Are you craving a sweet, indulgent treat that’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can satisfy your coconut chocolate cravings? Look no further than these 3-Ingredient Mounds Bars! With just three simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, no-bake dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a party or satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars offer a quick and satisfying solution.
What Are 3-Ingredient Mounds Bars?
Mounds Bars are a beloved candy made from a perfect combination of coconut and rich chocolate. While the original Mounds Bar from the candy aisle is dipped in chocolate, our homemade version uses only three ingredients—coconut flakes, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate chips. These ingredients combine to create the perfect balance of sweetness and coconutty goodness, without the need for baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just three ingredients, this recipe is simple and quick. No baking is required, making it a perfect project for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a hassle-free dessert.
- No Oven Needed: Perfect for those hot days when you want a sweet treat without turning on the oven. The bars set in the fridge, keeping your kitchen cool.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The chewy coconut filling paired with rich chocolate creates the ultimate candy bar experience right at home.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or chocolate ratio to your liking. If you prefer a darker chocolate coating, swap in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk chocolate or dark chocolate)
Instructions
1. Combine Coconut and Sweetened Condensed Milk
Start by placing the shredded coconut in a medium-sized bowl. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and mix well until the coconut is fully coated and the mixture is sticky. This will form the base for your bars.
2. Shape the Coconut Mixture
Using your hands, form the coconut mixture into small bars or mound-shaped piles. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be sure to leave a little space between each mound for easy removal later.
3. Chill and Set
Place the coconut mounds in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour to firm up. The sweetened condensed milk will help hold everything together, making the bars easy to coat with chocolate.
4. Melt the Chocolate
While the coconut mixture is chilling, melt your chocolate chips. You can melt them in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or use a double boiler for even melting. Stir the chocolate until it’s smooth and glossy.
5. Coat the Mounds
Once the coconut mounds are firm, dip each one into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. For a thicker chocolate layer, you can dip it twice. Place the coated mounds back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Chill Again
Return the chocolate-coated coconut bars to the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.
7. Enjoy
Once the chocolate has hardened, your 3-Ingredient Mounds Bars are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Tips and Variations
- Add Flavors: Add a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt to the coconut mixture for extra flavor.
- Make It Vegan: Use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Chop the Coconut: If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the coconut flakes in a food processor before mixing with the condensed milk.
- Go For a Topping: Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top of the bars for extra texture or drizzle extra chocolate over the top.
Final Thoughts
These 3-Ingredient Mounds Bars are a perfect, no-bake solution for satisfying your coconut and chocolate cravings. With minimal effort and just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a delicious homemade candy that rivals store-bought versions. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to enjoy as a snack, these bars are sure to impress. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the sweet simplicity of this easy recipe!
Serving and Storage Tips for 3-Ingredient Mounds Bars
Serving Tips
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These homemade Mounds Bars make a fantastic treat for a variety of occasions. Serve them at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Cut Into Smaller Pieces: If you want to serve them as bite-sized treats, simply cut the bars into smaller pieces once they’re fully set. This works well for sharing at a party or when you want just a small indulgence.
- Pair with Fresh Fruit: For a refreshing contrast to the rich coconut and chocolate flavors, serve your Mounds Bars with fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or a citrusy side like orange slices.
- Top with Whipped Cream: To elevate your dessert, top the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s a great way to add a bit of extra indulgence.
- Serve Chilled: These bars are best enjoyed chilled, as the chocolate coating hardens and the coconut filling becomes firmer and more cohesive. Serve them straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Since the bars contain sweetened condensed milk, they should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent melting. Store the Mounds Bars in an airtight container to keep them from absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge.
- Freezing: If you want to store your Mounds Bars for an extended period, you can freeze them! Simply place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag, separating layers with parchment paper. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
- Shelf Life: When stored properly in the fridge, these bars can last up to one week. If frozen, they can maintain their quality for up to 3 months, though the chocolate may lose some of its glossy texture over time.
- Avoid Heat: Do not leave the bars out in a warm environment for too long, as the chocolate can melt, causing the bars to lose their shape and texture. Always store them in a cool place, especially during hot weather.
By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll ensure your 3-Ingredient Mounds Bars stay delicious and ready to enjoy for days to come!
1. Can I make 3-Ingredient Mounds Bars without sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, if you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan option, you can substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk or a vegan sweetened condensed milk alternative. Keep in mind that the texture and sweetness may vary slightly depending on the substitute.
2. Can I use a different type of chocolate for coating?
Absolutely! While traditional Mounds Bars are made with milk chocolate, you can use dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or even white chocolate to coat your coconut bars, depending on your personal preference. Just be sure to melt the chocolate carefully to avoid burning it.
3. How can I make these bars more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your Mounds Bars, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt to the coconut mixture. You can also experiment with adding other ingredients like crushed almonds or a few tablespoons of cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
4. How long do 3-Ingredient Mounds Bars last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, your Mounds Bars will stay fresh for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months, though the texture of the chocolate may change slightly after freezing.
Print3-Ingredient Mounds Bars
These homemade Mounds Bars are a delightful treat that combines sweet coconut filling with a rich chocolate coating. With just three simple ingredients, you can recreate this classic candy bar at home.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
15 ounces dark chocolate (or semi-sweet chocolate)
Instructions
Prepare the Coconut Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk.
Mix until the coconut is fully coated and the mixture is sticky.
Shape the Bars:
With clean, wet hands, shape the coconut mixture into 12 small rectangular bars.
Place the bars on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Freeze for about 20 minutes to firm up.
Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt about 10 ounces of the chocolate by microwaving on high for 30 seconds, then in 15-second intervals, stirring well between each, until completely melted.
Add the remaining 5 ounces of chocolate to the melted chocolate and stir until smooth. This method helps temper the chocolate.
Coat the Bars:
Use forks to dip each coconut bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully covered.
Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing the bars back on the parchment paper.
Let the chocolate set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting.
Notes
Wetting your hands with water before shaping the coconut mixture helps prevent sticking.
For a variation, press a whole almond on top of each coconut bar before dipping in chocolate to create homemade Almond Joy bars.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.