Sweet, chewy, and infused with a tropical twist, these Coconut Krispy Coconut Bliss Squares are everything a coconut lover dreams of. Perfectly balanced between gooey marshmallows and crisp cereal, they’re finished with a toasty coconut topping for the ultimate bite.
This easy, no bake dessert comes together in minutes and makes a fun kitchen project for kids or a nostalgic treat for grown ups. Whether you’re serving them at a summer picnic, birthday party, or just because it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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6 tablespoons butter
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8 cups miniature marshmallows (about 14 ounces)
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6 cups crisp rice cereal
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2 cups extra miniature marshmallows (do not melt these)
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1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
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¼ cup sweetened shredded coconut (for topping)
Directions:
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Line a 9×13-inch pan or large baking sheet with parchment paper. You can also use foil, but make sure to butter it well to prevent sticking.
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In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Add the 8 cups of marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
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Remove from heat and quickly stir in the crisp rice cereal until evenly coated.
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Fold in the additional 2 cups of unmelted mini marshmallows and 1½ cups shredded coconut.
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Scoop the mixture into the lined pan. Using a buttered spatula or spoon, gently press the mixture evenly across the pan without pressing too firmly.
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Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup coconut over the top.
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Let cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing into squares.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal per serving | Servings: 16 squares
The Irresistible Charm of Coconut Krispy Coconut Bliss Squares
There’s something unmistakably nostalgic about rice krispy treats. One bite and you’re instantly transported back to childhood bake sales, school lunches, or after-school snacks lovingly made by someone at home. They’re gooey, sweet, and delightfully chewy the kind of comfort food that doesn’t ask for much, yet delivers so much joy.
Now, take that classic, beloved dessert and infuse it with one of the most cherished tropical flavors: coconut. That’s where Coconut Krispy Coconut Bliss Squares come in. This no-bake dessert isn’t just an upgrade it’s a flavor revelation. The crispy cereal base, gooey marshmallow texture, and coconut’s sweet, fragrant, almost creamy notes create a treat that feels indulgent yet comforting. Whether you’re a lifelong coconut fan or a newbie to tropical flavors, this dessert bridges tradition and surprise with effortless charm.
The Coconut Factor: Why It Works So Well
Coconut, especially in its shredded sweetened form, brings something magical to desserts. It adds texture soft yet fibrous that contrasts beautifully with crisp rice cereal. But more than texture, coconut delivers a signature flavor: rich, slightly nutty, and evocative of beachy, sun kissed days. It’s a flavor that’s both nostalgic and exotic.
When combined with the buttery sweetness of marshmallows and the crisp snap of puffed rice cereal, coconut helps the dessert reach a new level of complexity. It turns a one note sweetness into a symphony of chewy, crispy, toasty, and creamy. This is especially true when you add a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top, allowing it to lightly toast or caramelize against the warm mixture as it cools. The result is both flavorful and visually appealing those snowy white flakes becoming golden hints of coconut candy on the surface.
The Texture Game: Chewy, Gooey, and Crunchy
One of the secrets behind the charm of Coconut Krispy Coconut Bliss Squares lies in their multi-textural experience. You get the chewy bite from melted marshmallows, little pops of airy crunch from the crisp rice cereal, and a soft chewiness from the coconut. Some versions add unmelted mini marshmallows folded in at the end, which means little pockets of gooeyness scattered throughout the bars. It’s like hitting the jackpot in every bite.
Texture in desserts matters more than we often realize it’s what makes us reach for that second or third square. A coconut krispy treat does more than satisfy a sweet craving; it engages your mouth with an interplay of softness, crispness, and stickiness. That’s dessert magic.
Nostalgia Meets Creativity
Rice krispy treats are part of the DNA of American dessert culture. They’re often one of the first recipes we learn as children. No oven required, just a few ingredients, a pot, and a pan. Adding coconut doesn’t just modernize the dessert; it also bridges the gap between the familiar and the new. It’s an excellent way to elevate something traditional without overcomplicating it.
You might remember your grandmother making classic marshmallow bars in her kitchen or maybe your parent wrapping them in wax paper for your lunchbox. Adding coconut gives you a way to honor that memory while making it uniquely your own. It’s a nod to your roots and your taste.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Coconut Krispy Coconut Bliss Squares are one of those desserts that truly fits into any event:
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Birthday parties: Easy to make in large batches, kid-friendly, and colorful if you want to add sprinkles or chocolate drizzle.
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Summer gatherings: Coconut feels especially appropriate for warm weather, poolside snacks, or tiki themed celebrations.
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Holiday trays: Their festive look, especially with toasted coconut on top, makes them right at home alongside cookies and brownies.
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Potlucks and office parties: They’re transportable, quick to prepare, and don’t require refrigeration perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Gifting: Wrapped in parchment and ribbon, they make for thoughtful, homemade gifts with personality.
This versatility is part of their enduring appeal. You don’t need to reserve them for a specific season, and they adapt well to your creativity or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Fun Variations to Explore
If you love the coconut-marshmallow combo but want to play around a bit, here are some variations to consider:
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Chocolate coconut krispy bars: Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for a Mounds-inspired twist.
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Tropical trail mix bars: Mix in chopped dried pineapple, mango, or papaya for a fruity version.
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Nutty coconut krispy treats: Add slivered almonds or crushed macadamia nuts for extra crunch and richness.
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Coconut-lime bars: Add a bit of lime zest to the marshmallow mix for a zesty edge that brightens the dessert.
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Vegan version: Use plant-based marshmallows and vegan butter alternatives for a dairy-free option.
The base recipe is incredibly forgiving, which makes it a fantastic canvas for experimentation. Whether you’re going for decadent or healthy(ish), sweet or tangy, the coconut krispy treat welcomes your personal flair.
Kid-Friendly and Beginner Approved
This is also one of those rare desserts that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. If you’re baking with kids or looking for an easy way to get them involved in the kitchen, Coconut Krispy Coconut Bliss Squares are the perfect project. There’s no oven, no sharp knives, and minimal mess. It’s just mix, stir, press, and cool.
For novice bakers or people who are intimidated by the idea of baking from scratch, this is a low risk, high reward entry point. You’ll come away with something delicious and beautiful no frosting or piping needed.
Nutrition and Balance
Let’s be real this isn’t a health food, but it doesn’t try to be, and that’s part of its honesty. What it does offer is a relatively lightweight dessert that satisfies your sweet craving without being overly rich or dense. You can cut it into small squares, making portion control easy.
Coconut itself brings a small hit of dietary fiber and healthy fats, and if you go for organic or low-sugar shredded coconut, you can slightly moderate the sugar content. You can even explore brown rice crisp cereals for a more natural base.
A Treat to Remember
Every good recipe should leave a lasting impression not just on your palate but on your memory. Coconut Krispy Coconut Bliss Squares do just that. They’re the kind of treat someone will ask you about long after the party is over. “What were those coconut bar things you made? They were so good.”
They’re just familiar enough to spark recognition, but different enough to feel special. Whether you’re baking for a party, a loved one, or simply for yourself on a rainy afternoon, this dessert has a way of brightening the moment.
Conclusion:
In the world of desserts, few things are as universally adored as the rice krispy treat. Add coconut into the mix, and you have a treat that feels both classic and fresh chewy, sweet, crispy, and kissed with tropical flavor. Coconut Krispy Coconut Bliss Squares aren’t just a twist on a childhood favorite; they’re a celebration of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable.
Whether you stick to the classic combination or experiment with new mix ins, this is a recipe worth revisiting again and again. It’s fast, forgiving, and full of flavor perfect for anyone who believes that dessert should be both fun to make and delightful to eat.