Dolly Parton Dessert Recipe: Sweet Southern Charm on a Plate

Sweet memories of nashville rush back when this dolly parton dessert recipe emerges from your kitchen.

Comfort blends with nostalgia in every delectable bite.

Baking legends often carry stories deeper than ingredients, and this treat whispers tales of musical charm.

Southern warmth radiates through each carefully measured spoonful.

Unexpected flavor combinations dance across your palate, inviting culinary adventure.

Rich traditions mingle with playful creativity in this delightful creation.

You might find yourself humming a country tune while mixing these magical ingredients.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that celebrates pure joy.

What Makes Dolly Parton Dessert So Memorable

• Perfect for novice bakers or busy home cooks, this recipe requires no complicated techniques or specialized kitchen skills.
• Packed with irresistible layers of chocolate, coconut, and nuts, these bars are guaranteed to impress family and friends at potlucks, gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
• Adaptable recipe allows for creative variations by swapping or adding different chips, nuts, or toppings to suit your taste preferences.

What You’ll Need for a Dolly Parton Dessert

• Graham Cracker Crumbs, Butter: Classic foundation for a sweet, crumbly crust that provides a delicious texture and holds the dessert together. Choose graham crackers with a rich, honey-like flavor for best results.

• Coconut, Chocolate Chips, Butterscotch Chips, Chopped Nuts: Combination of sweet and crunchy ingredients that create layers of flavor and texture. Opt for unsweetened shredded coconut, high-quality chocolate chips, and fresh, crunchy nuts for maximum taste.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy, rich milk that helps bind all ingredients and adds a luscious sweetness to the dessert. Select a high-quality brand for the best caramelization and flavor profile.

Steps to Make Dolly’s Famous Dessert

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Foundation

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter

Mix thoroughly until the mixture looks like damp sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a solid base.

Step 3: Build Delicious Layers

• Shredded coconut
• Chocolate chips
• Butterscotch chips
• Chopped nuts

Make sure each layer is distributed evenly for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Drench with Sweet Nectar

Drizzle sweetened condensed milk all over the layered ingredients, making sure every nook and cranny gets covered.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the center looks set.

Step 6: Let the Magic Cool

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely inside the pan. Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy the Dolly Parton magic!

Tips for Getting It Just Like Dolly Likes

• Customize Crumb Base: Swap graham crackers with cookie alternatives like shortbread or digestive biscuits for unique flavor profiles and texture variations.
• Prevent Over-Browning: Cover the top with aluminum foil if edges start browning too quickly during baking to ensure even golden coloration.
• Enhance Nut Crunch: Toast nuts briefly before adding to the recipe to amplify their nutty flavor and create a more intense, roasted taste sensation.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk for a delicious vegan-friendly version that maintains the dessert's rich, creamy texture.
• Perfect Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts to create clean, precise bar edges without sticky residue.

Save and Enjoy Dolly Parton Dessert Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping bars layered between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight. Warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature for best texture and taste.
• For optimal enjoyment, remove bars from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance their rich, decadent flavors.

Delicious Matches for Dolly Parton Dessert

• Complement the rich, sweet bars with a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream that balances the dessert's intense flavors and provides a cool contrast.
• The bold, robust coffee cuts through the sweetness and enhances the chocolate and butterscotch notes, creating a delightful palate-cleansing experience.
• A small glass of smooth caramel liqueur echoes the dessert's butterscotch and nutty undertones, elevating the overall tasting experience with a luxurious adult twist.
• The warm, spicy chai tea's complexity harmonizes with the dessert's layers, offering a comforting and aromatic companion that softens the sweetness.

Ways to Twist Up Dolly’s Dessert Your Way

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil instead of butter.
• Nut-Free Version: Eliminate chopped nuts completely or substitute with sunflower seeds for a similar crunchy texture.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use sugar-free chocolate chips, reduce coconut amount, and select a low-sugar condensed milk option for a lighter dessert.

Dolly Parton Dessert Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Dolly Parton’s heavenly dessert brings Southern charm to your table with its irresistible blend of comfort and sweetness. Sweet layers of nostalgia dance across your palate, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with pure joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Base Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Chocolate and Nut Layer:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)

Binding and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces/397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup butterscotch chips (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundation by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking vessel with parchment paper or a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Craft the base layer by blending graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until thoroughly incorporated, then press the mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact foundation.
3. Build delectable layers by sprinkling shredded coconut uniformly over the crust, followed by an even distribution of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chopped nuts, creating a textural landscape of sweet and crunchy elements.
4. Cascade sweetened condensed milk across the entire surface, ensuring complete coverage of the layered ingredients, which will help bind and caramelize the components during baking.
5. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and a set center that indicates the dessert has reached its optimal transformation.
6. Remove from the oven and allow the confection to cool completely within the pan, which helps the layers stabilize and makes cutting into precise squares or bars easier.
7. Once thoroughly cooled, slice into individual servings and present this Dolly Parton-inspired treat, ready to delight taste buds with its rich, multitextured composition.

Notes

• Customize Crust Options: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for those with dietary restrictions.
• Enhance Flavor Variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips like dark, milk, or white chocolate to create unique taste profiles and personalize the dessert.
• Prevent Sticky Cutting: Let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise slices that showcase the beautiful layered texture.
• Reduce Sweetness: If the dessert feels too rich, sprinkle a light touch of sea salt over the top before baking to balance the sweetness and add a gourmet dimension.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg