Hello Dolly Bars
Are you ready to indulge in an irresistible treat that combines the comforting flavors of chocolate, coconut, and a hint of spice? Allow me to introduce you to the delightful Hello Dolly Bars! These layered dessert bars are as easy to make as they are delicious, making them a perfect option for gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet indulgence at home. With a base of graham crackers, luscious layers of chocolate, nuts, and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Let’s dive into the details of creating these scrumptious bars!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Hello Dolly Bars are known for their versatility and rich flavors. Here are just a few reasons you’ll love making them:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time and no complicated techniques, perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Flavorful Layers: The combination of Mexican chocolate, butterscotch chips, and shredded coconut creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made in advance, making them a hassle-free option for parties or weekday treats.
What to Buy
To create these delicious Hello Dolly Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 sleeve (9 whole crackers) graham crackers, broken into pieces
- 1 disk (3.15 ounces) Mexican chocolate, chopped
- 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground ancho chile powder
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds), hulled
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
Cook’s Kit
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for baking and cooling the Hello Dolly Bars.
- Spatula: For spreading the layers evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
- Knife: To chop the chocolate and nuts as needed.
Method: Hello Dolly Bars
Creating Hello Dolly Bars is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for delicious results:
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the broken graham crackers and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
Step 3: Layer on the Goodness
Sprinkle the chopped Mexican chocolate evenly over the graham cracker base. Then, layer the chopped pecans, pepitas, and shredded coconut on top of the chocolate.
Step 4: Add the Butterscotch Chips
Sprinkle the butterscotch chips evenly over the layered ingredients. This sweet addition will melt beautifully during baking.
Step 5: Drizzle with Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the entire mixture, ensuring all layers are moistened. This will create a rich, gooey texture as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares.
Tailor It to Your Diet
These Hello Dolly Bars can easily be adapted to fit various dietary preferences:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free crackers or make a crust using almond flour.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk.
- Nut-Free: Omit the pecans and pepitas and replace them with additional graham cracker crumbs or seeds.
- Lower Sugar: Choose dark chocolate chips and reduce the amount of butterscotch chips for a less sweet version.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
After testing this Hello Dolly Bars recipe multiple times, here are a few tips that may help you achieve the best results:
- Chop the chocolate finely to ensure it melts evenly.
- Press down firmly on each layer to create a compact bar that holds together well.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Prep Ahead & Store
These Hello Dolly Bars are great for meal prep! They can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature. Here’s how to store them:
- Allow the bars to cool completely, then cut them into squares.
- Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Reader Questions
Can I freeze Hello Dolly Bars?
Absolutely! Hello Dolly Bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What can I use instead of Mexican chocolate?
If Mexican chocolate isn’t available, you can substitute it with semi-sweet or dark chocolate and add a pinch of cinnamon to replicate its unique flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set but slightly soft. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add dried fruits like cranberries or cherries, or experiment with different types of nuts and seeds to create your own version of Hello Dolly Bars.
Explore More
If you love Hello Dolly Bars, you might enjoy these other delicious recipes:
Make It Tonight
Why wait? Gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of Hello Dolly Bars tonight! With their delightful layers and satisfying flavors, they are bound to become a staple in your dessert rotation. Your family and friends will be begging for seconds!
In conclusion, Hello Dolly Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that anyone can enjoy. Their rich flavors and versatile nature make them perfect for any occasion, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can create something truly special. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy the sweet, gooey goodness of Hello Dolly Bars!
Hello Dolly Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Base. In a mixing bowl, combine the broken graham crackers and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
- Step 3: Layer on the Goodness. Sprinkle the chopped Mexican chocolate evenly over the graham cracker base. Then, layer the chopped pecans, pepitas, and shredded coconut on top of the chocolate.
- Step 4: Add the Butterscotch Chips. Sprinkle the butterscotch chips evenly over the layered ingredients. This sweet addition will melt beautifully during baking.
- Step 5: Drizzle with Sweetened Condensed Milk. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the entire mixture, ensuring all layers are moistened. This will create a rich, gooey texture as it bakes.
- Step 6: Bake to Perfection. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Chop the chocolate finely to ensure it melts evenly.
- Press down firmly on each layer to create a compact bar that holds together well.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
