3-Ingredient Mounds Bars – The Ultimate No-Bake Coconut Chocolate Treat

If you love the classic coconut-and-chocolate combination of a Mounds bar, you are going to fall in love with this homemade version. These 3-Ingredient Mounds Bars are rich, chewy, creamy, and coated in a smooth layer of dark chocolate — and they require no baking, no special equipment, and no complicated steps.

This recipe is perfect for busy days, last-minute desserts, holiday trays, edible gifts, bake sales, and party platters. With only three pantry ingredients and about 30 minutes of time, you can create a dessert that tastes like it came from a specialty candy shop.

What Are Mounds Bars?

Mounds bars are a classic candy made with sweet coconut filling covered in dark chocolate. Unlike Almond Joy, they do not contain nuts, which makes them ideal for people with nut allergies or anyone who prefers pure coconut flavor.

This homemade version captures the same flavor and texture but uses simple, accessible ingredients and avoids preservatives and artificial additives found in store-bought candy.

Why This Recipe Works

Only three ingredients — simple, affordable, and accessible.
No baking required — perfect for summer or when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Beginner-friendly — no candy thermometers or special techniques.
Great for gifting — they look elegant and homemade.
Customizable — easy to adapt with flavors and coatings.

Ingredients

2 cups sweetened shredded coconut — creates the chewy, flavorful center.
½ cup sweetened condensed milk — binds the coconut and adds richness and sweetness.
2 cups dark chocolate chips — forms the smooth outer shell.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Coconut Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk. Stir thoroughly until all of the coconut is coated and the mixture becomes thick and sticky.

Step 2: Shape the Bars

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into small rectangles or oval bars using your hands. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Freeze Until Firm

Transfer the tray to the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bars are firm enough to dip into chocolate without losing their shape.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until fully melted and glossy.

Step 5: Dip the Bars

Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each frozen coconut bar into the melted chocolate. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing the bar back on the parchment paper.

Step 6: Chill to Set

Refrigerate the chocolate-coated bars for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.

Flavor Variations

Milk Chocolate: Use milk chocolate for a sweeter bar.
White Chocolate: Dip in white chocolate and sprinkle with coconut flakes.
Orange Coconut: Add ½ teaspoon orange extract to the filling.
Mint Chocolate: Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract.

Party and Gift Ideas

Arrange on a dessert platter with brownies and truffles.
Wrap individually in parchment and tie with twine for gifts.
Add to holiday cookie tins.
Serve as part of a no-bake dessert table.

Storage

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use unsweetened coconut?

Yes, but the bars will be much less sweet. You may want to add an extra tablespoon of condensed milk or sugar.

Can I make them dairy-free?

You can use coconut condensed milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Do they need to stay refrigerated?

Yes, they hold their shape best when kept cold.

Final Thoughts

These 3-Ingredient Mounds Bars are proof that the simplest recipes are often the best. With their chewy coconut center and rich chocolate shell, they’re a guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday, or just because, they deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort.