If you’ve been hunting for a fun and delightfully nostalgic treat, the Missing Link Bigfoot Bars Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. This playful dessert combines the crunch of almonds and pretzels with the creamy richness of milk chocolate and the sweet chewiness of toasted coconut, all shaped loved-up to look like a giant Bigfoot footprint. It’s the perfect combination of texture and flavor folds into a one-of-a-kind bar that’s as charming to look at as it is satisfying to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential to make the magic happen. Each one plays a key role whether it’s adding crunch, sweetness, or that visual appeal you want for your bars.
- Sweetened coconut: Adds a chewy texture and tropical sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.
- Milk chocolate chips: The creamy, smooth base that binds everything together and delivers that classic sweet chocolate flavor.
- Whole almonds: These serve as the toes of the Bigfoot bars, adding a satisfying crunch and natural nuttiness.
- Pretzels: Providing salty crunch and structure, these help mimic the ‘links’ for the iconic foot shape.
How to Make Missing Link Bigfoot Bars Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Coconut
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread your sweetened coconut evenly on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Toast it in the oven for about one minute, making sure to flip and move it around for an even golden brown. Toasting the coconut enhances its flavor and gives it a lovely golden hue that makes these bars pop visually.
Step 2: Prepare the Template
Grab a parchment-lined baking sheet and arrange the whole almonds in a row to resemble Bigfoot’s toes. Then, draw an outline of the foot shape around the almonds using a pencil or food-safe marker. Carefully remove the almonds and set them aside for later—they will become the star “toes” of your footprint bars!
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Place the milk chocolate chips into a disposable piping bag or a resealable storage bag. Microwave the bag in 30-second intervals, taking care to flip and squish the contents between each interval to ensure even melting. Once fully melted and smooth, snip off the tip of the bag so it becomes a perfect tool for piping.
Step 4: Shape the Feet
Using your melted chocolate piping bag, carefully pipe around the foot template you drew earlier, filling in the center as you go to build the foot shape. This step requires a gentle hand, but it’s easy and fun to watch as your Bigfoot bares form.
Step 5: Add Pretzel Links and Almond Toes
Press two pretzels into the middle section of the chocolate footprint to serve as the “links” or accents that bring a fun texture contrast. Leave room near the top for the almonds. After that, cover the pretzels and the foot with another layer of chocolate, then carefully slide the reserved almonds at the top part of the foot to mimic those unmistakable Bigfoot toes.
Step 6: Sprinkle the Toasted Coconut “Hair”
Sprinkle your toasted coconut over the bottom part of the foot shape to give the appearance of hairy footprints, making sure to keep the toe area clear. This finishing touch elevates the theme and adds delightful texture to each bite.
Step 7: Set the Bars
Pop the tray into the refrigerator and let the chocolate bars chill until fully set. This usually takes about 30 minutes but can vary depending on your fridge. Once set, you can carefully peel them off the parchment paper and admire your playful, tasty creation.
How to Serve Missing Link Bigfoot Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To make these Bigfoot bars even more festive, sprinkle with a little extra toasted coconut or a pinch of sea salt for contrast. You could also drizzle some white chocolate on top for a fun two-tone effect that will impress any guest.
Side Dishes
These bars are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a hot cup of coffee or tea. The creamy and crunchy balance will complement any beverage you choose.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bars on a rustic wooden board with some pinecones and greenery to play up the wilderness vibe of Bigfoot. You can also place each bar inside mini treat bags or boxes tied with twine if you plan to make these as party favors or gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying some bars, simply store the leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy a sweet treat any time the craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to keep the bars even longer, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months and can be thawed at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Since these bars are mostly chocolate and coconut, reheating is not necessary, but if you prefer slightly softer bars, just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may alter the texture of the chocolate.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give your bars a richer, slightly more bitter flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet coconut and salty pretzels, so feel free to swap it in if that’s your preference.
Are the pretzels necessary for the shape?
The pretzels help create the visual “links” in the Bigfoot footprint and add a salty crunch, but if you don’t have pretzels, you can experiment with other crunchy items or even omit them entirely—just know it will change the texture and look slightly.
Can these bars be made nut-free?
Yes! Simply skip the almonds or substitute with a seed like pumpkin or sunflower seeds if allergies are a concern. The almonds mostly mimic the toes visually and add crunch, so seeds work well as substitutes.
How long does it take for the coconut to toast?
About one minute at 300°F should give the coconut that perfect golden crispness, but watch carefully because it can burn quickly. Flip halfway through for an even toast.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to make?
Definitely! This recipe is simple enough for kids with supervision, especially during the melting step. It’s a fun and creative way to get little ones involved in the kitchen while making a cool dessert.
Final Thoughts
The Missing Link Bigfoot Bars Recipe is one of those charming treats that brings both whimsy and deliciousness to your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing with friends, kids, or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to evoke smiles and satisfy cravings. Give this recipe a try—it’s a playful and tasty adventure you don’t want to miss.
Print
Missing Link Bigfoot Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 8 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Missing Link Bigfoot Bars are a fun and creative no-bake treat featuring toasted coconut, milk chocolate, almonds, and pretzels arranged to look like a Bigfoot footprint. These bars offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors—crispy coconut, smooth chocolate, crunchy almonds, and salty pretzels—perfect for an eye-catching dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweetened coconut
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 30 whole almonds
- 12 regular pretzels
Instructions
- Toast the Coconut: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the sweetened coconut evenly on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, then toast for about 1 minute, flipping and moving the coconut to ensure it becomes evenly golden. Once toasted, remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Template: On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the almonds in a row to resemble the toes of a Bigfoot foot. Draw a foot shape around the almonds, then carefully remove the almonds and set them aside for later use.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the milk chocolate chips into a disposable piping bag or resealable storage bag. Microwave in 30-second intervals, flipping and squishing the bag between each interval to melt the chocolate evenly and smoothly. Once melted, snip off the tip of the piping bag.
- Shape the Feet: Pipe the melted chocolate around the drawn foot template, carefully outlining and then filling in the center with chocolate to create the base of the bar that resembles a Bigfoot footprint.
- Add Pretzels: Press two pretzels into the middle section of the chocolate foot, making sure to leave space at the top where the almonds (toes) will go.
- Add Toes and Hair: Cover the pretzels with more melted chocolate and slide the reserved almonds into the chocolate at the top to resemble toes. Then sprinkle the toasted coconut onto the bottom area of the foot shape to mimic hair, avoiding the toe area where almonds are placed.
- Set the Bars: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill until the chocolate has fully set and hardened, allowing the bars to firm up and hold their shape.
Notes
- Be careful not to over-toast the coconut as it can burn quickly in the oven.
- Use the parchment paper to help easily lift the bars once the chocolate has set.
- You can substitute pretzels with any crunchy salty snack to create the footprint effect.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, use a resealable plastic bag and cut a small corner to pipe the chocolate.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best freshness.
