterday but decided to improve on it. I added about a 1/2 bag of Kraft caramels that I cut into quarters. I mixed them in with the chocolate chips and coconut. Also, I'm a guy and more is usually better so instead of the 1 3/4 minus two Tbsps of the sweetened condensed milk so, I used two whole 14 oz. cans of the milk. They were fantastic. My wife now says that her cookie bars were never this good!.
Martha Stewart Member
12/09/2008
MariaO, Photos of Parchment Paper: http://www.reynoldspkg.com/reynoldskitchens/catalog/PP_Carton.jpg http://www.surbitonart.co.uk/acatalog/parchment_paper.jpg http://www.karenscookies.net/shop/images/uploads/parchment_paper.jpg
Martha Stewart Member
12/09/2008
MariaO, To page up or down, click on arrows. parchment paper A heavy, grease- and moisture-resistant paper with a number of culinary uses including lining baking pans, wrapping foods that are to be baked en PAPILLOTE and to make disposable PASTRY BAGS. Parchment paper is available in gourmet kitchenware stores and many supermarkets. You can find it at Wal-Mart or at your local grocery store next to the Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil, and Craft stores in the cake dept.
Martha Stewart Member
12/08/2008
Amy and Martha used parchment paper. Pour a little sweetened condensed milk into your tablespoon, twice! There's your 2 cups minus 2 tablespoons...
Martha Stewart Member
12/06/2008
It's 2 Cups minus two tablespoons OR 1 3/4 Cups plus two tablespoons. On the show she says 2 C minus two Tablespoons but the recipe above says 1 3/4 cups plus two tablespoons. Comes out the same.
Martha Stewart Member
12/06/2008
It is delicious if you have just a smal square.Definitely satisfies a craving for something sweet.
Martha Stewart Member
12/05/2008
ITS MINUS 2 Tablespoons
Martha Stewart Member
12/05/2008
I'm confused about the sweetened condensed milk. Is it plus or minus 2 tablespoons?
Martha Stewart Member
12/05/2008
ok i think i missed something, while switching channels the recipe says parchment paper, but i thought the pan was just greased? what is parchment paper?
Martha Stewart Member
12/05/2008
On the show they said 2 cups MINUS 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, or, as cossrdsgal points out below, 1 3/4 cups. Recipe needs to be corrected.
Martha Stewart Member
12/05/2008
On the show they said 2 cups MINUS 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, or, as cossrdsgal points out below, 1 3/4 cups. Recipe needs to be corrected.
Martha Stewart Member
12/05/2008
On the show they said 2 cups MINUS 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, or, as cossrdsgal points out below, 1 3/4 cups. Recipe needs to be corrected.
Martha Stewart Member
12/05/2008
On the show they said 2 cups MINUS 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, or, as cossrdsgal points out below, 1 3/4 cups. Recipe needs to be corrected.
Martha Stewart Member
12/05/2008
On the show they said 2 cups MINUS 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, or, as cossrdsgal points out below, 1 3/4 cups. Recipe needs to be corrected.
Martha Stewart Member
12/05/2008
On the show, she said 2 cups MINUS 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk. Or, as cossrdsgal points out below, 1 3/4 cups. Recipe needs to be corrected.
Martha Stewart Member
12/05/2008
I know these as Hello Dollies, don't remember the salt in the recipe but love adding the nuts idea. Think I will use macadamia's. Thank you for posting the recipe, can't read my card anymore it is so old.
Martha Stewart Member
12/05/2008
how do you get the sweetened condensed milk to pour smoothly, that is my problem!! love these bars
Martha Stewart Member
12/05/2008
My grandmother made these. I still have her recipe card in her own handwriting. She called them "Hello Dolly". She did not put in the salt, and she gave the option to add nuts if desired.
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