These Newfoundland five star bars are an easy dessert with a coconut, graham cracker and pecan base topped with melted chocolate and flaky sea salt. A holiday classic!
They share the chewy texture of my 7-layer bars, while the graham cracker crumbs give them that familiar s’mores bar flavor.
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Key Takeaways: Five Star Bars
- Newfoundland favorite: These 5 star bars are a classic Newfoundland-style treat.
- Quick prep: They take just 5 minutes to prep before baking.
- Loaded with texture: Coconut, graham cracker crumbs, and chopped pecans make every bite soft and gooey with a slight crunch.
- Chocolate topped: A layer of melted chocolate and flaked sea salt finishes them off perfectly.
Why I Love This Recipe
Earlier this year, my book club read The Day the World Came to Town, and I wanted to make a dessert from Newfoundland to go along with it. Five star bars kept coming up, so I knew I had to try them.
They’re so simple to make, with coconut, buttery graham cracker crumbs, crunchy pecans, and a smooth chocolate topping. They’re perfect for parties, holiday trays, or sharing with neighbors.
For more homemade candy bar flavors, try my Twix bars. For something extra chewy, go for Congo bars or oatmeal cookie bars. And when the Thanksgiving rolls around, pecan pie bars are just as easy to slice and share!
Ingredients Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The base, with that toasty, familiar flavor. Buy crumbs or crush whole crackers.
- Shredded coconut: Use unsweetened coconut just because the condensed milk adds plenty of sweetness on its own.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Binds everything and adds rich, chewy sweetness. Don’t substitute evaporated milk.
- Butter: Melt and cool slightly before mixing in.
- Pecans: Chopped, for crunch. A nice balance to the soft coconut filling.
- Vanilla: Just a touch of warmth.
- Chocolate chips: Melt right on the warm bars, so no separate frosting needed. I prefer semi-sweet chocolate chips, but dark or milk chocolate chips can also be used.
- Flaked sea salt: Optional but recommended, to offset the sweetness for a little sweet and salty bite.
How to Make Five Star Bars
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine coconut, pecans, and crushed graham crackers.
Step 2: Add melted butter, vanilla, and condensed milk. Mix well.
Step 3: Press firmly and evenly into the 8×8 prepared pan, including the corners. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven. Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot bars.
Step 4: Let sit for 5 minutes to soften (the residual heat softens them), then spread into an even layer with an offset spatula. Sprinkle with sea salt, then cool completely before slicing into 16 squares.
Recipe Tips
- Chop pecans finely for an even crunch throughout.
- Use a parchment sling (leaving some paper hanging over the sides) for easy removal and clean slices.
- Pack the base firmly, especially in the corners, so it holds together.
- Cool completely before slicing, or you’ll get a messy cut. Slice with a warm, clean knife. Run it under hot water, dry it, and wipe it between cuts.
Five Star Bars FAQs
No. Traditional Newfoundland recipes melt Aero chocolate bars for the topping, but chocolate chips are an easy substitute. Just sprinkle them on and let the heat melt them.
Yes, though it’ll change the flavor and sweetness. Pick a mild cookie, since the condensed milk is already quite sweet.
That would add an interesting crunch like homemade crunch bars! A small amount stirred into the melted chocolate is all it would take. Don’t overdo it, or the topping might get hard to spread and slice.
Absolutely! Just skip the pecans. Coconut and graham crumbs give plenty of texture on their own.
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Craving more chewy dessert bars? Try my PayDay candy bars, scotcharoos, or homemade Snickers recipe.
More Dessert Recipes
5 Star Bars
Video
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter , melted and cooled
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ chopped pecans
- ¾ cup chocolate chips , for topping
- Flaked sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Mix wet ingredients: Add 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 can sweetened condensed milk to a medium sized mixing bowl. Stir well.
- Add dry ingredients: Add 2 cups shredded coconut, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, and 2 cups graham cracker crumbs. Mix well.
- Spread in pan: Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared pan, making sure to fill the corners.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes.
- Add chocolate chips: As soon as the bars are out of the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the surface. Allow the bars to sit for 5 minutes, then use an offset spatula to evenly spread the chocolate chips over the top of the bars.
- Cool: Allow the pan to cool to room temperature, or until the chocolate has hardened. To speed up the process, place in freezer.
- Serve: Lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut into 16 squares.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Alisha
Love the combo of coconut, pecans, and chocolate in these 5 star bars.
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
So glad you love thew Newfoundland five star bars!