Bounty Brownie Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 0.5 cup cocoa powder
• 0.5 cup plain flour
• 0.25 tsp baking powder
• salt (pinch)
• 115 g butter (melted and cooled)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp espresso powder (dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water)
• 3 cup desiccated coconut
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for coconut filling)
• salt (pinch, for coconut filling)
• 125 g dark chocolate (chopped)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) fan forced and line an 11 x 7-inch baking tin with baking paper.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, combine the white sugar, cocoa powder, plain flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well combined.

3. 3

   Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and add the melted and cooled butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the espresso powder dissolved in hot water.

4. 4

   Mix until everything is well combined and you have a thick brownie batter.

5. 5

   Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking tin.

6. 6

   Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through. Allow the brownie to cool slightly in the tin.

7. 7

   While the brownie cools, prepare the coconut filling by mixing together the desiccated coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

8. 8

   Spread the coconut mixture evenly over the slightly cooled brownie, using a palette knife to smooth the surface and pressing it down firmly.

9. 9

   Place the tray into the fridge to chill while you prepare the chocolate topping.

10. 10

    Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each burst until completely smooth and glossy.

11. 11

    Pour the melted chocolate over the coconut layer and spread evenly with a palette knife.

12. 12

    Refrigerate until the chocolate has completely set, then slice into squares and enjoy.

Notes

The espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee. For the chocolate topping, the author recommends using a dark sea salt chocolate for extra flavor.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• baking
• brownies
• coconut
• chocolate
• sweet treat
• easy baking