A Simple, Decadent Treat
If you love the rich combination of dark chocolate and coconut, these 3-Ingredient Homemade Mounds Bars are the perfect indulgence. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a deliciously chewy and chocolatey treat that rivals the store-bought version. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or as a homemade gift, these bars are effortless to prepare and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients – Only three simple ingredients are needed: shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and dark chocolate.
- Easy to Make – No baking required, just mix, shape, chill, and coat in chocolate.
- Tastes Like the Classic – These homemade bars have the same chewy coconut center and rich chocolate coating as the original Mounds bars.
- Customizable – Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate or add almonds for an Almond Joy variation.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips or dark chocolate melting wafers
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk.
- Stir until the coconut is fully coated and the mixture is sticky and well combined.
Step 2: Shape the Bars
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using your hands or a small scoop, form the coconut mixture into small rectangular bars, approximately 2 inches long.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Alternatively, use a double boiler to melt the chocolate over low heat.
Step 4: Coat the Bars
- Remove the chilled coconut bars from the freezer.
- Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each coconut bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage.
- Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing the coated bars back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Let the chocolate set at room temperature or refrigerate for quicker setting.
Variations
- Milk Chocolate Version – Use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter taste.
- Almond Joy Style – Press a whole almond onto each coconut bar before freezing and use milk chocolate for coating.
- Vegan Option – Use dairy-free chocolate and condensed coconut milk.
- Extra Flavor – Add a drop of vanilla or coconut extract to the coconut mixture for enhanced flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 10-12 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Keep in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Room Temperature: If consuming within a few days, store in a cool, dry place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when dipping?
Ensure the coconut bars are cold but not frozen solid. Let them sit for a couple of minutes before dipping to prevent temperature shock.
Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Yes, but the bars will be less sweet. You may want to add a small amount of powdered sugar to balance the flavor.
Can I use coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
No, coconut milk has a much thinner consistency. You need the thickness of sweetened condensed milk to bind the ingredients together.
How do I get a smooth chocolate coating?
Use a fork or dipping tool to coat the bars evenly. Tapping off excess chocolate and letting them set on parchment paper will help achieve a clean finish.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, the original Mounds bars do not contain nuts, so this recipe is naturally nut-free.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes! While dark chocolate gives an authentic Mounds bar taste, milk or white chocolate can be used for a different flavor profile.
How long do these bars last?
Stored in the refrigerator, they last up to a week, and in the freezer, up to three months.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and follow the same steps.
Why are my bars too soft?
Make sure you are using enough shredded coconut and chilling the bars properly before dipping in chocolate.
Can I make bite-sized versions?
Yes! Instead of forming bars, roll the coconut mixture into small balls for bite-sized treats.
Conclusion
These 3-Ingredient Homemade Mounds Bars are the perfect way to satisfy a coconut and chocolate craving with minimal effort. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a sweet treat, their rich flavor and chewy texture make them a guaranteed hit. Try different variations to customize them to your taste, and enjoy a homemade version of this classic candy bar!
Print3-Ingredient Homemade Mounds Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in these easy, homemade Mounds bars with just three ingredients—shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and dark chocolate. A chewy, chocolate-coated treat that’s just like the store-bought classic!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips or dark chocolate melting wafers
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk.
- Stir until fully coated and the mixture is sticky and well combined.
Step 2: Shape the Bars
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the coconut mixture into small rectangular bars (about 2 inches long).
- Place on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes until firm.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Alternatively, use a double boiler to melt the chocolate over low heat.
Step 4: Coat the Bars
- Remove the chilled coconut bars from the freezer.
- Using a fork or dipping tool, coat each bar in melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage.
- Let excess chocolate drip off, then place the coated bars back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Let the chocolate set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting.
Notes
- Milk Chocolate Version: Substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter taste.
- Almond Joy Style: Press a whole almond onto each coconut bar before freezing and use milk chocolate for coating.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free chocolate and condensed coconut milk.
- Extra Flavor: Add a drop of vanilla or coconut extract for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: dessert, candy
- Method: no bake
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Homemade Mounds bars, 3-ingredient candy, no-bake coconut bars, chocolate coconut bars, easy homemade candy