Newfoundland Five Star Bars

Newfoundland Five Star Bars are easy-to-make dessert bars that require about 30 minutes of active cooking time, plus extra time for setting. Made with graham cracker crumbs, coconut, sweetened condensed milk, butter, vanilla, and Aero chocolate bars, these squares are rich, chewy, luscious, and wonderfully addictive.

Hey folks – how are you doing? I hope you have had a nice weekend, and you are now ready for new week. And if you feel Monday blues, well, I certainly hope these Newfoundland Five Star Bars will help!

A Little Story Behind These Bars

In 2022, Andrew and I travelled to Newfoundland (Newfoundland Trip), and as always, we made a point of exploring local food – especially desserts. Bakeries and grocery stores were filled with inviting bars and squares, and naturally, we couldn’t resist trying several.

While many of them were good, Five Star Bars stood out immediately. They were rich, chewy, and deeply satisfying — so much so that we went back for them again… and then again… and possibly a few more times. Who’s counting?

Once we were home, I knew I wanted to recreate them. I was pleasantly surprised to learn just how easy they are to make, using simple ingredients and very little effort. Sometimes the best desserts really are the most straightforward.

Why You’ll Love These Newfoundland Five Star Bars

• Ridiculously easy: Minimal prep, simple steps, and no fancy equipment.
• Pantry-friendly: Only seven ingredients, most of which you may already have on hand.
• Rich and satisfying: Sweet, chewy, and indulgent without being complicated.
• Perfect for sharing: Ideal for gatherings, gifting, or casual treats with coffee.

Flavour and Texture Profile

These Newfoundland Five Star Bars are sweet, rich, and chewy with a soft, slightly dense base. The coconut adds texture and depth, while the condensed milk brings creaminess and sweetness. The Aero chocolate topping melts into a luscious layer that’s smooth, light, and just a little airy, making each bite feel indulgent but not heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Newfoundland Five Star Bars

• Graham cracker crumbs: Form the base of the bars; you can use store-bought crumbs or process whole crackers yourself.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut: Adds chew and structure; fine or medium shred both work well.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Binds the mixture and provides richness and sweetness.
• Butter: Adds flavour and helps hold everything together.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness with gentle warmth.
• Aero chocolate bars: Create the signature melted chocolate topping; any airy or bubbly milk chocolate can be substituted.
• Salt: Optional but recommended, either mixed into the base or sprinkled over the chocolate layer for balance.

Easy to Make

These bars truly couldn’t be simpler. Graham cracker crumbs, coconut, condensed milk, melted butter, vanilla, and salt are mixed together and pressed into an 8×8-inch baking pan, then baked until lightly set.

While the base is baking, the Aero bars are chopped. As soon as the pan comes out of the oven, the chocolate is scattered over the hot surface, where it softens and melts. A quick pass with an offset spatula spreads the chocolate evenly into a smooth layer.

The hardest part comes next – waiting. The bars need at least an hour to cool and set properly, though two to three hours is even better.

More Easy Sweet Bakes

Are you looking for more fun, easy sweet bakes just like these Newfoundland Five Star Bars? Be sure to check more recipes:

• Dulce de Leche Shortbread Bars (with Pecans and Cinnamon)
• Easter Bars with Eggies (Chewy Graham Coconut Walnut Bars)

I hope you like these Newfoundland Five Star Bars, and you will give them a try soon. If you make it, let me know in this post or send me an Instagram message or share you photos adding the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.

Cheers!

Print

Newfoundland Five Star Bars

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Sweet BakesCuisine: Canadian, NewfoundlandDifficulty: Easy

Newfoundland Five Star Bars are classic Atlantic Canada dessert bars made with graham crackers, coconut, condensed milk, and chocolate.

Servings

14-16

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Cooling/Chilling time

1-3

hours

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240 gr.) graham cracker crumbs

• 2 cups (180 gr.) unsweetened shredded coconut, fine or medium shred

• 1 can (14 oz. or 420 ml.) sweetened condensed milk 

• 1/4 cup (4 tbsp. or 60 gr.) butter, melted

• 1 tsp. natural vanilla extract

• 4-5 whole Aero chocolate bars (42 gr. x 4-5 bars)

• a pinch of salt – regular (for adding to the cookie layer) or flakey (for sprinkling the chocolate layer)

• Equipment:

• 8×8 inch baking pan; you can also use 9×9 inch pan, for thinner bars

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).  Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
• Add the melted butter, vanilla, sweetened condensed milk to a bowl. If using regular salt, add a pinch as well (if using flakey salt, reserve it for the chocolate layer). Blend together with a spatula or wooden spoon just to combine.
• Add the coconut and graham crumbs and give it a few good stirs to fully combine the ingredients.
• Transfer this mixture to the parchment lined pan.  Using a spatula, press down to make sure the squares are evenly spread out.
• Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. While the bars are baking, chop the Aero bars into chunks.
• As soon as the bars are out of the oven, sprinkle the Aero chunks evenly over the surface. Allow the bars to sit for 5 minutes. Use an offset spatula or knife to evenly spread the softened Aero Bar chunks over the top of the bars. If using flakey salt, sprinkle with some.
• Allow the bars to fully cool for at least 1 hour (but better for 2-3 hours), then slice into 14-16 squares and enjoy!
• Store leftovers in a air-tight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. They can be frozen, too.