Coconut Brownies Recipe : Irresistible & Decadent

If there’s one dessert that always brings a smile to my face, it’s brownies. Fudgy, rich, and irresistible. But when my grandmother first added shredded coconut to her brownie batter—drawing inspiration from those classic American Mounds bars—I realized chocolate could have a whole new best friend. This Coconut Brownies Recipe is my tribute to that magical combination of gooey chocolate and sweet, chewy coconut.

Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or just a cozy night at home, these brownies are guaranteed to impress. They’re simple, satisfying, and perfectly tropical.

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📝 Why You’ll Love This Coconut Brownies Recipe

• Decadent Chocolate Flavor with a soft, fudgy texture.
• Sweet Coconut Layer that adds chewiness and nostalgia.
• Easy to Make using pantry staples and an 8×8-inch baking dish.
• Versatile for all seasons—warm in winter, indulgent in summer.

🛒 Ingredients (Makes 9–12 brownies)

For the Brownie Layer:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking powder

For the Coconut Layer:

• 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
• ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

🕒 Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
• Cool Time: 10–15 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Make the Brownie Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until smooth and glossy. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined.

3. Make the Coconut Filling

In a separate bowl, mix shredded coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla until the mixture resembles a sticky paste.

4. Layer and Swirl

Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of the coconut mixture over the batter, then top with the remaining brownie batter. Gently swirl with a butter knife for a marbled effect.

5. Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake—moist is key!

6. Cool and Serve

Allow brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing into 9–12 squares.

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🧁 Tips and Variations

• Almond Joy Brownies: Add chopped almonds to the coconut layer.
• Dark Chocolate Twist: Substitute cocoa powder with dark cocoa and use dark chocolate chips.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with almond or 1:1 gluten-free flour.
• Extra Fudgy: Reduce flour to ⅓ cup and add an extra egg yolk.

🥥 Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week—just warm briefly before serving.
• Freezer Friendly: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

💡 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – approx.)

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g

🧬 Coconut Brownie Benefits?

While indulgent, these brownies offer some benefits thanks to coconut’s natural medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and fiber. Coconut may support digestion and provide lasting energy—just enjoy in moderation!

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Brownies Recipe

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut, but the texture and sweetness will differ. If using unsweetened, consider adding 1–2 tablespoons of sugar or an extra tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk to compensate.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not raw batter. Overbaking will make the brownies dry instead of fudgy.

Can I make these brownies dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative (like coconut oil) and use sweetened coconut cream instead of condensed milk. Be sure to check that your chocolate is also dairy-free.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely. Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may need to be extended by 5–10 minutes—watch closely after the 30-minute mark.

Do these brownies need to be refrigerated?

Not necessarily. They stay fresh at room temperature for 2–3 days in an airtight container. However, refrigerating them will extend freshness and give a firmer texture, especially if you like chilled desserts.

🌐 External Resources

• Coconut Nutrition Benefits – Healthline
• The Science Behind Cocoa – Harvard T.H. Chan
• Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies – King Arthur Baking
• How to Store Homemade Brownies – Taste of Home

💬 Let’s Bake Together!

Tried this Coconut Brownies Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Share your twists, toppings, or favorite ways to serve it in the comments—or tag me on social!

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