Queen Anne Squares
There’s something about the holidays that makes me want to pull out all the stops in the kitchen. Enter: Queen Anne Squares. A staple dessert in our house, these decadent bars bring back childhood memories of holiday gatherings with loved ones. I remember sneaking into the kitchen, hoping to snag a piece before they made it to the dessert table. Now, as a mom, I have the joy of baking them for my own family, and it’s a beautiful tradition I hold close to my heart.
What makes this recipe so special is the way it effortlessly combines layers of chocolate, coconut, and a buttery base into one indulgent bite. When I made these squares for the first time, my kids couldn’t stop asking for seconds, and my husband declared them “holiday magic in a square.” Even my picky eater loved them, which is saying something! They’re a labor of love, but the joy and excitement they bring are well worth the effort.
This is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again, not only because it’s a crowd-pleaser but also because it’s just plain fun to make. With simple ingredients and a few tips to make the process easier, these Queen Anne Squares will quickly become a family favorite. Trust me—once you try them, you’ll understand why they hold such a special place on our holiday dessert table.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These squares taste even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld. Store them in an airtight container for up to five days.
Can I freeze Queen Anne Squares?
Absolutely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Do I have to use coconut?
If you’re not a coconut fan, you can substitute it with finely chopped nuts or leave it out. However, the texture will change a bit.
What type of chocolate is best for the topping?
I recommend using high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for a smooth and rich flavor, but you can also experiment with milk or dark chocolate.
What You Need to Make Queen Anne Squares:
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups powdered sugar
2 cups shredded coconut
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
Special Equipment:
9×13-inch baking dish
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Saucepan for melting chocolate
How to Make It:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the base layer by mixing the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and cocoa powder in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Spread this coconut layer evenly over the base.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the coconut layer is golden. Let it cool completely before adding the chocolate layer.
Melt the chocolate chips with heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Pour the chocolate over the cooled coconut layer and spread evenly.
Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate is set. Cut into squares and serve!
Tips:
Use parchment paper to make removing the bars from the pan a breeze. It prevents sticking and keeps the layers intact.
Don’t rush the chilling process. Letting the chocolate layer fully set is crucial for neat slices.
Want to add a twist? Sprinkle some sea salt over the chocolate layer for a salted-chocolate variation or add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Latest Reviews:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These are my new go-to holiday dessert! So easy to make, and everyone at our family dinner loved them.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I love the coconut layer. Next time, I might use dark chocolate instead for a richer flavor.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for busy moms like me! I made these ahead of time, and they tasted even better the next day.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My kids aren’t coconut fans, but they couldn’t stop eating these. I might try a nut version next.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Absolutely delicious! The layers set perfectly, and the chocolate was divine. Thanks for sharing!”
Printable Recipe:
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Queen Anne Squares
Queen Anne Squares are a rich and indulgent holiday dessert featuring layers of chocolate, sweet coconut, and a buttery graham cracker base. Perfect for holiday gatherings and a real family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Special Equipment:
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan for melting chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the base layer by mixing the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and cocoa powder in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Spread this coconut layer evenly over the base.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the coconut layer is golden. Let it cool completely before adding the chocolate layer.
- Melt the chocolate chips with heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Pour the chocolate over the cooled coconut layer and spread evenly.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate is set. Cut into squares and serve!
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