These Heavenly Squares truly live up to their name! With a buttery graham cracker and coconut base, a fluffy vanilla frosting layer, and a glossy chocolate topping, every bite melts in your mouth. Sweet, rich, and satisfying, this old-fashioned dessert bar is perfect for holidays, bake sales, or anytime you want a no-fuss treat that tastes like pure nostalgia.
Who Is This Recipe For
This recipe is perfect for:
- Home bakers who love classic layered dessert bars.
- Chocolate lovers craving a sweet treat with texture and crunch.
- Families looking for a make-ahead dessert that travels well and always impresses.
Why You’ll Love It
✅ Buttery, chewy base with coconut and walnuts.
✅ Smooth, creamy frosting topped with rich chocolate.
✅ Easy to make ahead and serve for any occasion.
✅ A tried-and-true vintage favorite that never goes out of style!
Ingredients
For the Bar Layer
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
For the Frosting
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Layer
- 12 oz chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
Preparation
- Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup butter and ½ cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and walnuts until well combined.
- Bake: Press mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake 15–20 minutes, or until lightly golden and set. Cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Beat ½ cup butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until light, fluffy, and spreadable. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
- Make the chocolate topping: Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Once smooth, stir in 2 tablespoons butter until glossy.
- Assemble: Spread melted chocolate over the frosting layer.
- Set and slice: Allow chocolate to set at room temperature or chill briefly to firm up before slicing into squares.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to a week — perfect for make-ahead desserts.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Can I skip the nuts or coconut?
Yes! The recipe works beautifully even without them — just slightly adjust for texture.
What’s the best way to cut clean squares?
Use a warm knife (dip in hot water and dry before slicing) to get smooth edges through the chocolate layer.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Definitely! It gives a richer, less-sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the frosting.
Conclusion
These Heavenly Squares are a dessert bar dream — sweet, chewy, creamy, and chocolatey in all the right ways. Perfect for special occasions or when you want something that tastes homemade and nostalgic, these bars will have everyone asking for the recipe.
