Irresistible Coconut Pecan No-Bake Chocolate Bars: Your Easiest Homemade Treat!

Get ready to indulge in a truly delightful and incredibly simple dessert that requires absolutely no baking! These **Coconut Pecan No-Bake Chocolate Bars** are a dream come true for anyone craving a quick, satisfying sweet treat. Imagine the rich, smooth embrace of chocolate and peanut butter, perfectly complemented by the chewy sweetness of coconut and the satisfying crunch of pecans. All these wonderful flavors and textures come together in a matter of minutes, making this recipe an absolute staple for busy households, impromptu gatherings, or simply when a chocolate craving strikes.

This recipe is so straightforward, it’s perfect for involving the kids in the kitchen. No hot oven means little hands can safely help mix and spread, turning dessert-making into a fun family activity. Forget complicated steps and long waits; these bars offer maximum flavor with minimal effort, proving that the best treats don’t always need to be baked.

A Guest Favorite from Barefeet In The Kitchen

Hello, dessert lovers! I’m Mary from Barefeet In The Kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share one of my absolute favorite fuss-free recipes with you. These Coconut Pecan No-Bake Chocolate Bars are genuinely a game-changer. You can literally stir them together in under 10 minutes – yes, you read that right, under ten minutes! A few hours of chilling in the refrigerator is all it takes to transform a simple mixture into a spectacular chocolate treat, ready to be enjoyed whenever you need a sweet escape.

What makes these bars truly special is their incredible convenience without sacrificing flavor. They’re perfect for meal prep, allowing you to have a delicious snack or dessert ready for days. Whether you’re packing school lunches, needing an afternoon pick-me-up, or preparing for a potluck, these no-bake bars fit the bill perfectly. Their dense, chewy texture and rich, balanced sweetness make them universally appealing. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

The Legacy of Georgia Pecans

This recipe holds a special place in my heart, partly because of a dear friend, Joan, who was perhaps the biggest fan of Georgia pecans you could ever imagine. She often told me that Georgia pecans were, without a doubt, the best in the world. She even shared her beloved pecans with friends as thoughtful gifts on many occasions. If you’ve ever had the good fortune to get your hands on fresh Georgia pecans, you know exactly what she was talking about – their rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch are simply unmatched. They elevate any recipe, and these no-bake bars are no exception.

Pecans bring a wonderful depth and earthy note to these chocolate bars, complementing the sweetness of the coconut and honey, and balancing the richness of the chocolate and peanut butter. The humble pecan, often underestimated, truly shines in this dessert, adding a sophisticated touch to an otherwise simple recipe. Sourcing high-quality pecans can make a noticeable difference in the final taste, so if you can find fresh, flavorful ones, they are highly recommended.

Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Chocolate Bars

• Effortless Preparation: Seriously, under 10 minutes of active prep time. No complicated techniques or extensive kitchen skills needed.
• No Oven Required: Perfect for hot summer days, small kitchens, or when your oven is busy with other dishes.
• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter is enhanced by the tropical notes of coconut and the nutty crunch of pecans.
• Kid-Friendly: A safe and fun recipe for children to help make, fostering their love for cooking.
• Make-Ahead Dessert: These bars need to chill, making them an ideal make-ahead option for parties, gifts, or weekly snacks.
• Portable and Storable: Easy to pack for lunches, picnics, or store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Ingredients Spotlight

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor profile:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Provide the foundational rich chocolate flavor. Semi-sweet is ideal for balancing the sweetness from honey and coconut.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds a creamy texture, a distinct nutty flavor, and acts as a binder, holding everything together.
• Honey: Contributes natural sweetness and helps to bind the mixture. It also adds a subtle floral note.
• Butter: For richness and to help achieve that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Old Fashioned Oatmeal: Provides a delightful chewiness and helps to absorb moisture, preventing the bars from being too sticky.
• Sweetened Coconut Flakes: Essential for that tropical sweetness and unique texture. If you prefer less sweetness, unsweetened coconut can be used.
• Chopped Pecans: Deliver a wonderful crunch and a buttery, earthy flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.

Tips for No-Bake Chocolate Bar Success

Even though this recipe is incredibly simple, a few tips can ensure your Coconut Pecan No-Bake Chocolate Bars turn out perfect every time:

• Melting Process: When microwaving the chocolate, peanut butter, honey, and butter, be sure to use a large, microwave-safe glass bowl. Microwave in increments and stir well after the initial 2 minutes. If needed, return to the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely smooth and melted. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize, so keep an eye on it.
• Thorough Mixing: Once the liquid ingredients are melted, ensure the oatmeal, coconut, and pecans are fully incorporated. Every bite should have a good mix of all components.
• Parchment Paper is Key: Lining your 8-inch pan with parchment paper is crucial for easy removal. Leave an overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the entire chilled slab out of the pan before cutting.
• Firm Chilling: The refrigeration time of at least 3-4 hours is essential for the bars to set properly. Don’t rush this step! For best results, consider chilling overnight. A firm bar will be much easier to slice cleanly.
• Cutting Techniques: Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. If the bars are too hard right out of the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly, making them easier to slice without crumbling. Wipe your knife clean between cuts for the neatest edges.

Variations to Customize Your Bars

While the classic Coconut Pecan No-Bake Chocolate Bars are phenomenal as is, feel free to experiment and make them your own:

• Nut Alternatives: Don’t have pecans? Walnuts, almonds, or even chopped peanuts would work wonderfully.
• Chocolate Choices: Try milk chocolate chips for a sweeter bar, or dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor.
• Add-Ins: Stir in a handful of mini marshmallows, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of chili powder could add an interesting twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your oatmeal is certified gluten-free if you are catering to dietary restrictions.

Yield: 12-16 candy bar size servings, or 48 bite-size pieces

Coconut Pecan No-Bake Chocolate Bars

Prep time: 10 minutes

Chill time: 3-4 hours

Ingredients

• 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup butter
• 1½ cups old fashioned oatmeal
• 1½ cups sweetened coconut flakes
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Place the chocolate, peanut butter, honey, and butter in a large glass mixing bowl.
2. Microwave for 2 minutes at full power.
3. Remove from the microwave and stir until the chocolate has fully melted and well combined. If needed, microwave for additional 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
4. Add the oatmeal, coconut, and pecans to the melted chocolate. Stir thoroughly to combine.
5. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
6. Scoop the chocolate mixture into the pan and spread evenly across the pan with a spatula.
7. Refrigerate until firm, at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight.
8. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cold chocolate slab from the pan.
9. Use a sharp knife to slice into bars or small squares.
10. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
11. Enjoy!

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More Pecan Recipe Inspiration

If you’re like Joan and can’t get enough of pecans, you’re in luck! Our archives are brimming with fantastic pecan-focused recipes, more than you’ll find almost anywhere else. Pecans are incredibly versatile, adding a buttery crunch and rich flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. They’re a holiday baking hero and a year-round delight. Here are just a handful of our favorite pecan recipes that you might want to flag for your next baking adventure or simply to enjoy as a decadent treat:

• Mud Hen Bars
• Brownie Brittle Toffee
• Nutty Toffee Bars
• Pumpkin Pie Crunch
• English Toffee Bars
• Rolo Pretzel Turtles

More Sweet Treats from Barefeet In The Kitchen

And for those who love quick and delicious desserts beyond the no-bake chocolate bars, here are a few more irresistible recipes from Barefeet In The Kitchen that are perfect for any occasion:

We hope you enjoy making and sharing these wonderful Coconut Pecan No-Bake Chocolate Bars as much as we do. They are a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create truly memorable desserts. Happy no-baking!