Heavenly Hello Dolly Bars Recipe

Whip Up Hello Dolly Bars Recipe: Sweet Layers of Joy

Soft, buttery Hello Dolly delight bars emerge as the ultimate sweet escape from ordinary desserts.

These decadent treats blend rich chocolate, coconut, and condensed milk into a heavenly layered sensation.

Chocolate chips sparkle like hidden gems throughout the creamy landscape.

Pecans add a delightful crunch that makes each bite irresistible.

The golden graham cracker crust provides a sturdy foundation for these magnificent bars.

Effortless to make and impossible to resist, you’ll fall in love with every single morsel.

Dive into this classic Southern delicacy that promises pure indulgence in every single square.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 188 kcal

Servings: 17

What You’ll Need for Hello Dolly Bars

For Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crispy, buttery foundation that anchors the entire dessert with delightful texture.
  • Butter: Creates a golden, rich base that helps bind the crumbs and adds luscious flavor.
For Sweet Layering:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Delivers ultra-creamy sweetness that holds all layers together and creates gooey, decadent texture.
  • Flaked Coconut: Brings tropical, chewy dimension with subtle nutty undertones that complement other ingredients.
  • Chocolate Chips: Introduces rich, melty chocolate that adds indulgent bursts of sweetness throughout the bars.
For Nutty Crunch:
  • Pecans: Delivers robust, toasty crunch that provides delightful contrast to soft layers and enhances overall complexity of the dessert.

Tools to Prep Layers for Hello Dolly Bars

  • 9×9 Baking Pan: Essential for creating the perfect bar size and ensuring even baking.
  • Microwave or Stovetop: Used for melting butter quickly and evenly.
  • Measuring Cups: Crucial for accurately measuring coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helps spread melted butter and press down layers smoothly.
  • Knife: Needed for cutting cooled bars into neat squares.
  • Mixing Spoon: Useful for drizzling and spreading condensed milk evenly.

Layer-by-Layer Instructions for Hello Dolly Bars

  • Oven Warmup

Set your oven to sizzle at 350 degrees. Melt butter and spread it smoothly across a 9×9 baking dish, creating a golden base for your delectable treat.

  • Crumbly Foundation

Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the melted butter, pressing gently to form a sturdy, delicious platform for the upcoming layers.

  • Tasty Layers

Create a delightful landscape of coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans. Gently pat these ingredients into a cozy, tempting arrangement that promises incredible flavor.

  • Milky Magic

Cascade sweetened condensed milk across the layers, allowing it to weave through the ingredients and create a luscious, binding essence.

  • Final Touch and Baking

Dust the top with remaining coconut and chocolate chips. Slide the pan into the heated oven, letting the magic happen for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the center sets perfectly.

  • Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once tranquil, slice into delectable squares ready to transport taste buds to pure bliss.

Ingredient Swaps & Tips for Your Dolly Bars

  • Coconut Crunch Tip: For extra texture, lightly toast the coconut and pecans before layering them in the recipe. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  • Chocolate Swap Magic: Experiment with different chocolate varieties like dark, milk, or white chocolate chips to create unique flavor profiles. Mix and match for a personalized dessert experience.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: These bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Nutty Alternatives: If pecans aren't your favorite, try substituting with chopped almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts. Each nut brings its own delightful crunch and subtle flavor to the bars.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or replace with crushed gluten-free cookies to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Serve These Bars with a Retro Dessert Twist

  • Tropical Picnic Perfection: Pack these bars in a cute container for a beachside or park lunch, adding a touch of sweetness to your outdoor adventure.
  • Sweet Dessert Party Platter: Arrange the bars on a decorative plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar, creating an elegant and irresistible dessert display for gatherings.
  • Coffee Companion Treat: Pair these bars with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate, allowing the rich chocolate and nutty flavors to complement your favorite morning or afternoon beverage.
  • Gifting Gourmet Delight: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that shows personal care and culinary creativity.

Store These Layered Bars the Easy Way

  • Tasty Storage Solutions: Keep these Hello Dolly Delight Bars fresh and delicious with these smart strategies.
  • Refrigerator Magic: Store bars in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. They'll stay scrumptious for up to 5 days when chilled.
  • Freezer Friendly: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These treats can be frozen for up to 3 months, perfect for make-ahead dessert lovers.
  • Room Temperature Charm: If enjoying within 2 days, keep bars in a sealed container at room temperature. Ensure the spot is cool and away from direct sunlight to maintain their delightful texture.
  • Quick Reheat Trick: When ready to enjoy frozen bars, thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. For a warm, gooey experience, microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
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Heavenly Hello Dolly Bars Recipe

Heavenly Hello Dolly Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Heavenly hello dolly delight bars combine coconut, chocolate, and sweetened condensed milk in a classic dessert. Graham cracker crusts provide a perfect base for layered ingredients that invite sweet indulgence with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz (396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 stick (113 grams or ½ cup) butter
  • 1 ⅓ cups (107 grams) sweetened flake coconut
  • 1 ¼ cups (212 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with melted butter, creating a non-stick foundation.
  2. Base Layer: Distribute graham cracker crumbs evenly across the buttered surface, gently pressing to form a compact, uniform crust that will support subsequent ingredients.
  3. Ingredient Distribution: Methodically layer flaked coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans across the graham cracker base, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
  4. Moisture Integration: Drizzle sweetened condensed milk uniformly over the layered ingredients, allowing it to penetrate and bind the components together, creating a cohesive structural matrix.
  5. Final Embellishment: Sprinkle remaining coconut and additional chocolate chips across the surface, lightly pressing to integrate and create a visually appealing texture.
  6. Baking Transformation: Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until edges turn golden and the center sets completely.
  7. Cooling and Serving: Remove from oven and let cool entirely within the pan, then slice into 16-18 precise squares, revealing the intricate layered composition ready for enjoyment.

Notes

  • Butter Pan Perfectly: Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner cutting of bars.
  • Layer Strategically: Press ingredients gently to create compact, cohesive layers that hold together when sliced.
  • Monitor Baking Closely: Golden brown edges indicate doneness; avoid overbaking to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Cooling is Crucial: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature to set condensed milk and help bars maintain structural integrity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 188
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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