Last summer, we had an unexpected rainstorm while hosting our annual family picnic in the park. The weather had been perfect up until that moment, with everyone lounging on blankets, catching up, and enjoying the warmth of the sun. But then, out of nowhere, the skies darkened, and the heavens opened up.
I’m not sure who was more surprised: me, my husband, or the kids. The food was hurriedly packed away, but we all ended up huddling under a shelter, laughing at the sudden downpour and how quickly our picnic turned into an impromptu indoor gathering.
As the rain fell heavily outside, I found myself in charge of keeping the mood light and the food flowing, even if we were no longer outside. I pulled out my trusty Mound Bars that I had packed for the occasion, knowing they were always a crowd-pleaser. The kids immediately dove in, and even my dad, who usually sticks to fruit for dessert, couldn’t resist.
Between stories of old family memories and the sounds of the rain hitting the roof, the Mound Bars turned into the star of the show. With layers of coconut, graham cracker crust, and smooth chocolate, every bite was comforting and sweet—just like the company around me.
What started as a soggy disaster turned into one of the best family moments we’ve had in a long time. Sometimes, it’s not about the location or the grand plans. It’s about the small joys, the people, and the food that brings everyone together. And for me, Mound Bars are the perfect reminder of that.
Short Description
Mound Bars are a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dessert made with a graham cracker crust, coconut layer, and topped with smooth, melted chocolate. This easy-to-make treat combines familiar ingredients and delivers maximum flavor with minimal prep. Perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
For the Coconut Layer:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups flaked coconut
For the Topping:
- 1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips, melted
Tools Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Oven
- Knife for cutting the bars into squares
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan to form a solid crust. Bake for 15 minutes, then leave the oven on.
Step 2: Make the Coconut Layer
While the crust is baking, grab another bowl and mix together the sweetened condensed milk and flaked coconut. Stir until the coconut is fully coated and the mixture is smooth. Once the crust is done, spread the coconut mixture evenly over the baked crust.
Step 3: Bake the Coconut Layer
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes. The coconut layer will turn a light golden brown when done. Once finished, remove it from the oven and set aside.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Topping
While the coconut layer is baking, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Once the coconut layer has baked, pour the melted chocolate over the coconut and spread it evenly across the top.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the Mound Bars to cool at room temperature for about an hour, until the chocolate hardens. Once cooled, cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: With just five main ingredients and minimal prep time, Mound Bars are perfect for busy days when you still want to treat yourself and your family.
Family-Friendly: The combination of coconut, graham cracker, and chocolate is always a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Customizable: Add extra toppings or even use different types of chocolate to switch things up.
No Special Equipment: No need for fancy mixers or baking gadgets. If you have a bowl and a spoon, you’re good to go.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Too Soft or Too Hard Crust
Solution: Make sure you press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the pan to create a solid base. If the crust is too soft, bake it a little longer (an extra 3-5 minutes) to help it set.
2. Chocolate Not Melting Smoothly
Solution: Melt chocolate in short intervals in the microwave to prevent overheating. If the chocolate feels thick, stir in a teaspoon of vegetable oil to smooth it out.
3. Coconut Layer Too Thick or Thin
Solution: Spread the coconut mixture evenly, but don’t worry if it’s a little thick. It will set nicely after baking. If it seems too thin, add a bit more coconut to achieve the desired texture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars are great for a casual family gathering, potlucks, or even as a quick treat to send with your kids for a school snack.
Pairings: Serve with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience.
Serving Style: These bars are best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. You can plate them individually or cut them into small squares for a fun, shareable dessert.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store Mound Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be stored in the fridge if you prefer them chilled.
Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a container.
Reheating: To enjoy the chocolate topping slightly melted, microwave a square for 10-15 seconds before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate if you prefer. Each will give a different flavor to the bars.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container. They’ll still taste just as delicious!
3. Can I substitute the graham cracker crumbs with something else?
Yes, you can try using crushed cookies like digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies for a different flavor.
4. How do I keep the chocolate from melting too quickly?
If you find that the chocolate is melting too quickly when spreading, allow the coconut layer to cool slightly before adding the chocolate on top.
5. What’s the best way to cut these bars?
Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares once the chocolate has fully set. If it’s hard to cut through the chocolate, heat the knife under warm water and dry it before slicing.
Tips & Tricks
Even Crust: Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press down the crust evenly in the pan. It helps make sure every bite has the perfect amount of crunch.
Customize with Nuts: Feel free to add a handful of chopped almonds or walnuts to the coconut layer for extra crunch and flavor.
Chocolate Chips: For a smoother topping, use a mixture of semi-sweet chocolate chips and a bit of milk chocolate for a balanced flavor.
Recipe Variations
Peanut Butter Mound Bars: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the coconut mixture for a peanut butter-chocolate twist.
Almond Joy-Inspired Bars: Add whole almonds on top of the coconut layer before spreading the chocolate for an almond joy-inspired treat.
Coconut-Free Version: If you’re not a coconut fan, substitute it with oats for a chewy, oat-filled bar. Just make sure the texture is right for your liking.
Final Thoughts
Looking back on that rainy afternoon, it’s clear to me that it wasn’t the weather that made the picnic special, but the shared moments with family. The Mound Bars, simple yet rich, were the perfect ending to a spontaneous and heartwarming day. It’s a reminder that food, much like life, doesn’t need to be complicated to be enjoyed. Sometimes, the simplest things can create the best memories.
Mound Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
For the Coconut Layer:
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups flaked coconut
For the Topping:
- 1 12-ounce package semisweet chocolate chips, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then keep the oven on.
- In another bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk and flaked coconut until smooth. Once the crust is done, spread the coconut mixture evenly over it.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes until the coconut turns golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between. Once smooth, pour the chocolate over the coconut layer and spread evenly.
- Let the bars cool for about an hour until the chocolate hardens. Cut into squares.
