These Chocolate Haupia Bars combine two luscious layers—a rich chocolate coconut blend and a creamy haupia topping—set over a buttery macadamia nut shortbread crust. Haupia, a traditional Hawaiian coconut pudding, adds a silky, tropical contrast to the deep chocolate flavor. This make-ahead dessert is crowd-pleasing, indulgent, and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you want to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Crust:

½ cup granulated sugar
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts
¾ cup butter, melted

For the Haupia Filling:

¾ cup + 3 tablespoons cornstarch
⅔ cup water
3 cups milk
2 (14 oz) cans full-fat coconut milk
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon coconut extract
8 ounces semi-sweet baker’s chocolate (not chocolate chips)

For Garnish:

Whipped cream or Cool Whip
Shaved chocolate

Directions

1. Make the Crust:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
Mix sugar, flour, and chopped macadamia nuts. Stir in melted butter until combined.
Press evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15–20 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges.
Let crust cool completely.

2. Make the Haupia:

In a bowl, stir together cornstarch and water until smooth. Set aside.
Chop chocolate into small pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl.
In a saucepan, combine milk, coconut milk, salt, and sugar. Heat over medium-high until bubbles form (do not boil).
Remove from heat and whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Return to medium-low heat and whisk constantly for 15 minutes, until thickened like yogurt.
Remove from heat, stir in coconut extract, and let cool for a few minutes.
Melt the chopped chocolate in the microwave in 15–20 second intervals, stirring between each. Stop when just a few small chunks remain, then stir until smooth.
Mix 3 cups of the haupia into the melted chocolate until fully combined.
Spread the chocolate haupia over the cooled crust in an even layer. Chill for 5–10 minutes.
Whisk the remaining haupia, then spread it over the chocolate layer.
Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

3. Serve:

Use parchment to lift bars from pan. Slice into squares, wiping the knife between cuts.
Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate before serving.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving – yields about 24 bars)

Calories: ~340
Fat: ~21g
Saturated Fat: ~14g
Carbohydrates: ~35g
Sugar: ~20g
Protein: ~3g
Fiber: ~2g
Sodium: ~90mg

The Legacy of Haupia

To fully appreciate Chocolate Haupia Bars, it helps to understand the importance of haupia in Hawaiian cuisine. Traditionally made with coconut milk and thickened with arrowroot or cornstarch, haupia is often served as a chilled pudding or cut into firm squares. It’s a staple at luaus, family celebrations, and local bakeries, embodying the essence of tropical comfort food.

Haupia’s naturally creamy texture and subtle coconut sweetness make it incredibly versatile. In this recipe, it’s used in two distinct layers: one combined with melted chocolate for a rich, velvety middle, and the other kept pure and white for a striking, creamy top. This not only creates a beautiful visual contrast but also a flavor profile that’s both complex and harmonious.

Chocolate and Coconut: A Classic, Tropical Duo

Few flavor combinations are as universally beloved as chocolate and coconut, and this dessert takes that pairing to new heights. The use of semi-sweet baker’s chocolate brings depth and slight bitterness that perfectly offsets the sweetness of the coconut milk. The chocolate layer is thick, pudding-like, and intensely chocolaty, while the coconut haupia layer above adds a refreshing lightness.

Because coconut milk forms the base of both layers, the dessert has a luxurious consistency that’s naturally dairy-free (unless using whipped cream garnish). The layers blend beautifully on the palate, with the dark richness of chocolate giving way to a smooth, tropical creaminess that lingers.

The Macadamia Nut Shortbread Crust: Buttery Perfection

At the foundation of these bars is a buttery, golden shortbread crust enriched with chopped macadamia nuts. Native to Hawaii, macadamia nuts are sweet, creamy, and slightly crunchy—making them an ideal partner for the soft textures above. Their addition to the crust not only provides a nod to the dessert’s Hawaiian roots but also introduces a nutty, toasty note that complements both the haupia and chocolate layers.

The crust is simple to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients. Once baked to a light golden hue, it serves as a sturdy, flavorful base that holds up well under the creamy fillings. When chilled, the crust remains firm enough to support clean slices, making it ideal for entertaining or gifting.

A Dessert Designed for Sharing

Chocolate Haupia Bars are made for sharing. Cut into neat squares, they’re easy to serve on dessert platters, package for parties, or wrap up as gifts. Their layered construction makes them visually impressive, and their flavor makes them universally appealing. You’ll often find them at Hawaiian bake sales, community gatherings, and special occasions, where they consistently disappear within minutes.

These bars are also ideal for meal prepping or holiday menus. Because they require several hours of chilling time (or preferably overnight), they’re a stress-free option for anyone who wants to plan ahead. Simply prepare the layers, refrigerate, and cut when ready to serve.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Haupia Bars

While the recipe is relatively straightforward, a few key tips can help you perfect your Chocolate Haupia Bars:

Make sure your crust is completely cooled before adding the haupia layers. This prevents melting and ensures clean separation.

Whisk the cornstarch mixture until completely smooth before adding it to the coconut milk. Lumps will affect the texture.

When cooking the haupia mixture, stir constantly and patiently. It may take up to 15 minutes to fully thicken, but the result is worth it.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the plums if making syrup separately, and always let the layers cool slightly before refrigerating.

Cut with a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for sharp, tidy edges. The bars will hold their shape best when very cold.

Optional garnishes like whipped cream or shaved chocolate can elevate the presentation, especially for special occasions.

Nutritional Insight: Decadence with a Hint of Wholesomeness

Although Chocolate Haupia Bars are undeniably rich and indulgent, they also offer some nutritional redeeming qualities. Coconut milk, the star ingredient, contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a form of fat known for its energy-boosting and metabolism-supporting properties. Macadamia nuts provide healthy monounsaturated fats and are a good source of thiamin and manganese.

Each bar contains around 340 calories, with about 21 grams of fat, much of it coming from the coconut milk and nuts. Sugar content is moderate, around 20 grams per piece, but the sweetness can be adjusted by using less sugar in the haupia or choosing darker chocolate for a more bittersweet bite.

For those seeking dairy-free or gluten-free adaptations, this dessert is easily customizable. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in the crust and ensure all other ingredients (such as the chocolate) are certified dairy-free.

A Crowd-Pleaser Across Seasons

While these bars are most closely associated with Hawaiian and tropical celebrations, they make a wonderful dessert year-round. Their chilled nature makes them perfect for summer potlucks and barbecues, but their rich flavor and layered presentation also make them well-suited for winter holidays or Thanksgiving dessert tables.

The chocolate and coconut combination feels festive and indulgent, yet the tropical flavor of the haupia brings a refreshing change of pace from traditional pies and cakes. Whether enjoyed on a warm patio or as a tropical escape in cooler months, Chocolate Haupia Bars deliver comfort and delight in every bite.

Conclusion

Chocolate Haupia Bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a tribute to the tropical flavors and cultural richness of Hawaii. Combining the classic creaminess of coconut haupia with deep chocolate and a buttery macadamia shortbread crust, this dessert hits all the right notes: luscious, layered, and visually stunning.

Perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply treating yourself, these bars offer a delightful twist on traditional puddings and pies. Their make-ahead convenience, versatility, and impressive presentation make them a favorite among both seasoned bakers and dessert novices alike. With a few simple steps and quality ingredients, you can bring a taste of the islands into your own kitchen.

Once you try them, Chocolate Haupia Bars are sure to become a beloved part of your dessert rotation—a sweet, tropical escape layered with flavor, tradition, and irresistible indulgence.