POMEGRANATE MAGIC BARS

Pomegranate Magic Bars image

Pomegranates make dessert festive and bright with a burst of juicy sweetness. These pomegranate bars are no exception. -Lisa Keys, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h10m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup baking cocoa
3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
2 cups (12 ounces ) semisweet chocolate chips
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup pomegranate seeds

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 13x9-in. pan with parchment paper, letting ends extend up sides. Lightly grease parchment with cooking spray. In a food processor, combine flour, sugar and cocoa; pulse until combined. Add butter; pulse until mixture appears sandy. Add egg and vanilla; pulse just until combined. Press dough into prepared pan., Sprinkle dough with sesame seeds. Bake until top appears dry and toothpick comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven; sprinkle evenly with coconut, almonds and chocolate chips. Pour condensed milk evenly over top; return to oven. Bake until golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Cool on wire rack 10 minutes., Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds; press gently into warm topping with back of a spoon. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Lifting with parchment, remove from pan. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 176 calories, Fat 10g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 19mg cholesterol, Sodium 55mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (17g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.