Name: Mounds Bar: A Deliciously Dark Chocolate and Coconut Treat
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 bars
Ingredients: 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk; 7 cups shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, your preference!); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 24 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable shortening)

Mounds Bar, that iconic combination of dark chocolate and sweet coconut, has been a beloved candy for generations. But what if I told you that you could recreate that classic flavor in your own kitchen, with a homemade version that's even more delicious? Forget the store-bought variety – we're about to embark on a culinary adventure that will result in the most decadent and satisfying treat you've ever tasted!

The Mounds Bar, first introduced in 1921 by Peter Paul Halajian, quickly became a sensation. Its simple yet irresistible pairing of moist coconut and rich dark chocolate proved to be a winning formula. While the original recipe remains a closely guarded secret, the essence of the Mounds Bar lies in the quality of its ingredients and the perfect balance of flavors.

People adore the Mounds Bar for its unique texture – the slightly chewy, almost melt-in-your-mouth coconut filling contrasted by the snap of the dark chocolate shell. It's a symphony of sweet and slightly bitter, a combination that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves you craving more. Plus, its relatively simple ingredients make it a surprisingly easy candy to replicate at home. So, are you ready to ditch the processed stuff and create your own homemade Mounds Bar masterpiece? Let's get started!

Ingredients:

14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
7 cups shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, your preference!)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
24 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable shortening)

Making the Coconut Filling

Okay, let's get started! The first thing we're going to tackle is the heart of our Mounds bars – that delicious, chewy coconut filling. This part is super easy, so don't worry if you're a beginner baker. I promise you can do this!

Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, pour in the entire can of sweetened condensed milk. Now, add in your shredded coconut. I like to use sweetened coconut because, well, I have a sweet tooth! But unsweetened works just as well if you prefer a less sugary treat. Next, stir in the vanilla extract and salt. The vanilla enhances the coconut flavor, and the salt balances out the sweetness.
Mix Thoroughly: Using a sturdy spoon or your hands (my preferred method – just make sure they're clean!), mix everything together until it's well combined. You want the coconut to be evenly coated with the sweetened condensed milk. It should form a slightly sticky, but manageable, mixture. If it seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon or two more of sweetened condensed milk. If it seems too wet, add a little more coconut.
Shape the Bars: Now comes the fun part! Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it super easy to remove the bars later. Press the coconut mixture evenly into the prepared pan. I like to use my hands to really pack it down. You want a nice, firm base for your chocolate coating. Make sure the layer is uniform in thickness for even chocolate coverage later.
Chill the Filling: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour. This chilling time is crucial! It allows the coconut filling to firm up, making it easier to cut into bars and dip in chocolate. Trust me, you don't want to skip this step.

Melting the Chocolate

While the coconut filling is chilling, let's get the chocolate ready. This is another simple step, but it's important to melt the chocolate properly to get a smooth, glossy coating.

Choose Your Melting Method: You have two options here: the microwave or a double boiler. I usually opt for the microwave because it's faster, but a double boiler is a bit more foolproof.
- Microwave Method: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (or vegetable shortening) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up and become grainy.
- Double Boiler Method: Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heat-safe bowl on top of the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to the bowl. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Add Coconut Oil (or Shortening): The coconut oil (or vegetable shortening) is key to achieving a smooth, shiny chocolate coating. It helps to thin out the chocolate and prevents it from becoming too hard and brittle.
Stir Until Smooth: Once the chocolate is melted, stir it until it's completely smooth and glossy. If it seems too thick, you can add a tiny bit more coconut oil, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Assembling the Mounds Bars

Now for the grand finale! This is where all your hard work comes together to create those irresistible Mounds bars.

Cut the Coconut Filling: Remove the chilled coconut filling from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, cut it into bars. The size is up to you, but I usually aim for about 1x2 inch bars. They're the perfect bite-sized treat!
Dip the Bars in Chocolate: This can be a little messy, but it's totally worth it! There are a few ways to do this:
- Fork Method: Place a coconut bar on a fork and carefully lower it into the melted chocolate. Use the fork to coat the bar completely. Lift the bar out of the chocolate, tapping the fork gently on the edge of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. Place the dipped bar on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Dipping Tools: If you have dipping tools, like chocolate dipping forks or tongs, feel free to use them. They can make the process a bit easier and neater.
- Two-Fork Method: Use two forks to roll the coconut bar in the melted chocolate, ensuring it's fully coated. Lift with the forks, tap off excess, and place on parchment paper.
Let the Chocolate Set: Once all the bars are dipped, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set. This will help the chocolate harden and prevent it from melting when you handle the bars.
Optional: Drizzle with Extra Chocolate: For an extra touch of decadence, you can drizzle the bars with a little extra melted chocolate. Just melt a small amount of chocolate and use a fork or spoon to create a decorative drizzle over the top of the bars.

Storing Your Homemade Mounds Bars

Congratulations! You've just made your own homemade Mounds bars. Now, the only thing left to do is store them properly so you can enjoy them for days to come (if they last that long!).

Store in an Airtight Container: The best way to store your Mounds bars is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh and prevent the chocolate from melting.
Layer with Parchment Paper: If you're stacking the bars in the container, be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
How Long They Last: Properly stored, your homemade Mounds bars will last for about a week in the refrigerator. But let's be honest, they'll probably be gone long before then!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mounds Bars

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you make the best Mounds bars ever:

Use High-Quality Chocolate: The quality of your chocolate will greatly affect the taste of your Mounds bars. I recommend using a good-quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor.
Don't Overheat the Chocolate: Overheating the chocolate can cause it to seize up and become grainy. Be sure to melt it slowly and stir it frequently.
Chill the Coconut Filling Thoroughly: Chilling the coconut filling is crucial for making it easier to cut and dip. Don't skip this step!
Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! You can sprinkle the bars with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a pinch of sea salt.
Make Them Mini: For a fun twist, you can make mini Mounds bars by using a smaller baking pan and cutting the coconut filling into smaller squares.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these homemade Mounds bars as much as I do! They're the perfect treat for any occasion, and they're sure to impress your friends and family. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These homemade Mounds Bar treats are truly a must-try for any coconut and chocolate lover. Forget the store-bought version – this recipe delivers a richer, more intense flavor that you simply won't believe. The combination of the moist, chewy coconut filling and the smooth, decadent dark chocolate coating is pure bliss. It's a surprisingly simple recipe to follow, and the results are absolutely worth the minimal effort. Trust me, once you taste these, you'll never go back to the processed candy bars again! But the best part? You can totally customize these to your liking! Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of sea salt to the coconut mixture for a sweet and salty kick. Or, if you prefer milk chocolate, feel free to swap out the dark chocolate coating. For a truly indulgent experience, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the finished bars. You could even add chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, to the chocolate coating for extra crunch and flavor. The possibilities are endless! These homemade Mounds Bars are perfect for so many occasions. Serve them as a delightful after-dinner treat, pack them in lunchboxes for a special surprise, or bring them to your next potluck or gathering. They're always a crowd-pleaser! They also make a fantastic homemade gift for friends and family. Imagine the look on their faces when you present them with a batch of these delicious, handcrafted candies. They'll be so impressed! Beyond the variations I've already mentioned, consider experimenting with different extracts in the coconut filling. A touch of almond extract can add a subtle nutty flavor, while a hint of vanilla extract will enhance the overall sweetness. You could even try using coconut cream instead of coconut milk for an even richer and creamier filling. Don't be afraid to get creative and make these Mounds Bars your own! I'm so confident that you'll love this recipe. It's a guaranteed winner! The satisfaction of creating something so delicious from scratch is truly rewarding. Plus, you'll know exactly what ingredients are going into your treats, which is always a bonus. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (if you're toasting the coconut!), and get ready to embark on a delicious adventure. I promise you won't be disappointed. Once you've tried this recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? Did you share them with friends and family? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps other readers discover the joy of making these incredible homemade Mounds Bar treats. Happy baking (or rather, candy-making)! I can't wait to see what you create!