Description
Almond Joy Magic Cookie Bars are a deliciously rich and easy-to-make dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust layered with sweet shredded coconut, semisweet chocolate chips, chopped almonds, and a generous drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. Baked to golden perfection, these bars offer the classic flavors of the beloved Almond Joy candy in a convenient bar form, perfect for parties, snacks, or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Toppings
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted unsalted butter until the crumbs are fully moistened. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid crust layer.
- Layer the Toppings: Evenly spread the sweetened shredded coconut over the crust first. Next, sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips followed by the chopped almonds to create distinct layers of flavor and texture.
- Drizzle Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layered toppings to bind them together and add rich sweetness to the bars.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is fully set, ensuring the bars hold together when sliced.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cooled bars out of the pan, then cut into 12 equal-sized bars for serving.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, lightly toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden before layering it on the crust.
- Substitute semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or add white chocolate chips for a unique taste variation.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
