Name: Heavenly Coconut Walnut Graham Cracker Squares with Chocolate Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1 cup flaked coconut; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons milk; 2 cups powdered sugar; 12 oz chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons butter

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 25 reviews

Oh, you’re going to love this one! The Heavenly Coconut Walnut Graham Cracker Squares with Chocolate Topping Recipe is one of those desserts I keep coming back to whenever I want a treat that feels both comforting and a little fancy. The combination of crunchy graham cracker crumbs, chewy coconut, and toasted walnuts all wrapped up with a luscious chocolate topping makes every bite a little celebration. It’s perfect for potlucks, weekend baking sessions, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up that’s also pretty straightforward to make.

I remember the first time I made these squares; I was surprised at how quickly they came together and how ridiculously good they tasted despite the simple ingredients. There’s something so homey and nostalgic about the graham cracker base paired with that creamy frosting and rich chocolate swirl. If you’re searching for a bar that everyone will ask for seconds of—and that’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight—this Heavenly Coconut Walnut Graham Cracker Squares with Chocolate Topping Recipe should absolutely be on your radar.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple, Quality Ingredients: The recipe uses straightforward pantry staples that combine to create incredible flavors and textures.
Balanced Layers: Each layer—from crumbly base to fluffy frosting to smooth chocolate—brings a perfect harmony of taste and mouthfeel.
Easy to Customize: You can tweak the nuts, add extra coconut, or swap the chocolate type without losing the heart of the recipe.
Reliable Results: This recipe holds up well for baking novices and seasoned cooks alike, delivering consistent, delicious bars every time.

A rectangular tray filled with a smooth, shiny, dark brown chocolate layer covering the entire top. The chocolate has a slightly wavy texture with subtle reflections of light, making it look moist and glossy. The top layer is marked with even cuts, dividing the chocolate into 15 square pieces arranged in a 5 by 3 grid. The tray sits on a white marbled surface with a hint of a blue and white towel on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about the magic behind these ingredients—they each play an essential role in building those heavenly layers. And a little tip: picking good quality ingredients can really elevate the final result here.

Butter: The base and chocolate topping both use butter for richness and smooth texture, so choose unsalted for more control over saltiness.
Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness in the bar layer while helping with structure.
Egg: Acts as a binder so your graham cracker crust stays intact without crumbling apart.
Vanilla: A simple addition that brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These give the base that classic crunch and flavor everyone loves—look for finely crushed crumbs for even texture.
Flaked Coconut: Adds chewiness and a tropical note, balancing out the crunch and sweetness.
Chopped Walnuts: Provide a lovely crunch and earthy flavor; you can toast them lightly first for extra nuttiness.
Powdered Sugar: Used in the frosting to make it silky smooth, perfect for spreading over the cooled bars.
Milk: Just a splash helps loosen the frosting to the perfect consistency so it’s not too thick.
Chocolate Chips: The crowning glory—melting into a rich, shiny chocolate topping that makes these squares truly decadent.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to experiment a bit here and there depending on my mood or what I have in the pantry, and you really can’t go wrong. Feel free to make this your own—you’ll enjoy it even more if you add your personal touch!

Nut Swap: I once tried pecans instead of walnuts, and they gave a sweeter twist that was delightful—try whatever nut you prefer or have on hand.
Coconut-Free Version: If you or your guests aren’t fans of coconut, skip it and add an extra 1/2 cup of graham crackers or nuts for texture.
Chocolate Variety: Dark chocolate chips bring a richer, less sweet flavor, while milk chocolate adds creaminess—both work great, so choose what you like.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Heavenly Coconut Walnut Graham Cracker Squares with Chocolate Topping Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Press the Bar Layer

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, I beat together the butter and granulated sugar until it’s creamy—this usually takes a couple of minutes with an electric mixer. Adding the egg and vanilla comes next, and you want to mix until everything looks smooth and shiny. After that, simply stir in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut flakes, and chopped walnuts. Press this mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch pan; I find using the back of a spoon or a spatula works great to compact it tightly. Getting a firm press here helps the base hold together perfectly after baking.

Step 2: Bake the Base

Bake the pressed mixture for about 15 to 20 minutes until it’s set and golden around the edges. Keep an eye on it toward the end—overbaking can make it too dry. Once baked, set the pan aside to cool completely before moving on. Trust me, patience here pays off because any warmth will melt the frosting layer or make it too soft.

Step 3: Whip Up the Frosting

While the base cools, beat the butter until smooth using your mixer, then gradually add the powdered sugar and mix well. Pour in the milk and beat for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy—this is what gives the bars that luscious creamy middle. Spread it evenly over the cooled bars. If spreading feels tricky, especially if your kitchen’s warm, pro tip: pop the frosted bars in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm up before adding the chocolate layer.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate Topping and Spread

The final step: melt your chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each to avoid scorching. Stir in two tablespoons of butter until it’s silky smooth, then gently spread the chocolate over the frosting. I like to use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon here for an even layer. Let it sit at room temperature until the chocolate sets—this will take about an hour. Then, slice into squares and enjoy! These bars are best eaten when the layers are set but still soft and gooey.

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Pro Tips for Making Heavenly Coconut Walnut Graham Cracker Squares with Chocolate Topping Recipe

Even Pressing: Don’t rush the step where you press the crust into the pan—using a measuring cup bottom helps pack it firmly and evenly.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: I learned the hard way that spreading frosting on warm bars causes it to melt and slide off—cool thoroughly!
Microwave Chocolate Carefully: Short bursts and frequent stirring prevent burnt chocolate and keep the topping smooth.
Chill for Neat Slices: For clean, pretty squares, chill bars before cutting—this helps the layers hold their shape.

How to Serve Heavenly Coconut Walnut Graham Cracker Squares with Chocolate Topping Recipe

A close-up image shows a square dessert slice held by a woman's hand with a utensil. The dessert has three distinct layers: the bottom layer is a rough-textured, golden crumbly base, the middle layer is a thin smooth white cream, and the top layer is a thick, rich, glossy dark brown chocolate coating. The dessert piece is lifted above a baking tray filled with more of the same treat, sliced into square pieces, with a white marbled texture visible beneath the tray. The background is softly blurred, focusing on the dessert slice. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I typically keep it simple—maybe a light dusting of shredded coconut or a few extra chopped walnuts sprinkled on top before the chocolate sets for some texture and eye appeal. Sometimes I add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate, which honestly takes the flavor to the next level by balancing the sweetness.

Side Dishes

These squares pair beautifully with a big cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk—my go-to combo every time. For parties, I like serving them alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add freshness and creaminess that contrasts the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the squares on a decorative platter lined with banana leaves or parchment for a rustic look. Wrapping individual squares in parchment and tying them with twine also makes for charming edible gifts—I’ve done this for birthday parties and they’re always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover squares in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the chocolate and frosting firm. They stay pretty fresh for up to 5 days—if you like them softer, you can take them out a bit before serving to come to room temperature.

Freezing

To freeze, I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and then let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes—this keeps their texture intact without making the chocolate dull or cracked.

Reheating

Because these are bars, reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if you want to warm them slightly, I pop a square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—the chocolate softens just enough without melting completely. Just watch closely to avoid overheating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of nuts in the Heavenly Coconut Walnut Graham Cracker Squares with Chocolate Topping Recipe?

Absolutely! While walnuts give a lovely earthy crunch, you can swap in pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Just chop them to a similar size to ensure even texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil in the base, frosting, and chocolate layers. For chocolate, choose dairy-free or vegan chocolate chips to keep it consistent.
How can I prevent the chocolate topping from cracking?

Melting the chocolate gently and stirring in a bit of butter helps keep it smooth and flexible. Also, letting the chocolate set at room temperature instead of refrigerating helps reduce cracking.
Can I make these squares ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these Heavenly Coconut Walnut Graham Cracker Squares with Chocolate Topping Recipe have become one of my favorite go-to treats because they deliver so much flavor with relatively little effort. They’re perfect for sharing with family or gifting to friends because they feel special but aren’t fussy at all. If you want to make a dessert that’s quick, impressive, and totally scrumptious, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this recipe a try—you’ll end up with a batch of bars that vanish fast and leave everyone asking for the recipe.