Coco-Loco Brownies is a coconut brownies recipe I found years ago in a Rachel Ray magazine. In my old notes, I mentioned they exceeded my expectations, then I kind of abandoned the recipe and didn't make them again for a few years. Luckily, I needed to use up a small amount of condensed milk and these coconut bars were just the ticket. The coconut lovers in the family are wild about them. Thanks, old Rachael Ray Magazine! At one point I was able to link to the original version, but the link changed to a cookware page, so I'm glad I saved the recipe here.
Okay, so more notes about the recipe. Coco-Loco Brownies are easy saucepan brownies topped with condensed milk and coconut. They are pretty simple, and don't require any small appliances. Plus the batter is made right in the saucepan, so there aren't a lot of dishes to wash. The original recipe makes a 9x13 inch pan, but it takes very well to halving and baking in an 8-inch square pan.
Coco-Loco Brownies Flavor and Texture
These are great bars for coconut lovers and much less sweet tasting than you'd think, probably because of all the cocoa powder and chopped almonds. They are pretty bars, and while they do contain coconut, the coconut is mixed with a half cup of condensed milk so it has a flavorful burnt milk macaroon quality to it which makes the brownies taste like fudge brownies with soft macaroons dropped on top. They are dense, fudgy, sturdy, and loaded with almonds and chocolate – definitely worthy of your next fiesta. Also, sorry if the corgi picture is not relevant, but I'm leaving it here. Lizzie passed away at 14, so it's fun coming back and seeing random photos of her on Cookie Madness.
Fresher Notes
As mentioned in the paragraph above, these halve quite nicely. Just remember to bake at 325F and pull no later than 30 minutes. If you are wondering about the low amount of butter compared to the high amount of cocoa powder and flour, don't worry! The brownie layer is thin and stuffed with almonds then topped with the coconut mixture and chocolate, so they are plenty moist. Maybe some of the moisture from the condensed milk mixture makes its way downward.
Tip: Don't leave out any of the nuts, coconut or chocolate because all the elements come together to make the bars what they are. If you just want plain brownies, try another recipe.
Recipe
Coco-Loco Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 ⅔ cups sugar
- 1 stick 4 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 large large eggs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 ½ cups natural almonds toasted and chopped
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut (I use flaked)
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9x13 inch metal pan with foil, preferably the nonstick type.
- Combine the sugar and butter in a large (3 quart) saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the heat. Add cocoa powder and ½ teaspoon of the salt; let cool for 10 minutes. Stir in the vanilla, then add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition.
- Add the flour and stir until fully blended, the stir in 1 cup of almonds.
- Pour the batter into pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Top with the remaining ½ cup almonds and the chocolate chips.
- In a medium bowl, combine the coconut, sweetened condensed milk and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Spoon the coconut mixture in dollops over the surface of the batter and bake until the coconut is golden-brown and the brownie layer is just set in the center, about 35 minutes.
- Let cool completely (chill if you have time) before cutting into 16 bars.
Anna says
Ha! I never even look at directions for lining pans anymore so I didn't even catch that. Glad you liked the brownies, Suzanne!
I should go check RR's site and see if they've added any new great recipes. I need something for today.
Suzanne says
Excellent recipe--I didn't get the parchment paper "crosswise" direction. It didn't make sense so I used the non-stick foil and did it lengthwise (maybe that's what crosswise is?). Nonetheless, it was hit and I love this cookie/dessert "smut" blog!
Katerina says
These looks totally amazing! I don't think I have ever made any of Rachel Ray's baked goods, she isn't exactly known for it but I have bookmarked these.
RecipeGirl says
I was just looking at this recipe yesterday and thinking that these looked good. Glad to hear they are! And I'm often impressed with how well some of the RR recipes turn out.
vanessa says
oh must make soon! those look so yummy
Joe says
Lizzie is way too cute! Look at those ears!
anonymous says
These look wonderful. Must-make-soon!!!
Cathy - Wheresmydamnanswer says
These really look amazing and actually I think yours look even better than the ones on Rachel Ray's site!!
bonnie says
Love coconut and have been looking for new recipes-- this is going to be fabulous, I can tell! Thanks for all the great ideas.
dawn says
Cutie Lizzie!
I just made something with coconuts too. I was craving it something fierce.
Your brownies look delish--everything you make looks wonderful.
Amy D. says
I saw those brownies in the magazine and thought they looked delicious. I love coconut and chocolate--mmmm now I want a Mounds bar.
Heidi says
muy sabroso!
Brenda says
Yummm! Those look so good. They look similar to a recipe we used to make in the 80's called Magic Cookie bars http://allrecipes.com/recipe/magic-cookie-bars-from-eagle-brand/Detail.aspx
made with a graham cracker crust. I like the idea of a brownie bottom. May have to give these a try.
snookydoodle says
hmmm this are more than delicious. i love coconut. I ll try them yumm yummy .
Therese B. says
I am not a HUGE fan of coconut alone...but when it is a mounds type bar...yum!! These look great. Are they really sweet?
I will have to try!
OH....PUPPY LOVE...he is sooooooo cute! Everytime I see him...I think it is time for a new puppy at our house.
Katrina says
They look delish! I made some "almond joy brownies" once and didn't really like them. I love the idea of the condensed milk making them gooey, sweet, macaroon-y on top. Mine weren't that way. Glad you're happy with your choice today!
Veronica says
These look so scrumptious and I can't wait to try them.
clumbsycookie says
Can't stpo smiling about Lizzie's photo! I love the name of the brownies too, they must taste like Almond Joy or Bounty bars. Gracias!
VeggieGirl says
Oooh, yum!! And aww, Lizzie 😀
Lisa Ernst says
These look awesome! Definitely will go to the top of my "to make" brownie list!