Hello Dolly Bars: A Delightful Treat for Every Occasion
There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about Hello Dolly Bars, a sweet and chewy dessert that offers layers of flavor in every bite. With their combination of buttery graham cracker crust, rich chocolate and butterscotch chips, and a blanket of sweetened condensed milk, these delightful bars evoke memories of cozy gatherings, sunny afternoons, and simple pleasures. The aroma wafting from your oven will have everyone in the house eagerly anticipating a taste of this heavenly dessert, making it an instant classic for any recipe repertoire.
With every mouthful, you’ll experience a symphony of textures: the crunch of the buttery graham cracker base, the gooey creaminess from the condensed milk, and the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate and butterscotch that dance together in perfect harmony. Whether it’s a chilly morning with a cup of coffee or a bustling family gathering, Hello Dolly Bars provide that touch of warmth and sweetness that brightens any day.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Servings: 12-15 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving – based on 15 servings)
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 12g
(Source: USDA Food Data Central)
Why Make This Recipe
Hello Dolly Bars are not only a treat for your taste buds but are also a breeze to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, they fit perfectly into busy lifestyles. Whether you are looking for a delectable dessert to impress guests at a dinner party or simply craving a sweet bite with your afternoon tea, these bars offer versatility and delight. The delightful aroma as they bake makes the kitchen feel warm and inviting, promising a comforting experience worth sharing.
How to Make Hello Dolly Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans work well)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking.
-
Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until they are well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
-
Layer the coconut: Next, evenly layer the shredded coconut on top of the graham cracker crust, distributing it evenly.
-
Add chips and nuts: Sprinkle the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips over the coconut layer. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them on top now.
-
Add condensed milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire mixture, ensuring coverage of all ingredients.
-
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to avoid overbaking.
-
Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy!
Baking Tips
- Ensure the butter is melted but not too hot when mixing with the crumbs to avoid a greasy texture.
- To check for doneness, look for a beautifully golden top and the edges pulling slightly away from the sides of the pan.
How to Serve
Hello Dolly Bars can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways! Serve them plain for a sweet snack or sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, try toasting them lightly in the oven and drizzling a touch of honey for added gooeyness.
How to Store
To maintain freshness, store Hello Dolly Bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer-lasting sweetness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Press the graham cracker crust firmly, as this will help the bars hold together once baked.
- Feel free to play around with the types of nuts or even utilize nut butter within the crust for added flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and replace the sweetened condensed milk with a vegan alternative made from coconut cream or homemade cashew cream.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free graham crackers to maintain the delicious flavor without gluten.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the graham cracker mixture for an aromatic twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Yes, you can, but note that it will reduce the sweetness of the bars. You may want to adjust the sugar content used in the recipe.
2. What can I substitute for the condensed milk?
You can use coconut milk combined with a sweetener for a dairy-free version or make your own by heating milk with sugar until dissolved.
3. How do I prevent sticking when cutting the bars?
Use a sharp knife and run it under hot water for easier cutting; this will help create neat edges.
Conclusion
Hello Dolly Bars are a timeless treat that combines simplicity with indulgence. Their delightful taste, combined with an aroma that fills the house with warmth, makes them a perfect addition to any gathering or a comforting afternoon snack. I encourage you to try this recipe, share your thoughts, or even experiment with your creative variations. Not only will your family and friends adore them, but these delightful bars are sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy baking!
Print
Hello Dolly Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hello Dolly Bars are a sweet and chewy dessert that combines buttery graham cracker crust with rich chocolate and butterscotch chips, all topped with sweetened condensed milk.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans work well)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well mixed. Press firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Evenly layer the shredded coconut on top of the graham cracker crust.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips over the coconut layer. If using nuts, sprinkle them on top now.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire mixture.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting into squares or rectangles. Enjoy!
Notes
Store Hello Dolly Bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg




