Get ready to experience a mind-blowing dessert that will make your taste buds dance with pure joy! These aren't just ordinary bars - they're a decadent symphony of flavors that combine the rich creaminess of peanut butter, the sweet crunch of toasted coconut, and the luxurious drizzle of caramel. Imagine sinking your teeth into a treat that's part candy bar, part gourmet dessert, and 100% irresistible. Whether you're a sweet tooth enthusiast or looking to impress your friends with a show-stopping dessert, these bars are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup toasted coconut
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Ensure the parchment is smooth and covers the bottom and sides completely.
- Toast the coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden brown and fragrant. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter with half of the toasted coconut, mixing until well incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly crumbly.
- Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- Press the graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even, compact base layer.
- Spread the peanut butter and toasted coconut mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust, creating a smooth second layer.
- Warm the caramel sauce slightly to make it more pourable. Drizzle the caramel evenly over the peanut butter layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle the chopped peanuts and remaining toasted coconut over the caramel layer for added texture and flavor.
- Melt the chocolate chips using a double boiler or in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each interval until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the top, tilting the pan to ensure complete and even coverage.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate is completely set and firm.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire block out of the pan and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife, cleaning the knife between cuts for clean edges.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Tips
- Toasting Coconut Like a Pro: Watch your coconut carefully when toasting - it can burn quickly! Stir constantly and remove from heat the moment it turns golden brown and becomes fragrant.
- Chocolate Melting Hack: Use a double boiler or microwave in short 30-second intervals to melt chocolate smoothly. Stir between each interval to prevent burning.
- Perfect Cutting Technique: For clean, professional-looking bars, clean your knife between each cut and use a sharp chef's knife.
- Make-Ahead Magic: These bars actually taste even better after sitting in the refrigerator overnight, allowing all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Storage Secret: Keep these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they'll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Pro tip: Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the most incredible texture.
- Customization Options: Feel free to swap peanut butter with almond butter or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
