If you adore rich chocolate and the tropical sweetness of coconut, you are about to fall head over heels for this Coconut Stuffed Brownies Recipe. These brownies are not just your everyday chocolate treat; they’re a delightfully chewy, fudgy base generously studded with mini chocolate chips, layered with a creamy, dreamy coconut filling that adds a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Every bite is a harmonious blend of chocolate intensity and coconut creaminess that feels like a little celebration in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply craving an indulgent homemade dessert, this recipe will quickly become a beloved classic in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the perfect brownie texture and that luscious coconut filling. The simplicity of these ingredients allows their natural flavors to shine, while each item plays an important role to create the ideal balance of fudginess and sweetness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy foundation of the brownie batter without making it too dense.
- 1 teaspoon flour: Helps keep the mini chocolate chips suspended evenly in the batter.
- ½ cup cocoa powder: Provides the deep, rich chocolate flavor central to these brownies.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to a chewy texture.
- ¾ cup salted sweet cream butter, melted and cooled: Adds moisture, richness, and a smooth texture to the batter.
- 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help give structure to the brownies.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the chocolate and coconut flavors.
- ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: Bring bursts of melty chocolate throughout the brownies.
- 2½ cups sweetened coconut flakes: Key ingredient for the creamy coconut filling that makes these brownies stand out.
- ⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk: Gives the coconut filling an irresistibly creamy and sweet texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the coconut layer for a luscious finish.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness in the coconut mixture.
How to Make Coconut Stuffed Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Next, line an 8 by 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and give it a light spray of nonstick spray. This step ensures your brownies will come out easily without any sticking, making cleanup a breeze and presentation perfect.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients for Brownie Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This dry mixture is what gives the brownies their structure and rich chocolate flavor. Set this aside while you work on the other components.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Chips
In a small bowl, toss the mini chocolate chips with the teaspoon of flour. This little trick keeps your chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom of the batter, so every bite is studded with gooey chocolate spots.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled butter with granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. This mixture starts to build the rich, luscious base of your brownies.
Step 5: Bring Batter Together
Fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a wooden spoon, stirring just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the brownies tough, so be gentle. Then fold in the flour-coated mini chocolate chips so they are evenly dispersed.
Step 6: Assemble the Brownie Base Layer
Spoon and evenly spread half of the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish. This layer will form the base beneath the heavenly coconut filling, so smooth it out so it’s even.
Step 7: Make and Spread the Coconut Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the sweetened coconut flakes, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until the filling is well combined and creamy. Carefully spread this mixture evenly over the bottom brownie layer using a silicone spatula or offset spatula. This step adds that signature gooey coconut surprise in the middle of the brownies.
Step 8: Top with Remaining Brownie Batter
Generously spread the remaining half of the brownie batter gently over the coconut filling, making sure to cover it completely. Take care not to mix the layers.
Step 9: Baking Time
Bake the brownies in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You want the brownies to be set and pull away slightly from the sides of the pan but still moist in the middle. Let them cool completely before slicing for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Coconut Stuffed Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Coconut Stuffed Brownies Recipe by dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate or caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness and a beautiful finish. Toasted coconut flakes also make a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair your brownies with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream to bring out the tropical notes of the coconut filling, or serve with fresh berries to add a refreshing contrast. A cup of rich coffee or creamy hot chocolate creates a perfect warmth to complement this treat as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dessert display, cut your brownies into bite-sized squares and serve them on decorative platters, garnished with corner sprigs of mint or edible flowers. You can also layer brownie squares with whipped cream and fruit in parfait glasses for a sophisticated twist on your classic Coconut Stuffed Brownies Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the brownies soft and moist, preserving that perfect chewy texture with the creamy coconut center intact.
Freezing
If you want to save these for later, wrap brownie squares individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying for best results.
Reheating
To revive your brownies, warm them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked feeling. You can also serve them slightly chilled if you prefer the filling to be firmer and refreshing.
FAQs
Can I use unsweetened coconut flakes instead of sweetened?
Yes, you can substitute unsweetened coconut flakes but you’ll want to add a bit more sweetened condensed milk or a touch of sugar to keep the coconut filling creamy and sweet. Adjust to your taste preference.
What can I do if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
If you don’t have mini chips, regular-sized chocolate chips or chunks work just fine. Toss them lightly in flour before folding in to prevent sinking. You could also use chopped chocolate bars for a gooey melt.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Brownies are done when the edges pull away slightly from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the chocolate layers comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The coconut layer may look a little soft but will set as it cools.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
You can swap regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but the flavor and the coconut filling will remain just as delicious and satisfying.
Is it okay to substitute salted butter with unsalted?
Absolutely! Just omit the added salt or reduce it slightly. Salted butter can be convenient, but controlling salt lets you fine-tune the flavor of your brownies perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Coconut Stuffed Brownies Recipe is a delightful way to elevate your classic brownies into something truly special. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy coconut filling delivers a dessert experience that is both comforting and a little adventurous. So grab your ingredients and treat yourself to these homemade beauties—they are perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own, one decadent square at a time.
Print
Coconut Stuffed Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Coconut Stuffed Brownies feature a decadent double-layer of rich, chewy chocolate brownie batter and a creamy, sweet coconut filling, making for an irresistible treat that combines the best of chocolate and coconut flavors.
Ingredients
Brownie Layers
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp flour (for coating chocolate chips)
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup salted sweet cream butter, melted and cooled
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Coconut Layer
- 2½ cups sweetened coconut flakes
- ⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray it with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients for brownies: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until well combined.
- Coat the chocolate chips: In a small bowl, toss the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of flour. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the batter while baking.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Using a wooden spoon, stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Add chocolate chips: Gently fold the coated mini chocolate chips into the brownie batter evenly.
- Spread first brownie layer: Pour and evenly spread half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare coconut filling: In a small bowl, stir together the sweetened coconut flakes, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt until fully combined.
- Add coconut layer: Using a silicone spatula or offset spatula, carefully and evenly spread the coconut filling over the bottom brownie layer in the baking dish.
- Top with remaining brownie batter: Spread the remaining half of the brownie batter evenly over the coconut layer, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake the brownies: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into 4 squares across and 4 squares down, yielding sixteen 2-inch by 2-inch portions.
Notes
- Be sure to cool the melted butter before mixing to avoid cooking the eggs in the batter.
- Coating the chocolate chips with flour helps distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- You can use sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut but sweetened coconut flakes give a better balance of sweetness.
- Allowing the brownies to fully cool ensures clean slices and prevents the coconut filling from oozing out.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts over the coconut layer before adding the top brownie batter.