If you have a soft spot for rich, chewy coconut bars coated in luscious dark chocolate, you’re going to absolutely adore making the 3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe. This simple but indulgent treat requires only three pantry staples, and yet it delivers the kind of candy bar flavor that feels completely homemade and satisfyingly decadent. Whether you’re looking for a no-fuss dessert or a sweet snack to share with friends, this recipe brings together creamy sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and silky chocolate into a perfect little bar that’s unforgettable with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These three simple ingredients are the heart and soul of the 3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role: the shredded coconut provides chewy texture and that tropical flair, the sweetened condensed milk binds everything with creamy sweetness, and the dark chocolate offers a rich, smooth shell that perfectly complements the coconut center.
- 3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut: Using unsweetened coconut ensures the bars don’t turn out overly sugary and keeps the natural coconut flavor vibrant.
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk: This thick, creamy milk brings moisture and sweetness that holds the bars together beautifully.
- 15 ounces dark chocolate (or semi-sweet chocolate): Choose a quality chocolate for coating, so it melts smoothly and gives you that glossy finish with just the right hint of bittersweetness.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Coconut and Sweetened Condensed Milk
Start by combining the shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk in a medium mixing bowl. Stir them together until every piece of coconut is glistening and coated evenly. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold its shape when you form it into bars, which is exactly what we want as the base for these delicious treats.
Step 2: Shape and Freeze the Bars
With clean, wet hands, take portions of the coconut mixture and mold them into 12 neat logs or bars. The wet hands prevent sticking and make shaping much easier. Place each on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet, then pop the sheet into the freezer for about 20 minutes. This chilling step firms up the bars so they’ll hold their shape when dipped.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Carefully
While the bars are chilling, melt roughly 10 ounces of the chocolate. Use a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 30 seconds, then continue in 15-second bursts, stirring thoroughly after each interval. This careful melting process ensures the chocolate stays smooth and glossy without burning.
Step 4: Combine and Smooth the Chocolate
Once the majority of the chocolate is melted, add the remaining 5 ounces and stir continuously until it’s completely melted and silky. This method of tempering the chocolate by mixing melted with unmelted chocolate helps give the coating a lovely sheen and snap when set.
Step 5: Dip the Coconut Bars in Chocolate
Now comes the fun part—dipping! Using forks, gently dip each chilled coconut bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Lift the bars out, letting excess chocolate drip off, and transfer back onto the parchment-lined sheet. Thanks to their chilled state, the chocolate shell will harden quickly, locking in all those delicious flavors.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your 3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe, try sprinkling finely chopped toasted almonds or a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate just before it sets. This adds an extra dimension of crunch or a pop of savory contrast that pairs surprisingly well with the coconut’s natural sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a rich cup of coffee or a creamy latte to balance the sweetness. They also pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a small bowl of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, individually wrap each bar in decorative parchment or cellophane tied with ribbon for an enticing homemade gift. You can also slice the logs into bite-sized cubes and skewer them with decorative picks for party-friendly treats that are easy to enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover 3 Ingredient Mounds bars keep best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will maintain their texture and freshness for up to two weeks. The cool temperature also helps keep the chocolate coating firm.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars well in advance, freezing is a perfect option. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their great taste.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen bars, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the chocolate shell too much. Serving them chilled keeps the integrity of that satisfying bite intact.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead?
Absolutely! Using sweetened shredded coconut will make the bars a little sweeter, so you might want to adjust any additional sugar in your serving or pairing options. The texture will remain chewy and delicious.
What if I don’t have dark chocolate? Can I use milk chocolate?
Yes, milk chocolate works just fine, but keep in mind it’s sweeter and creamier, so it will change the overall flavor balance. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate tends to provide a nice contrast to the coconut’s sweetness.
Do I need to line the cookie sheet with parchment paper?
Parchment paper is highly recommended since it prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. You could also use a silicone baking mat if you have one on hand.
How long do the bars take to set after dipping?
Because the bars are chilled before dipping, the chocolate usually hardens within about 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, a quick chill in the fridge will speed this up nicely.
Can I add any flavorings to the coconut mixture?
Certainly! Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor. Just keep the additions subtle to preserve the classic Mounds bar taste.
Final Thoughts
Making the 3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe is such a rewarding experience, especially because it’s so quick yet produces a treat that feels genuinely special. Once you try these chewy, chocolate-dipped delights, you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for whenever a sweet craving strikes. Trust me, your loved ones will thank you for sharing these little homemade treasures!
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3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy 3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe recreates the classic coconut and chocolate candy bars at home with just shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and dark chocolate. The no-bake bars combine creamy, sweet coconut logs dipped in rich melted chocolate for a delicious treat that sets quickly thanks to freezing.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 15 ounces dark chocolate (or semi-sweet chocolate)
Instructions
- Combine Coconut and Sweetened Condensed Milk: In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
- Form Coconut Logs and Freeze: Using clean, wet hands, shape the coconut mixture into 12 evenly sized logs. Place each log onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and freeze for about 20 minutes to firm up.
- Melt Most of the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt approximately 10 ounces of the dark chocolate by heating on high for 30 seconds, then continuing in 15 second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and completely melted.
- Add Remaining Chocolate: Stir in the remaining 5 ounces of chocolate to the melted chocolate and continue stirring until the mixture is fully melted and combined, creating a smooth chocolate coating.
- Dip Coconut Bars in Chocolate and Set: Using forks, dip each chilled coconut log into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage. Place the coated bars back onto the parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Since the bars are frozen, the chocolate coating will set quickly at room temperature or in the fridge.
Notes
- Wet your hands before shaping the coconut mixture to prevent sticking.
- Freeze the shaped bars thoroughly before dipping for best results.
- Use good quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a richer flavor.
- The chocolate will harden faster because the bars are chilled.
- Store finished bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
