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Delicious Dish

My Family’s Hello Dolly Bars Recipe

April 29, 2021|By Carolyn Cohen
My Family’s Hello Dolly Bars - recipe by Carolyn Cohen

I think this was the first recipe I ever learned how to make on my own. It is super simple but never seems to disappoint. Get the kids on this one and take a back seat!

Ingredients

  • 1 stick unsalted butter (4 oz)
  • 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (see foot
  • note)
  • Big pinch of kosher salt
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or a mix of
  • butterscotch chips and chocolate chips
  • 3.5 oz/100 g or 1 heaping cup shredded
  • coconut, mix of sweetened and unsweetened
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts, pecans or peanuts (if
  • using peanuts, the salted ones give a
  • delicious “salted caramel” taste)
  • 1 300-ml/10-oz can Eagle Brand sweetened
  • condensed milk, open on two sides with a
  • bottle opener (a can punch)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Melt the butter in a 9x13-inch Pyrex dish. You can also melt the butter and pour it into a metal 9x13 brownie pan (it does not need to be lined).

  2. 2

    Pour the graham cracker crumbs over the melted butter, sprinkle with salt and stir the mixture together until all the crumbs are saturated with the butter. Using your fingers, press them evenly over the bottom of the dish. You can take a ⅓-cup measuring cup and run it along the base to get the crust pushed firmly down and even.

  3. 3

    Sprinkle the chocolate (and butterscotch) chips evenly over the base, then the coconut and then the nuts.

  4. 4

    Slowly and evenly drizzle the condensed milk over the entire pan.

  5. 5

    Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until slightly golden and bubbly.

  6. 6

    Let cool, if you have the willpower, and slice into squares. Serves 12-

  7. 7

    Footnote: in place of graham cracker crumbs, you can use oreo cookie crumbs

Tips & Storage

How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I Freeze This?
Most recipes freeze well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Make Ahead Tip
This recipe can be prepared in advance. Simply reheat when ready to serve.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make My Family’s Hello Dolly Bars?

This My Family’s Hello Dolly Bars recipe by Carolyn Cohen includes step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. You'll need 14 ingredients and the recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels.

What goes well with this my family’s hello dolly bars?

This recipe pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try it as part of a complete meal with complementary sides, salads, or proteins.