Chocolate Coconut Rice Squares

Name: Chocolate Coconut Rice Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 16 squares
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Chocolate Coconut Rice Squares for a sweet treat that’s quick and satisfying! These delightful squares combine the rich, creamy flavor of chocolate with the chewy texture of rice and the tropical essence of coconut. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a post-dinner snack, this recipe has been my go-to for satisfying my chocolate cravings. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare that even last-minute guests won’t be disappointed with these heavenly bites. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful dessert!

Created by

Riley Dawson

Last updated on 2026-01-15T14:01:18.795Z

When I first stumbled upon the concept of Chocolate Coconut Rice Squares, I was instantly intrigued. I decided to give it a try, and I was so pleased with the results! The balance of flavors and textures was just incredible, especially once I added a sprinkle of sea salt on top to enhance the chocolate's richness.

What makes this recipe stand out is how adaptable it is. If you want to customize it, you can easily swap in different types of nuts or dried fruits. I’ve even added a pinch of cinnamon for an extra kick, and it turned out wonderfully! The possibilities are endless!

        Why You'll Love These Squares
        Rich chocolate flavor complemented by crunchy coconut flakes
Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients
Perfect for a quick dessert or mid-afternoon snack

      

Chocolate and Coconut Harmony

The combination of chocolate and coconut in these squares creates a delightful harmony of flavors. The dark chocolate chips provide a deep, rich intensity that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the shredded coconut. This balance is essential as it keeps the dessert from becoming overly sweet, making every bite a perfectly satisfying experience. The inclusion of sweetened condensed milk not only enhances the creaminess but also helps to bind the ingredients seamlessly together, ensuring that each square offers a delightful mouthful of flavor and texture.

Additionally, the texture of the dark chocolate melting into the warm mixture creates an enticing glossy finish, signaling that it’s ready for combining with the rice and coconut. Maintaining a low heat is critical while melting the chocolate, as it helps to prevent burning, which could impart a bitter taste to your squares. Stirring continuously ensures an even blend and a silky finish when incorporated with the other ingredients.

Mastering the Texture

The texture of the Chocolate Coconut Rice Squares is crucial to their appeal. Cooked rice not only adds chewiness but also plays a key role in creating a satisfying bite that contrasts nicely with the smooth chocolate. For the best results, use slightly cooled rice that has been previously cooked. This prevents excess moisture from making the mixture too soggy. Avoid using freshly cooked, hot rice, as it can lead to activation of the starches that may dry out the finished squares instead of giving them their desired chewy consistency.

To ensure a visually appealing final product, it's essential to press the mixture firmly into the pan. This step helps the squares hold together once chilled. If they feel too crumbly when cutting, it's likely they weren't pressed down enough. A quick tip is to wet your hands lightly before pressing down on the mixture; this keeps the mixture from sticking and helps achieve an even surface.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Chocolate Coconut Rice Squares

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Prepare the ingredients and get ready to enjoy!

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the dark chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the chocolate has completely melted and is smooth.

Mix in Ingredients

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cooked rice, shredded coconut, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Transfer to Pan

Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly, pressing down firmly.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Once set, cut into squares and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Coconut Rice Squares!

Pro Tips

For a unique twist, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture before chilling. This will give each square an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Substitutions and Variations

If you're looking to customize the flavor profile, consider using different types of chocolate. For instance, swapping in milk chocolate will yield a sweeter square, while using a combination of dark and white chocolate introduces a stunning visual contrast with varied sweetness. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of coconut, such as using unsweetened shredded coconut for a less sugary taste or even adding toasted coconut for extra depth and crunch.

For dietary swaps, if you want a plant-based version, use non-dairy condensed milk and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. You can also replace the rice with quinoa for a gluten-free alternative; just make sure that it’s cooked and cooled before mixing to achieve a similar chewy texture.

Storage Tips

These Chocolate Coconut Rice Squares can be stored conveniently in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week. If you plan to make them ahead of time, this makes them an excellent choice for meal prep. Chilling them not only helps enhance the flavors but also allows the squares to firm up, resulting in better texture when served later.

For longer storage, consider freezing the squares. Cut them into individual portions beforehand and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, white chocolate can be used, but keep in mind it will change the flavor profile and sweetness of the squares.

→ How long do these squares keep?

They will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I substitute fresh coconut for shredded coconut?

Yes, you can use fresh coconut, but be sure to finely chop it to ensure even distribution in the mixture.

→ Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream or a plant-based condensed milk alternative.