If you love that irresistible combination of rich dark chocolate and sweet, chewy coconut, you are going to adore this simple yet decadent 3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe. It captures all the classic flavors you expect from a Mounds candy bar but without any complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. With just coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and luscious chocolate, these homemade treats come together quickly and deliver a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy that’s sure to become a favorite snack or dessert in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these bars just right is all about quality and simplicity. Each of the three ingredients plays a crucial role in flavor and texture, making this a truly foolproof recipe.
- 3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut: This provides the chewy, tropical base with authentic coconut flavor and a beautiful texture.
- 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk: Acts as the binder and sweetener, ensuring your coconut bars are moist and deliciously rich.
- 15 ounces dark chocolate (or semi-sweet chocolate): For coating, this adds the luscious outer shell that is slightly bittersweet, perfectly balancing the sweetness inside.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe
Step 1: Combine Coconut and Condensed Milk
Start by placing your shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk in a medium mixing bowl. Stir them together until every bit of coconut is beautifully coated. This step is critical because the sticky condensed milk binds the coconut into a dough-like texture that will hold its shape when formed.
Step 2: Shape the Coconut Bars and Chill
Wet your hands so the mixture doesn’t stick, then shape the coconut mixture into 12 uniform logs or bars. Place each bar on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Next, pop them into the freezer for about 20 minutes. This chilling step firms them up so they’ll be easier to dip in chocolate without falling apart.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Grab a microwave-safe bowl and add about two-thirds of your chocolate. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, stir, then continue melting the chocolate in 15-second bursts. Stir after every interval until the chocolate is smooth and silky. This gentle melting technique prevents the chocolate from burning and gives you a glossy coating.
Step 4: Incorporate Remaining Chocolate
Now add the remaining chocolate to your melted batch and stir until it melts completely. Adding the extra chocolate in at this stage helps temper the chocolate slightly and makes it easier to work with when coating your bars.
Step 5: Dip and Set the Bars
Use forks to carefully dip each chilled coconut bar into the luscious melted chocolate, ensuring every side is covered. Lift them out gently and place them back on the parchment paper-lined sheet. Because the bars are cold, the chocolate will set up quickly into a hard, shiny shell, sealing in all that delicious coconut goodness.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple by dusting your bars with a touch of sea salt or a sprinkle of finely shredded coconut right after dipping, before the chocolate sets. These little touches elevate the flavor and add visual appeal. For a festive twist, you can drizzle some white chocolate over the top for a pretty contrast.
Side Dishes
These bars shine as a standalone treat but pair beautifully alongside a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a special occasion, serve them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert duo.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing these bars to a party or gifting them, consider wrapping each one in wax paper and tying with twine, or layering them in a pretty tin with parchment separators. You can even cut some into bite-sized pieces and serve on a fancy platter for easy sharing—guaranteed to disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover 3 Ingredient Mounds Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack whenever a sweet craving hits.
Freezing
Want to make a batch ahead of time? Freeze the bars in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They keep beautifully frozen for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Since these chocolate-coated bars are best eaten cool and firm, skip reheating. If they feel too hard, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before enjoying to soften slightly without melting the chocolate coating.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?
While sweetened coconut will work, it may make the bars sweeter than intended. Using unsweetened shredded coconut gives you better control over the sweetness and a more authentic coconut flavor.
Can I substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give you a sweeter, creamier coating. Just be aware that it may be a bit softer at room temperature compared to dark chocolate.
Do I need to refrigerate the bars after dipping them in chocolate?
Yes, refrigeration or freezing helps the chocolate set quickly and keeps the bars firm. Leaving them at room temperature might cause the chocolate to soften or melt.
Is it necessary to use sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, sweetened condensed milk acts as both the sweetener and binder in the recipe. Using alternatives will change the texture and sweetness significantly.
Can I add any flavorings to the coconut mixture?
Definitely! A splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of almond extract can add a lovely twist. Just a little goes a long way to enhance the overall flavor without overpowering the coconut and chocolate.
Final Thoughts
Making this 3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe is such a joy, especially when you taste that perfect combo of creamy coconut and rich chocolate that melts in your mouth. It’s simple enough for beginners but still impresses every time you share it with friends or family. Don’t hesitate to give these bars a try—you might just find your new favorite homemade treat!
Print
3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy 3 Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe is a delicious and simple way to make homemade coconut chocolate bars reminiscent of the classic candy. With just shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and dark chocolate, you can create rich, chewy coconut logs coated in smooth chocolate. Perfect for an indulgent treat with minimal prep and no baking required.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 15 ounces dark chocolate (or semi-sweet chocolate)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk until well combined, forming a sticky mixture.
- Shape the bars: With clean, wet hands to prevent sticking, shape the coconut mixture into 12 evenly sized logs. Place each log on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Freeze for about 20 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt approximately 10 ounces of the dark chocolate by microwaving on high for 30 seconds, then in 15 second intervals, stirring well between each until completely melted and smooth.
- Incorporate remaining chocolate: Add the remaining 5 ounces of chocolate to the melted chocolate and stir until fully melted and incorporated for a smooth coating.
- Dip the bars: Using forks, dip each chilled coconut log into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is well coated. Place the coated bars back onto the parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.
- Set the chocolate: Allow the chocolate coating to set. Since the bars have been chilled, the chocolate will harden quickly, creating a delicious shell around the chewy coconut center.
Notes
- Wetting your hands before shaping helps prevent the sticky mixture from adhering to your skin.
- Use parchment paper to avoid bars sticking to the tray and for easier cleanup.
- If you prefer a sweeter treat, semi-sweet chocolate is a good alternative to dark chocolate.
- Chocolate can also be melted using a double boiler if preferred.
- Store finished bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and firmness.
