Hello Dolly Bars Recipe

Graham cracker crumbs: These form the base of the bars, providing a sweet and slightly crunchy foundation.

Butter: Melted butter is mixed with the graham cracker crumbs to create a cohesive crust.

Sweetened condensed milk: This thick, sweet milk binds the layers together and adds a rich sweetness.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These add a burst of chocolate flavor to the bars.

Shredded coconut: Provides a chewy texture and a hint of tropical flavor.

Chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the bars.

When pressing the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter mixture into the baking pan, use the bottom of a flat measuring cup to ensure an even and compact crust. This will help create a sturdy base for the sweetened condensed milk and other layers, preventing the bars from falling apart when you cut them.

• graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with crushed digestive biscuits: Digestive biscuits have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a great alternative.

• graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with crushed vanilla wafers: Vanilla wafers provide a slightly different flavor but still offer the necessary crumbly texture.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a direct replacement for butter in most baking recipes.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and works well as a binding agent.

• sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with evaporated milk and sugar: Mix evaporated milk with sugar to achieve a similar sweetness and consistency.

• sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut milk and sugar: Coconut milk combined with sugar can mimic the sweetness and thickness of sweetened condensed milk.

• semi-sweet chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chunks: Dark chocolate provides a richer flavor and can be chopped into chunks for a similar texture.

• semi-sweet chocolate chips - Substitute with milk chocolate chips: Milk chocolate chips offer a sweeter and creamier alternative.

• shredded coconut - Substitute with chopped dried pineapple: Chopped dried pineapple adds a tropical flavor and chewy texture.

• shredded coconut - Substitute with rolled oats: Rolled oats provide a different texture but can add a wholesome element to the bars.

• chopped nuts - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor without the use of tree nuts.

• chopped nuts - Substitute with pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds provide a similar texture and can be a great nut-free alternative.

• To keep your Hello Dolly Bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to a week, maintaining their delightful texture and flavors.

• If you prefer to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate the bars. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or separate layers with parchment paper. This method will keep them fresh for up to two weeks.

• For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. First, cut the Hello Dolly Bars into individual portions. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

• When you're ready to enjoy a frozen bar, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it for a few seconds to speed up the process.

• To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid refreezing the bars once they have been thawed.

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the Hello Dolly Bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the crust and the gooey texture of the sweetened condensed milk layer.

• Use a microwave for a quick reheat. Place a Hello Dolly Bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as the chocolate chips can become too melty and the shredded coconut might lose its texture.

• For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the Hello Dolly Bars in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they don't burn. This method can give a slightly toasted flavor to the chopped nuts and coconut.

• If you have an air fryer, set it to 300°F (150°C). Place the Hello Dolly Bars in the basket in a single layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes, which will help keep the graham cracker crust crunchy while warming the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk layers evenly.

• Oven: Used to bake the bars at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking pan: The container where you will press the graham cracker crust and layer the other ingredients.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.

• Spatula: Helps in pressing the graham cracker mixture evenly into the baking pan.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the graham cracker crumbs, butter, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts.

• Knife: Used to cut the cooled bars into individual servings.

• Cooling rack: Allows the baked bars to cool completely before cutting.

• Can opener: Necessary for opening the can of sweetened condensed milk.

• Grease spray or brush: Used to grease the baking pan to prevent sticking.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out the graham cracker crumbs, butter, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup.

Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave instead of on the stove.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin assembling the ingredients to save time.

Cool in fridge: Speed up the cooling process by placing the bars in the fridge.