Golden Gate Bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and chewy, with layers of texture from the crust to the gooey filling. They’re quick to prepare, require no special equipment, and can be cut into small squares for easy serving. These bars are also wonderfully customizable and can be made ahead of time—making them ideal for entertaining or snacking throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Brown sugar
Salt
Unsalted butter (melted)
Sweetened condensed milk
Vanilla extract
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Shredded sweetened coconut
Chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and stir until a crumbly dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven.
In another bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until combined.
Pour the milk mixture evenly over the warm crust.
Sprinkle chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts (if using) evenly over the top.
Return to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 24 bars. Prep time: 15 minutes Bake time: 30–35 minutes Cool time: 1 hour Total time: about 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
Use different chips: Swap chocolate chips for butterscotch, white chocolate, or peanut butter chips.
Add dried fruit: Chopped dried cranberries or raisins add a fruity twist.
Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust.
Add spice: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the crust adds warm depth.
Top with sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky salt after baking adds a gourmet touch.
Storage/Reheating
Store Golden Gate Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. To serve from frozen, let thaw at room temperature. These bars do not require reheating and are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled.
FAQs
Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Yes, but sweetened coconut adds more moisture and sweetness. If using unsweetened, consider adding a bit more chocolate or condensed milk.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chips provide balance, but you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate based on preference.
Can I make this recipe without nuts?
Yes, the nuts are optional and can be omitted for allergy-friendly or nut-free versions.
Why is it called Golden Gate Bars?
The name likely references the golden, caramelized top layer and possibly a nod to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, evoking a classic, rich West Coast dessert.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
The edges will be golden brown and the center should be set, though still slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two pans, or use a larger baking sheet if available. Adjust baking time as needed.
Do I need to use parchment paper?
Parchment helps with easy removal and cleaner slices, but it’s not required. Greasing the pan well is sufficient.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Try using a dairy-free condensed milk alternative and dairy-free chocolate chips, but note the texture may vary slightly.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes, they freeze very well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag or container.
How thick should the crust be?
The crust should be about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick—enough to hold the toppings without overpowering the bars.
Conclusion
Golden Gate Bars are a timeless dessert that combines rich, chewy textures and layers of sweet flavor in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or enjoying them at home, these easy-to-make bars are sure to become a favorite. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, they’re a sweet staple worth adding to your recipe collection.
Golden Gate Bars are rich, chewy dessert bars made with a buttery crust, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and coconut. They’re easy to make, layered with texture, and perfect for any occasion.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30–35 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 45 minutes
Yield:24 bars
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and stir until a crumbly dough forms.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from oven.
In another bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until combined.
Pour the milk mixture evenly over the warm crust.
Sprinkle chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts (if using) evenly over the top.
Return to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until edges are golden and center is set.
Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
Sweetened coconut adds moisture and sweetness—unsweetened can be used with adjustments.Parchment paper is recommended for easy removal and cleaner cuts.Let bars cool completely to ensure clean slicing and proper set.Customize with different chips or dried fruits for variation.Bars freeze well for long-term storage—wrap tightly and store up to 2 months.
