Newfoundland Five Star Cookie Bars

Ingredients

• 0.25 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (standard 14 oz / 300 ml can)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• 3 Aero chocolate bars (chopped; essential for authentic flavor)
• sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x9 inch brownie pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it.

2. 2

   In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of melted butter, one can of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.

3. 3

   In a separate larger bowl, mix together 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs and 2 cups of shredded unsweetened coconut.

4. 4

   Pour the wet milk mixture into the dry coconut and graham cracker mixture. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.

5. 5

   Transfer the mixture into the prepared 9x9 inch pan, pressing it down into an even layer.

6. 6

   Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

7. 7

   While the bars are baking, chop up 3 Aero chocolate bars into small pieces.

8. 8

   Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chopped Aero bars evenly over the hot surface.

9. 9

   Let the pan sit for a few minutes to allow the residual heat to melt the chocolate. Once softened, use a spatula to smear the chocolate into a smooth layer.

10. 10

    Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt. Allow the bars to cool completely and the chocolate to set before slicing into squares.

Notes

The author emphasizes that using Aero bars is essential for the authentic 'Five Star' flavor and texture. Ensure the coconut is unsweetened to prevent the bars from becoming cloyingly sweet.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• baking
• cookie bars
• Newfoundland
• Canadian
• coconut
• chocolate
• kid-friendly