Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars are easy to prepare and are sure to delight the coconut lover in your life!
Let’s be friends! Sign up to get my new recipes in your inbox! Follow me on Facebook and Instagram too!
PIN IT NOW!!
PIN IT NOW!!
My Dad celebrated his 60th birthday on Friday. My brother celebrated his 30th birthday on Friday. Confusing? Well get this…they have the same name too! And quite typically {as in always} they really don’t have the same vision for what they want to do on their birthdays. Solution? We party for a couple days straight!
My Dad is a big coconut fan so anything I make with coconut he loves. I knew I was going to make up a batch of Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars for his birthday but he surprised me with a request for a German chocolate cake {usually it’s my Nana’s Carrot Cake}. I had my Nana’s German chocolate cake and frosting recipe so I whipped that up…and had totally forgotten how addictive the frosting is. Totally. Addicting. Bryce found out that he L-O-V-E-S coconut! And frosting. He ate, by the spoonful, and I am not joking here, about a half a cup of German Chocolate frosting before it made it to the cake. Seriously.
When I took it away from him, he asked me, and I quote, “Can I have some for snack then?” Oh my goodness. I explained that it was supposed to go on Grandpa’s cake to which Bryce responded, “I don’t want cake. I want frosting!” I hear ya honey – I hear ya. How do you explain to a four year old that the sole reason for cakes is so that we can eat the frosting? It’s simply not dignified to eat frosting by itself. Now, of course, if you’re alone…totally different story. Or, if you’re four…
Anyways, the cake and most of the frosting made it to my sister’s house for after dinner. My Dad had fun trying to blow out the sparkler candles and then the boys stepped in and giggling away, attempted to blow them all out as they kept re-lighting. Good times!
I guess you’re wondering when the Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars came into play right? Well Saturday we had a BBQ at my house for my brother and he requested fruit salad instead of a cake. I saved the bars for Saturday so we would all have something sweet to snack on. Well, most of the bars were saved for Saturday…
If you have a coconut lover in your life – these bars are PERFECTION! They start out with a graham cracker crust and lots of coconut. The magical ingredient, sweetened condensed milk, is poured over the top and then it’s thrown in the oven. Layer on your favorite flavor of preserves {blackberry is super good too!}, some chopped nuts of your choice {we went with pecans} and then drizzle on some chocolate.
If you’ve got bored kids around – this is a great recipe for them to help out with. Bryce was able to spread the preserves and sprinkle on the pecans…
Let the bars chill for a bit and cut ’em up! Magical isn’t it?
PIN IT NOW!!
Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup butter 1 stick - melted
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3 cups coconut sweetened, flaked
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk 1 can
- 1 cup seedless raspberry preserves or the flavor of your choice
- 1/2 cup pecans chopped
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup white baking chips
- 1 tsp shortening
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar in a small bowl.
- Press into a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish.
- Sprinkle the coconut over the crust and drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until coconut is lightly browned.
- Let cool completely.
- Spread the preserves over the cooled coconut crust and sprinkle with pecans.
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave and stir until nice and smooth. Drizzle over pecans.
- Melt the white chips in the microwave and add shortening. Stir until nice and smooth. Drizzle over the top.
- Let chocolate firm up in the fridge or on the counter and cut into bars.
- Makes 36 bars.
Nutrition
Some more recipes we love:
Chocolate Cherry Marshmallow Crunch Bars
Reese’s Peanut Butter Mini Cheesecakes
Magic from friends:
Fudge Mint Magic Cookie Bars from Something Swanky
Almond White Chocolate Magic Bars from Crazy for Crust
Magic Turtle Bars from Chocolate, Chocolate, and More
For all cake recipes, go HERE.
For all dessert recipes, go HERE.
Sign up to get emails when I post new recipes!
For even more great ideas follow me on Facebook – Pinterest – Instagram – Twitter – Bloglovin’.
Tammie R says
I just made these bars for a Valentine’s Day meal. They were not only delicious (I mean super duper delicious) but pretty too. The only thing I will do differently next time, and there will be a next time, is to thicken the preserve/jam layer. I used Smuckers seedless raspberry jam and it was a bit too “runny” for my liking. Thanks for this gem of a recipe.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe Tammie! This one is definitely a favorite around here. If you want, try other jams like blackberry and strawberry – so good!
stuart says
Thanks for this magical recipe dear my wife is a big fan of this website and all the recipe’s you post here she tries them all at home . So delicious
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much!
Bernice Stapleton says
Hi Trish, are these raspberry cookies frezzer friendly? I am looking forward to making these for Christmas
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I haven’t frozen them before but I think they would be just fine Bernice. Enjoy!
Lucy says
I just took these to a Cookie Exchange party and I won “Best Tasting” prize! I followed the recipe exactly and they were delicious! Thank you!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Love that Lucy! These bars are one of my favorites!
Elaine says
Is there a way to make slightly more without actually doubling?
Gayatri Mantra says
I love chocolate cake yummy
Ebeth says
I made your raspberry bars at Christmas and they were a huge hit!! For Easter I am doing your recipe with a slight twist. A graham cracker/ginger snap crust and lemon curd in place of the raspberry….so a ginger coconut lemon magic bar. Fingers crossed this works.
Linda W says
Heading to the store for some raspberry jam as soon as I finish this! It may be the best twist on “Magic Bars” EVER. Still looking for your Nana’s German Chocolate Cake recipe, though (sigh).
susanne morse says
The raspberry coconut bars are fantastic! Made them to rave reviews!
Here’s my question: Is the instruction correct to let the crust completely cool before topping with the jam? When I wait for it to be COMPLETELY cool the jam stays too runny and gooey ~ but if I allow the bars to cool SLIGHTLY and then spread with jam, the jam spreads beautifully and even and also develops a bit of a “skin” on top so that the jam is not runny and really holds the chopped nuts. Thoughts?
Elaine says
I am going to try this. I made a recipe of these and they were so sticky! They were still beyond delicious! Everyone thought so!
Emily says
I can’t wait to try this! I just got a gluten free graham cracker, so I will have to see if that works for this.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Ooh that is awesome! Should totally work Emily!
Jaanice says
Absolutely love these Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars but having a hard time to drizzle choc, & vanilla bits. Do you have any suggestions?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Are you having a problem melting the chocolate or drizzling? I usually just use a fork to drizzle. Drizzle from about 8 inches up for more even coverage. Hope that helps!
Elaine says
I had a hard time the first batch, too. I found if I melt the chocolate in a double boiler rather than the microwave, it melts much nicer and can be drizzled.
Elaine says
I went back and made second batch and must have been thinking about another cookie. I also had trouble melting chocolate chips to “drizzle” and think you would have to use melting chocolate.
Also, I had the dickens of a time getting these out of the pan, and I did butter the baking pan first. Any suggestions?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I would suggest a non-stick cooking spray over butter. Butter can burn and cause stickiness.
Barb says
I love your recipes…you are amazing!! I can’t seem to print off your recipes..the print button doesn’t work for me. What am I doing wrong?
Janice says
I am making these now and they smell so heavenly!! MMMmmmm!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I’m jealous 🙂 Enjoy!
Pam says
Any idea if these freeze well? I’m trying to create a dessert bar for my son’s wedding and I’d have to make them in advance. I’ve asked you about several of your recipes already. So many of them look incredible! Thank you!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Hi Pam! I haven’t tried freezing these bars but I would think that would be fine.
aruna says
Hi. I was wondering if it is possible to make magic bars without any crust at all, and just let the coconut layer be on the bottom.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Hmmm..I think this may work if you really pack the coconut together to it creates a kind of “coconut crust”. If you do give it a try, I’d love to know how they turn out!
Chris says
Hi Trish..A Question for you..Here in Canada,Eagle Brand only comes in one standard size..A 300ml can which is 1 1/4 cups and/or about 10 Ounces..This recipe is calling for 14 Oz..Where are you getting these Super sized cans?At 14 Oz,that’s close to 1 3/4 cups,that be pretty sweet..Clue me in,Thanks,Merry Christmas
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Hi Chris! Our Eagle Brand SWM comes in 14 oz everywhere 🙂 You might be able to swing this recipe with only 10 oz of SCM but it won’t be as chewy. Merry Christmas to you too!
Kristina says
Hello! I’m going to make these for my office cookie exchange this week. I’m wondering if you think that Raspberry Cake & Pastry Filling would work in place of the preserves? I’m trying to use up what I can in my pantry and I stumbled across a few cans of that.
Thanks!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
It’s hard to say Kristina but I think it would probably be fine 🙂 It might look a bit different though. Let me know how it goes!
Jenna says
LOVE these bars! My cousin made them for Easter and I couldn’t get enough. Question – can I substitute coconut oil for the shortening? I’ve never purchased shortening and don’t want to start now! Thank you! 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you Jenna! I’m pretty sure that would be fine – definitely worth a shot 🙂 Let me know how it works out!
Kam says
These look awesome! My only problem was wondering what I could sub for the pecans as we have a walnut/pecan allergy in the family. Thanks for posting about the toasted almond slivers, Diane–just the info. I needed!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Glad you found the answer you needed Kam!
Karina says
Hi!
Do you think I could use some fresh or frozen berries instead of the jam? Maybe pour the condensed milk, berries on top, and into the oven?
Thanks!!
Maisk says
Can you please please please post the German cake recipe? My birthday is coming up and I want to make my own birthday cake and I love coconut! Both look amazing! Thanks! 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much! I’m going to email it to you tomorrow 🙂
carrian says
Holy cute photo! Hahah
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Carrian!
Danelle says
I made these last night and my family can’t stop raving about them. I may or may not have had some for breakfast! 😉 Can’t wait to try them with other flavors of jam–although raspberry is always my favorite. Thanks for sharing such a fabulous recipe.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s awesome Danelle! Thank you! I will tell you they are pretty fantastic with blackberry too 🙂
Candace says
Made these and they were wonderful. I used apricot instead of Raspberry. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Mmmm apricot! Delicious! So glad you enjoyed the recipe Candace!
Patty says
There are so many “magic bar” recipes out there that I usually don’t read them but you caught me at “raspberry”. I was also intrigued at the amount of coconut and how you baked it then finished assembling it. They turned out fantastic and even the men I served them to loved them! I did have a little trouble drizzling the melted chocolate chips but not the white chocolate chips which had the shortening added. Do you think it might help to add the same amount of shortening to the chocolate chips or is there some reason not to?
Thanks for a great recipe!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you Patty! If your chocolate isn’t melting you can always add a little bit of shortening to it and it will make it drizzle easier. I always have issues with white chocolate which is why I added it here but it works for either. I’m so glad you gave the recipe a try and thank you so much for stopping back by to leave me a comment! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Krista Low says
These look absolutely amazing! I just pinned these look absolutely amazing! I mean you have chocolate and raspberries and coconut! Man, I can’t wait to have a bite! 🙂 Krista @ A Handful of Everything
Heather @ French Press says
LOVE these! raspberry and coconut ate two of my favorite flavors
Robin @ Simply Southern Baking says
These look fabulous!!! Yummm!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Robin!
Tanya says
Trish you are so talented! These look amazing, and I would love for you to join me at the Pretty Things Link Party (live now) hope to see you there 🙂
xo, Tanya
http://twelveoeight.blogspot.com/2013/04/pretty-things-16-link-party-and.html
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Tanya!
Rita says
These both look so luscious! I can’t wait to try them out but the raspberry bars are calling my name! Thanks for sharing. rita@pinkpolkadotcreations.com
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Rita!
Kelly @ The Moon and Me says
Oh.Man. These look and sound so decadent!
I was chuckling at the frosting bit. It’s not dignified…unless you’re alone…or 4. 🙂
It’ll be our secret.
Kelly
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Hehe 🙂 Thank you Kelly!
Diane R. says
Wow! These are yummy!
I baked these today, and am trying to resist the urge to eat another one before hubby gets home from work. (Oh, what the heck, he’ll be eating more than his fair share, I’m sure of it!)
I substituted toasted slivered almonds in place of the pecans, and forgot to grease the baking dish, and had no problems.
Thanks for sharing this terrific recipe, Trish.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I am SO glad you enjoyed the recipe Diane! Just made my night 🙂 Almonds are delicious in this recipe too – thanks so much for stopping by!
Rachel @ I Love My Disorganized Life says
OH holy cow! These look dangerous, but in a good way.
Michele says
I was just wondering if anyone has tried putting all the layers together for the coconut raspberry bars & baking all at once instead of baking the bottom & microwaving the top? I know that standard matrimonial bars have the chocolate, coconut & nuts all layered, then topped with sweet & condensed milk before baking. Just wondering if maybe it had to be separate because of crunch or something.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You absolutely could Michele but it would alter the taste and texture slightly. By putting that first time – the coconut gets nicely toasted which contributes to the overall flavor and texture of the dessert. Hope that helps!
Kate | Food Babbles says
Holy COW!! Those bars look ridiculously good! I really need to make these. I love the raspberry and coconut together and oooo, those pecan on top. Yum!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Kate!
Ala says
Lookie-dee–these are popping into my oven right now! I really can’t wait for them to come out. The color in your photos is absolutely gorgeous–and so is your family 🙂 I’m so glad I stumbled across your blog. Such sweetness! It really put a bright spot in my day.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Oh you totally just made my day Ala! I sure hope you enjoyed the bars and I am so glad you found me too!
Tiffany says
These were the best bars ever!!! I made them for Easter and everyone couldn’t stop talking/thinking about them! I substituted regular graham crackers for gluten free ones and also subbed the white sugar in the crust for coconut sugar and they were absolutely delicious!!!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Just made my day Tiffany! So glad you enjoyed the recipe and your substitutions sound fabulous!
Sinea Pies says
Trish, I had to come back. As I was out and about, running errands, I was thinking about these bars. HOW….please tell me HOW you cut them so perfectly? I have improved my technique with brownies but bars such as this tend to be sticky. How do you get such a clean cut?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Make sure the bars are chilled and if necessary, wipe the knife between cuts 🙂
Sinea Pies says
Congratulations on being featured at the Melt In Your Mouth Monday Blog Hop! The photo of these bars was so beautiful, I had to stop by. I love raspberries and coconut…this dessert is just my style.
New follower, fan, etc. ♥
Would love it if you’d visit my site, especially for Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop. Would you please add this post as one of your links? My readers will love it.
Blessings,
Sinea Ducks ‘n a Row
Sarah @ Alderberry Hill says
Thanks so much for linking to Make the Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill. You are being featured later today!
I hope you are having a wonderful weekend, and join me this evening for Make the Scene Monday #67!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks so much Sarah!
Cathy says
OMG! These look like heaven in a bar! I am making these to serve at Easter.
Thanks for sharing!
Cathy
APeekIntoMyParadise@blogspot.com
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Oh you’re gonna love them! Soo good Cathy! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Tonia@thegunnysack says
Yum Trish! These look outstanding!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks so much Tonia!
Korrie@RedHenHome says
LOVE the look of those raspberry bars! Pinning for later 😉
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks for the pin Korrie!
Blayne says
These look utterly delicious! Yum! I definitely want to try these! Stopping by from Somewhat Simple’s Linky Party!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Blayne!
Chris says
These were amazing. Thank you!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You’re quite welcome 🙂
Lisa @ Je suis alimentageuse says
Stopping by from Chef-In-training’s party! Pinning these cause they look amazing =)
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Lisa!
Dru Falco says
These look delicious! Magic cookie bars are some of the most beautiful creations on the planet. Your German chocolate cake has me drooling, too
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Dru! Hope you’re having a great week!
Christi says
Oh wow, these look fantastic! Yum, can’t wait to try them, thanks for sharing!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Christi! They’re quite addictive 🙂
Jennifer says
I agree, I would love the recipe for the german cake. looks delicious!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I guess I need to make that cake again soon 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Jennifer!
sally @ sallys baking addiction says
Hi Trish! Oh my goodness, these are beautiful! I love making magic bars and anything involving raspberry has me running to the kitchen. They look unbelievable and put me in the mood for summertime.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You are too sweet Sally! Thank you!
Jenna @ www.sensationallyseasonal.com says
Pinning this! These look awesome! And Bryce is a cutie pie!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you for the pin Jenna and I couldn’t agree more about Bryce 😉 He’s my little buddy!
Meghan @ The Tasty Fork says
What a fun twist on magic bars! My hubby loves raspberry & coconut (and I do too!)! This would be an awesome treat for us. Thanks for sharing!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks for visiting Meghan!
Brooke says
Can’t wait to try these, Trish! And all your other recipes look just as amazing! I’d better get busy baking. Thanks so much for sharing. Have a wonderful day!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You’re so sweet Brooke! Thank you so much for stopping by!
Shannon {Cozy Country Living} says
Oh, my…those raspberry coconut bars look amazing! Actually they are making me want one right now:) I can’t wait to try these. Thanks for sharing another wonderful recipe!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I kind of wish I had one right now too Shannon 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
Magic bars indeed! These look amazing! Thanks for linking up to Monday Funday!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you Kelly!
Jutta says
Your cakes looks soooo yummy and delicious, I hope you will post the recipe for the German Chocolate Cake an your Nana’s frosting! I’m from germany an try to learn English AND baking/cooking…and your blog ist fantastic to read. I would like to know, if your German Cake ist like “my” German Cake. :o)
I like to read more…
(Sorry for my grammatical errors…)
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Hi Jutta! So glad to have you stop by 🙂 I will definitely work on getting the recipe up for the frosting and cake soon!
Shannah @ Just Us Four says
These look sooo good! This is a fantastic project! Would you consider linking this up at my Pinworthy Projects Party? I hope to see you there!
Bibi @ Bibi's Culinary Journey says
Oh, heavens! These bars ARE magical …. they looks absolutely gorgeous 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks so much Bibi!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says
Those are downright magical looking!! Man, now if I only had a bowl of frosting and a few bars like that to dive into while I am all alone today!!! Love your cute little helper!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks so much Jocelyn! I think frosting and bars make any day just that much better 🙂
Gloria @ Simply Gloria says
OH MY…not only do these bars look absolutely scrumptious with all the coconut…but your little Bryce SO made me smile today! (Your dad does NOT look his age!)
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Oh thank you so much Gloria! Bryce is definitely my little helper {and taste-tester} in the kitchen 😉 I will pass along your comment to my Dad – I’m sure it will make him smile 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful week!
tanya says
It really is all about the frosting-I’m totally with Bryce! I love German chocolate frosting! Love the idea of using fruit in a magic bar. Raspberry was the perfect choice!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Totally! Thanks so much for the sweet comment Tanya 🙂
wanda says
Wow is all I can say. I would love to have German Chocolate Cake recipe too. My son in law’s favorite cake and his birthday is 4th of July. I love carrot cake recipe that is my favorite cake in the world. So can’t wait to try it too and who doesn’t like magic bars?
thanks bunches,
wanda
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I do need to post the German Chocolate Cake recipe and frosting from my Nana – soon! Thanks Wanda!
Becca {Crumbs and Chaos} says
Oh my gosh, Trish!! How beautiful are these?! Raspberry is one of my faves and these look fantastic!
Winnie says
Trish these bars look FABULOUS !!
I love the combination of flavors 🙂
It’s morning here, and I might not be fully awake yet, but I can’t see the coconut in the recipe…..
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
LOL! Oh those pesky details 😉 It’s there now Winnie!
Julie says
Oh wow, these look fantastic! I am going to have to make these one day!
Stopping by from Make the Scene Monday. Have a fabulous week! 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
So glad you stopped by Julie! Thanks so much for the sweet comment!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
OMG Trish. I MUST make these. I can see doing them blackberry for my dad, he’d LOVE that!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Blackberry is SUPER delicious too! Actually, you really can’t go wrong with any flavor 🙂
Trish @ Uncommon says
Trish these look insane! I love how all of your recipes look so yummy and so beautiful! Thanks for sharing with us this week at the Monday Funday link party!
Take care,
Trish
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Trish!
Simplee Sue says
The Raspberry Bars look wonderful but so does the German Chocolate Cake.Could I have one of each? Thank you for sharing your family and recipes. Family and Food…close to the heart.
We may have met by chance…but we become friends by choice.
http://simpleesue.com/top-tip-for-today-10-household-uses-for-milk/
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you Sue! Have a great week!
NonnaT says
Made the raspberry bars for a Christmas party and cut them into 2 inch squares. They were insanely delish as well as really attractive on the tray! Thank you for the recipe!