Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.1 from 56 reviews

If you love a delightful treat that feels like a mini tropical vacation, you are going to fall head over heels for this 3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe. It’s incredibly simple yet irresistibly tasty, combining the natural chewiness of coconut with the luxuriously rich touch of dark chocolate. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or an impressive homemade dessert, these bars balance sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures like a dream—plus, you only need three pantry staples to create them. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for a quick and satisfying sweet fix.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need three straightforward ingredients, and each plays a vital role in creating the flavor and texture that make these bars so addictive. From the coconut that adds chewiness and a bit of tropical flair, to the sweetened condensed milk that binds everything with creamy sweetness, and finally the chocolate that brings a smooth, decadent coating that’s pure bliss.

3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut: This forms the chewy, textured base of the bars and keeps the flavor naturally tropical without extra sugar.
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk: Acts as the glue for the coconut and adds a luscious, creamy sweetness that balances the coconut’s texture perfectly.
15 ounces dark chocolate (or semisweet chocolate): Used for coating the bars, it brings rich, smooth bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet coconut center.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Coconut and Sweetened Condensed Milk

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut with the sweetened condensed milk. Stir until the coconut is fully coated and the mixture becomes sticky enough to hold its shape. This step is crucial because it forms the chewy center that makes these bars so irresistible.

Step 2: Shape the Bars and Chill

Wet your hands to prevent sticking and shape the coconut mixture into 12 log-shaped bars. Place each log on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Pop the tray in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up; chilling helps the bars hold their shape when you dip them into chocolate later.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt about 10 ounces of the chocolate in short bursts to avoid burning—start by microwaving on high for 30 seconds and then continue in 15-second bursts, stirring thoroughly each time. This gentle melting method keeps the chocolate silky and perfect for dipping without seizing.

Step 4: Temper the Chocolate

Add the remaining 5 ounces of chocolate to the melted batch and stir until this batch completely melts. This technique tempers the chocolate, improving its texture and making it set up with a satisfying snap on your bars.

Step 5: Dip the Coconut Bars in Chocolate

Using forks, carefully dip each chilled coconut bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Then, transfer the coated bars back onto the parchment-lined cookie sheet. Since the bars are cold, the chocolate will harden quickly—perfect for a no-fuss dessert.

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt or toasted coconut flakes on the bars right after dipping and before the chocolate sets. These simple touches enhance both appearance and flavor, elevating this easy treat to something special.

Side Dishes

These bars are excellent on their own but pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like ripe mango slices or a bright raspberry coulis to cut through the richness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside also makes them feel like a decadent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your 3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe on a wooden board alongside nuts, dried fruits, or even small glass jars of melted chocolate for dipping. Wrapping individual bars in parchment squares tied with twine also makes for charming, gift-worthy packaging if you’re sharing with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and maintain their chewy, chocolatey goodness for up to one week, which is perfect for a quick treat whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

You can freeze the bars for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, and then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen bars will keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

Since this recipe doesn’t require baking, reheating isn’t necessary. If the chocolate hardens too much in the fridge or freezer, just let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?

Absolutely! Using sweetened shredded coconut will make the bars sweeter, so you might want to reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly to balance the sweetness if you prefer a less sugary bar.

What type of chocolate works best for coating these bars?

Dark or semisweet chocolate is ideal because its slight bitterness contrasts beautifully with the sweet coconut center. However, if you prefer milk chocolate or even white chocolate, feel free to experiment; just keep in mind the overall sweetness will change accordingly.

Can I make these bars nut-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally nut-free since it only contains coconut, condensed milk, and chocolate. Just be sure to check that the chocolate you choose is processed in a nut-free facility if allergies are a concern.

Is it possible to add flavors to the coconut mixture?

Certainly! You can mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a touch of instant coffee to give your bars a unique flavor twist that complements the classic taste wonderfully.

How long does it take for the chocolate to set?

Because the bars are chilled before dipping, the chocolate typically sets within 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature. For an even quicker set, place the dipped bars back in the freezer for a few minutes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a delicious treat with just a few simple ingredients, and this 3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe perfectly embodies that joy. Whether you’re baking for a last-minute party, craving a quick homemade candy, or looking for a fun project to share with family, these bars deliver big on flavor with minimal fuss. Give this recipe a try, and I’m confident it’ll become one of your favorite sweet indulgences to whip up again and again.