3-Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe

If you’re craving something sweet, rich, and wonderfully simple to make, I have just the treat for you: the 3-Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe. This delightful homemade candy blends the tropical chewiness of shredded coconut with creamy sweetness from condensed milk and a luscious coating of dark chocolate. It’s incredibly straightforward yet impressively indulgent, perfect for satisfying those chocolate-and-coconut cravings without fuss or fancy ingredients. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these bars will become a fast favorite in your dessert rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this 3-Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe is essential and plays a special role. The shredded coconut brings that classic tropical texture and flavor, the sweetened condensed milk acts as a rich binder and sweetener, and the dark chocolate adds a luxurious, bittersweet finish that balances everything perfectly.

• 3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut: Use unsweetened to keep the sweetness balanced and let the coconut’s natural flavor shine through.
• 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk: This dairy-rich syrup binds the coconut pieces and infuses luscious sweetness.
• 15 ounces dark chocolate (or semi-sweet chocolate): Choose a quality chocolate to get that smooth, shiny coating with just the right bittersweet bite.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe

Step 1: Combine Coconut and Sweetened Condensed Milk

Start by stirring the shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk together in a medium bowl until they form a sticky, cohesive mixture. This is the heart of your bars, so make sure everything is evenly coated. This combination creates that chewy, sweet texture you love in classic Mounds bars.

Step 2: Shape the Coconut Mixture

Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, then mold the mixture into 12 small logs. Place them on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet, spaced evenly apart. Freeze these logs for about 20 minutes to firm them up, making the next step of coating them much easier and neater.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

Using a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt about two-thirds of your chocolate by heating it in 30-second bursts, stirring well between intervals. Once smooth, add the remaining chocolate chunks and stir until fully melted. This tempering-like technique gives you beautifully glossy chocolate coating that hardens perfectly.

Step 4: Dip and Coat the Coconut Logs

Use forks to carefully dip each chilled coconut log into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully covered on all sides. Then place the coated bars back onto the lined cookie sheet. Thanks to their time in the freezer, the chocolate sets quickly, giving you that crisp outer shell with chewy coconut inside.

How to Serve 3-Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe

Garnishes

While these bars shine on their own, a light dusting of shredded coconut or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before the chocolate sets can add a wonderful finishing touch. These little extras give a hint of texture contrast and elevate their appearance if you’re serving guests.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of strong coffee, creating a delightful dessert duo. Their rich sweetness contrasts nicely with creamy or bitter accompaniments, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Creative Ways to Present

Try wrapping each 3-Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe treat in a little parchment square and tying it with twine for a charming gift presentation. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and arrange on a dessert platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves or raspberries for a pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days if it’s cool and dry. For longer storage, placing them in the fridge ensures the chocolate stays firm and the coconut fresh without becoming too hard or losing flavor.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option for extending the shelf life of your 3-Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe. Store them in a sealed container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When properly frozen, they remain delicious for up to two months.

Reheating

Since these bars are best served cool and firm, reheating is generally not necessary. If you prefer softer chocolate, allow the bars to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying instead of using heat, which can cause the chocolate to lose its shine.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?

Yes, you can, but keep in mind that sweetened coconut will make the bars even sweeter, so you might want to adjust your expectations for how sugary the final treat will be.

Is it possible to use milk chocolate in this recipe?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give your Mounds bars a creamier, sweeter flavor, though the dark chocolate’s richness provides a nice bittersweet balance that many prefer.

How long do these bars last once made?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these bars stay fresh for about one week. They may last slightly longer in the freezer without a loss of quality.

Can I make these bars vegan or dairy-free?

To keep it dairy-free, look for sweetened condensed coconut milk and use dairy-free dark chocolate. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

What’s the best way to get a smooth chocolate coating?

Melting the chocolate slowly in short bursts and stirring frequently helps achieve a smooth, shiny coating. Adding the remaining un-melted chocolate chunks to the warm melted chocolate helps temper it and improve glossiness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the 3-Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe enough for anyone who loves quick, dependable homemade treats that taste like a dream. It’s a no-fuss way to impress yourself and your loved ones with just a handful of pantry staples. So grab those ingredients, dive into the process, and treat yourself to these irresistible bars — you’ll thank me later!

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