Sweet Melody: Dolly Parton Dessert Recipe for Your Heart

Southern comfort meets pure decadence in this irresistible Dolly parton dessert that promises to steal the show at any gathering.

Layers of creamy goodness dance between buttery crumbs, creating a symphony of flavors that melt on your tongue.

The recipe captures the essence of down-home charm with its simple yet elegant preparation.

Each bite tells a story of warmth and hospitality, reminiscent of Tennessee’s beloved musical icon.

Rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make, this dessert transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Dig into this crowd-pleasing treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• Why is this dessert called Dolly Parton Dessert?

The dessert is named after the famous country singer Dolly Parton, who reportedly shared a similar recipe, making it a popular tribute to her culinary influence.

• Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap graham crackers with other cookie crumbs, use different types of chocolate chips, or replace nuts with seeds for personal preference.

• Is this dessert considered a bar or a cookie?

This is technically a layered bar dessert, combining multiple ingredients like graham cracker crust, chocolate, nuts, and sweetened condensed milk into a single baked treat.

• How do I know when the dessert is properly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a set center. The sweetened condensed milk should appear slightly firm and not liquidy when you gently tilt the pan.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 12

Dolly Dessert Ingredient List

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crispy, sweet foundation that adds delightful texture and classic dessert comfort.
• Melted Butter: Binds the crumbs together, creating a rich and sturdy base with golden-brown flavor.

• Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical sweetness and delicate texture with nutty undertones.
• Chocolate Chips: Delivers rich, melty pockets of decadent chocolate throughout the dessert.
• Butterscotch Chips: Introduces caramel-like sweetness and depth for complex flavor profile.
• Chopped Nuts: Brings crunch, earthy notes, and rustic texture to complement other ingredients.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates dreamy, creamy layer that holds everything together with silky smooth richness and intense sweetness.

Tools for Creating This Whimsical Sweet Dish

• 9×13-inch baking pan: Perfect for creating delicious layered dessert bars.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining graham cracker crust ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure consistent results.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps mix and spread ingredients evenly.
• Parchment paper: Makes removing and cutting bars easier.
• Sharp knife: For clean, neat slicing of cooled dessert bars.

Layer a Dessert That’s as Fun as It Is Flavorful

• Prepare the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350 degrees. Prepare a baking pan by coating it with a light layer of grease or lining it with parchment paper.

• Create the Base

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until they’re perfectly blended. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a solid foundation for your dessert.

• Build Delicious Layers

Sprinkle coconut across the crust, then scatter chocolate chips and chopped nuts generously over the surface. These layers will give your treat amazing texture and flavor.

• Drench with Creamy Goodness

Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire pan, making sure every inch gets covered with that rich, sweet liquid.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the hot oven and let it transform for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the center looks set.

• Chill and Serve

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once they’ve reached room temperature, slice into squares and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering dessert that’ll make everyone smile.

Tips for That Creamy, Crumbly Texture

• Crush graham crackers finely and press firmly to create a compact, even crust that holds together beautifully without crumbling.
• Prepare these bars up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature for convenient entertaining.
• Swap traditional graham crackers with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour to make this dessert celiac-friendly and equally delicious.
• Skip the chopped nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies while maintaining a delightful crunch.
• Experiment with different chips like white chocolate, dark chocolate, or caramel to create unique flavor combinations that match your taste preferences.

Serve With a Cherry on Top

• Cozy Family Movie Night: Serve these decadent bars during a special Dolly Parton movie marathon, pairing each sweet bite with her classic tunes for an extra nostalgic touch.
• Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack these portable bars in individual wax paper wraps for a delightful outdoor dessert that travels well and brings smiles to everyone's faces.
• Coffee Companion Delight: Slice into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve alongside a steaming cup of vanilla latte or rich espresso for an afternoon indulgence that complements the dessert's rich flavors.
• Potluck Superstar: Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden platter with a light dusting of powdered sugar, making them an irresistible contribution to any gathering that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Store in the Fridge for Party Prep

• Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.
• Extend dessert life by storing in sealed container in refrigerator for up to one week, maintaining crisp texture and delicious taste.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months for quick sweet treats anytime.
• Remove bars from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly, enhancing their rich, gooey texture and bringing out full flavor profile.

Sweet Dolly Parton Dessert Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Dolly Parton’s legendary dessert combines southern charm with creamy cheesecake magic. Layers of buttery graham cracker crust and silky filling create a sweet tribute to Nashville’s beloved icon that delights dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (14 oz/397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup butterscotch chips (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare the baking dish by lining with parchment paper or greasing to prevent adhesion.
2. Crust Creation: Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then compress into a uniform, dense base across the entire pan bottom, establishing a solid foundation for the dessert.
3. Ingredient Layering: Systematically distribute shredded coconut, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chopped nuts across the crust, creating a mosaic of complementary textures and flavors.
4. Moisture Infusion: Drench the layered ingredients with sweetened condensed milk, ensuring comprehensive coverage that will bind and caramelize during the baking process.
5. Baking Transformation: Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the edges turn golden-brown and the center sets, indicating the dessert has reached its peak culinary potential.
6. Cooling and Serving: Allow the confection to cool completely within the pan, which solidifies the layers and facilitates clean, precise cutting. Once cooled, slice into individual servings and present this decadent Dolly Parton-inspired dessert.

Notes

Manage Moisture Carefully: Ensure condensed milk spreads evenly without pooling to prevent soggy bottom layers and maintain perfect texture balance.

Customize Nut Selection: Swap or mix nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds to suit personal preferences or dietary needs while preserving the dessert’s signature crunch.

Control Baking Time Precisely: Watch edges carefully during the 25-30 minute window; golden-brown color signals optimal doneness without risking burning delicate ingredients.

Storage Strategy: Cool completely before cutting, then store in airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for extended freshness, separating layers with parchment to prevent sticking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg