Name: Heavenly Coconut-Walnut Graham Cracker Bars with Chocolate Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1 cup flaked coconut; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons milk; 12 oz chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons butter

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 6 reviews

Oh, I just have to tell you about my absolute favorite indulgence: Heavenly Coconut-Walnut Graham Cracker Bars with Chocolate Topping Recipe. These bars have this fantastic combination of buttery graham cracker crumbs, toasted coconut, and crunchy walnuts, all topped with a luscious layer of chocolate that just melts in your mouth. Every time I whip them up, they become the star of the dessert table — easy, comforting, and so irresistibly rich.

Whether you’re bringing a treat to a get-together or just craving a sweet snack for yourself, this Heavenly Coconut-Walnut Graham Cracker Bars with Chocolate Topping Recipe never disappoints. I love that it’s straightforward to make but feels totally gourmet — plus, the chocolate topping makes them look fancy without any fuss. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert bar.

🤎

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Texture Harmony: The crunchy graham crumb base pairs beautifully with chewy coconut and crunchy walnuts for a layered bite.
Easy Yet Impressive: Despite the rich flavors, this recipe is straightforward enough for weeknight baking or last-minute parties.
Sinfully Chocolatey Finish: The smooth, glossy chocolate topping adds that show-stopping touch everyone loves.
Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing: You can easily swap nuts or add extras, making it perfect for different tastes or dietary needs.

A rectangular tray filled with a smooth, shiny, dark brown chocolate layer covering the entire top. The chocolate has a slightly wavy texture with subtle reflections of light, making it look moist and glossy. The top layer is marked with even cuts, dividing the chocolate into 15 square pieces arranged in a 5 by 3 grid. The tray sits on a white marbled surface with a hint of a blue and white towel on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Heavenly Coconut-Walnut Graham Cracker Bars with Chocolate Topping Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack maximum flavor. Each component brings its own magic to the final bar, so picking quality staples here really makes all the difference.

Butter: Using room temperature butter helps you cream it smoothly with sugar, creating a tender base and frosting.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crunch in the base layer.
Egg: Binds everything in the bar layer for the perfect set texture — don’t skip!
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, cozy notes.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: The star of the base, they bring that classic, nostalgic flavor everyone loves.
Flaked Coconut: Adds chewy texture and tropical sweetness — I recommend unsweetened for balance.
Chopped Walnuts: Toast them lightly before mixing for extra crunch and nuttiness.
Powdered Sugar: Integral for the silky frosting texture and sweetness.
Milk: Just a little to help the frosting reach a spreadable consistency.
Chocolate Chips: I like semi-sweet for the topping — melts perfectly and balances the sweetness.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I adore about the Heavenly Coconut-Walnut Graham Cracker Bars with Chocolate Topping Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I often switch up ingredients or add a twist depending on the season or who I’m baking for — and you can too!

Nut-Free Version: I’ve swapped walnuts for sunflower seeds to accommodate nut allergies, and honestly, it’s just as delicious.
Coconut Variations: Toast the coconut flakes lightly for a deeper flavor, or try shredded coconut for a different texture.
Chocolate Types: Play around with dark or white chocolate chips to match your sweetness preference.
Add a Pinch of Spice: Sometimes I sprinkle cinnamon or a touch of cayenne in the base for a subtle kick — unexpected but fabulous.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Heavenly Coconut-Walnut Graham Cracker Bars with Chocolate Topping Recipe

Step 1: Creaming Butter and Sugar to Start

I begin by beating the room temperature butter with granulated sugar using my electric mixer. This step is crucial because it creates the right texture for the base — you want it light and slightly fluffy. Make sure the butter is not cold; if it is, give it some time to soften on the counter so it blends seamlessly. Then, adding the egg and vanilla, I mix until everything is well combined and glossy.

Step 2: Mixing in Dry Ingredients

Next up, stirring in the graham cracker crumbs, flaked coconut, and chopped walnuts. I usually toast the walnuts briefly beforehand to bring out their richness, but it’s optional. Stir gently but thoroughly to make sure everything is evenly coated. Then, I press the mixture firmly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan — pressing down hard helps it hold together once baked.

Step 3: Baking the Bar Base

Pop the pan into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to turn a lovely golden brown and the whole base to feel set when you gently press it. Keep an eye toward the end — overbaking will dry it out, so pulling it out while still a touch soft in the middle is perfect since it firms up as it cools.

Step 4: Whipping Up the Frosting

While the base cools, I make the frosting by beating the second stick of room temperature butter until smooth. Gradually, I add the powdered sugar, then the milk, and beat everything until it’s light, fluffy, and spreadable. This frosting is what gives the bars that creamy layer underneath the chocolate – so don’t rush this step for best results.

Step 5: Spreading Frosting and Adding Chocolate Topping

Once the bars have cooled completely, I spread the frosting evenly over the top. To make this easier, you can also chill the bars for a bit after frosting. Then, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well between each interval, and stir in two tablespoons of butter for smoothness. Pour this over the frosting and spread it carefully. Let it set at room temperature (or refrigerate briefly) until the chocolate firms up.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

With the chocolate set, use a sharp knife to slice into neat squares. You’ll want to wipe the knife clean between cuts for pretty edges. Serve them at room temperature or slightly chilled – both ways delicious. Every bite delivers that perfect harmony of crunch, chew, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Heavenly Coconut-Walnut Graham Cracker Bars with Chocolate Topping Recipe

Butter Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter is soft but not melting to get the perfect creamed texture for the base and frosting.
Press Firmly for a Stable Base: Don’t be shy about pressing that base mixture tightly into the pan to avoid crumbling bars.
Chocolate Glaze Perfection: Stir in butter after melting your chocolate chips to keep the topping shiny and smooth, making spreading much easier.
Cutting Clean Squares: Chill bars slightly before cutting, and wipe your knife between slices for neat, attractive squares.

How to Serve Heavenly Coconut-Walnut Graham Cracker Bars with Chocolate Topping Recipe

A close-up image shows a square dessert slice held by a woman's hand with a utensil. The dessert has three distinct layers: the bottom layer is a rough-textured, golden crumbly base, the middle layer is a thin smooth white cream, and the top layer is a thick, rich, glossy dark brown chocolate coating. The dessert piece is lifted above a baking tray filled with more of the same treat, sliced into square pieces, with a white marbled texture visible beneath the tray. The background is softly blurred, focusing on the dessert slice. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of toasted coconut or a sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts right before serving. It adds a bit of visual appeal and gives an extra hint of texture that perfectly hints at what’s inside.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a glass of cold milk — the classic duo! For a more festive vibe, I enjoy serving them alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

When I bring these bars to parties, I like to place them on a wooden serving board lined with parchment paper and sprinkle a few edible gold flakes or a drizzle of white chocolate artistically on top. It instantly dresses them up for special occasions, making guests feel like they’re getting a real treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars keep surprisingly well when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it’s warm out, I prefer to refrigerate them to keep the chocolate topping firm — just bring them to room temp before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain their texture and flavor without turning soggy.

Reheating

I usually skip reheating because these bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer them slightly warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings back that gooey chocolate goodness without melting the frosting too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut in the Heavenly Coconut-Walnut Graham Cracker Bars with Chocolate Topping Recipe?

Absolutely! While walnuts add a lovely crunch and flavor, these bars are quite versatile. You can substitute pecans, almonds, or even pistachios to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Just chop them roughly for the best texture.
What’s the best way to get smooth chocolate topping on these bars?

Melting chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave while stirring in between helps prevent burning. Adding butter just after melting smooths the chocolate, giving it a glossy finish that spreads easily over the frosting layer.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the graham cracker crumbs with certified gluten-free graham crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy switch.
How long do the bars keep fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days, or up to a week in the refrigerator. The chocolate topping helps preserve moisture, so they remain delicious for several days.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Heavenly Coconut-Walnut Graham Cracker Bars with Chocolate Topping Recipe has become a staple in my baking repertoire – easy enough to whip up on a whim but special enough to impress family and friends. I love sharing these bars because they feel like a little celebration in every bite. Give this recipe a try and see how simple ingredients come together to create something truly unforgettable — I promise you’ll be glad you did!