Earlier this school year I was asked to co-host the bake sale for Kenya and Chloe’s fall festival. While me and food seems like a natural pairing, I hadn’t taken part in a bake sale or anything similar since the lemonade stand I set up at my back door when I was 8 years old. I was a bit nervous about taking on the responsibility, but I love my kids’ school and was determined to help make it a success.
I picked up my copy of the Best Bake Sale Cookbook and started reading away. I went through it again and again, looking for the coolest recipes and ideas on how to make the event even better. The book’s author, Gretchen Holt-Witt, wrote the book and created the organization, Cookies for Kid’s Cancer, after her son Liam tragically passed away from pediatric cancer at just 6 1/2 years old. Gretchen is an incredible lady and the small world aspect to all of this is that I coincidentally sat next to her several weeks ago at a conference. I was thrilled to discover that she’s working on another cookbook! Gretchen is a true inspiration for anyone wanting to make a difference.
I had the most difficult time deciding what I should make from the book as its pages are filled with so many mouthwatering recipes and pictures. I decided on these Five Layer Bars which also happen to be one of my childhood favorites. I made a double batch and then watched at the bake sale (which turned out to be a big success) as they vanished shortly after I put them out.
Check out the Cookies For Kids Cancer website to see how you can do something great through baking or simply buy Gretchen’s inspirational book. Either way you will be helping fight pediatric cancer and joining in the mission to find a cure. And if you’re having a bake sale or just looking to make your family a special treat, these Five Layer Bars are decadent and will be a big seller any time of year!
* Recipe from Best Bake Sale Cookbook by Gretchen Holt-Witt
Best Bake Sale’s Five Layer Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 sleeves graham crackers
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 – 14 ounces can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups walnuts, rough chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch pan with oil and line with parchment paper.
- Place the butter and graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until the crackers are crushed and combined with the butter.
- Place the crushed graham cracker mixture in the pan and pat down in an even layer to form the crust.
- Sprinkle the coconut on top followed by the chocolate chips.
- Pour the condensed milk evenly on top of the chips, then sprinkle the walnuts over the condensed milk.
- Press the layers down gently and bake for 30 minutes.
- Set aside to cool completely, cut into bars and serve.
- * Recipe from Best Bake Sale Cookbook by Gretchen Holt-Witt
I have wanted that Handmade Chic for ages. It looks great. Not aavliable in Australia (not that I’ve found) so when I get something else I need/want from Amazon I’ll get it. I’m in no hurry as I haven’t got time yet. I’ve never bought anything from Amazon so that’ll be a first!
I LOVE 5 layered bars, but these looks so much more indulgent! This simple recipe makes my mouth water. I will be making these very very soon.
My wife kind of did the same thing when she saw the people from Rock n’ Roll Worship Circus at a cffeoe house in Longview, WA back in 2002. Didn’t know who they were, just that they were all dressed in goth and didn’t seem friendly. Then she went to Creation Northwest and they were there leading worship. That was an eye opener for her.
I’m not a coconut fan, but it seemed to add a bit of chewy texture to the bars. My whole family loved these!
I adore this dish!
can we get the recipes to print without all the comments?
and what about calorie info?
Thanks for clarifying what a sleeve is. It actually turned out to not be any of the 2 ideas I had thought. I’m making these tonight!
My family lives the chewy granola balls!