Tropical Delight Magic Cookie Bars

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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Tropical Delight Magic Cookie Bars are your ticket to a mini-vacation in dessert form. With chewy coconut, sweet pineapple, and macadamia nuts, these bars are like paradise on a plate. Perfect for brightening up any day or gathering with their vibrant flavors.

Ingredients for Tropical Delight Magic Cookie Bars

The base of our bars is made with graham cracker crumbs, providing a slightly sweet and sturdy foundation. Melted butter binds the crumbs together and adds richness. Sweetened condensed milk acts as a sweet glue, holding everything together with a creamy texture. White chocolate chips add a smooth and sweet contrast. Shredded coconut offers a tropical chewiness, while dried pineapple brings bursts of sweet, tangy flavor. Macadamia nuts introduce a buttery crunch, and a sprinkle of lime zest finishes it all with a zesty kick.

Tips & Tricks

  • For easier slicing, chill the bars in the refrigerator for about an hour after cooling.
  • Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts to ensure tidy bars.
  • If you like it extra zesty, add a little lime juice to the condensed milk before pouring it over the crust.

Serving Suggestions

These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun party twist, serve them alongside tropical fruit skewers for a refreshing contrast. They also make a delightful addition to a brunch spread with a vibrant fruit salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of dried?
Fresh pineapple might add too much moisture, making the bars soggy. Stick with dried pineapple for the best texture.
What can I substitute for macadamia nuts?
Chopped almonds or cashews make great alternatives if macadamia nuts aren’t available.
How long do these bars keep?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.

Tropical Delight Magic Cookie Bars Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's heating up, grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This step makes removing the bars a breeze later on. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until they're well combined. You'll know it's ready when the crumbs look evenly moistened.

Take this crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared dish, forming an even layer. This is your sturdy crust. Next, pour the sweetened condensed milk over the crust, making sure to spread it out evenly to cover every nook and cranny.

Now, it's time for the stars of the show: sprinkle the white chocolate chips, shredded coconut, dried pineapple, and macadamia nuts over the condensed milk. Once you’ve got them nicely distributed, gently press them down with a spatula. This helps them stick to the condensed milk so they won’t roll off later.

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You're looking for the edges to turn a beautiful golden brown. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely. This is crucial for cutting clean bars. Right before serving, sprinkle on some lime zest for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Packs a tropical punch with every bite.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.
  • Easy to make with minimal cleanup.
  • Great for sharing at parties or family gatherings.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup diced dried pineapple
1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1 tsp lime zest

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
3. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
4. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust.
5. Sprinkle the white chocolate chips, shredded coconut, dried pineapple, and macadamia nuts evenly over the condensed milk.
6. Gently press the toppings down with a spatula to adhere them to the condensed milk.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
9. Garnish with lime zest before serving.

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