Almond Joy Bars

Although there are quite a few steps in making these, they are really quite easy and well worth the effort. While these are irresistible just as they are, they are even more so just 5 or so minutes out of the deep freeze. To steal a phrase from the Pioneer Woman, Major Yum.
Almond Joy Bars
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp soda
1 cup butter
1 cup water
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 beaten eggs
1 tsp vanilla
Mix flour, sugar and soda. Set aside. In saucepan mix butter, water and cocoa. Bring to a boil. Pour over flour mixture and mix well. Add buttermilk, eggs and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Pour into greased 10 x 15 jelly roll pan. Bake @ 375 for 15-20 minutes. Cool completely.

Filling:
1/2 can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 powdered sugar
14 oz. coconut
1 tsp vanilla
Mix milk and vanilla. Slowly add powdered sugar then add coconut. Spread evenly over cooled bars. Sprinkle with coarsely chopped almonds.

Frosting:
1/2 cup-1 cup butter **
2 cups chocolate chips
Melt butter and chocolate. Drizzle over bars then spread evenly with the back of a spoon. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

**note: The more butter you add, the more of a 'glaze' you'll get. I tend to like it (if I'm not worrying about butter amounts!) a little thinner, but some of my kids like it better with a thicker, more chocolaty topping. (which is what is in the photo)