Okay, friends, let me tell you about these Seven-Layer Bars. They are seriously the easiest, most satisfying dessert I know how to make. Think of a blondie, but like, amplified by a million with chocolate, coconut, nuts… It’s pure magic. I sometimes call them “Magic Bars” too, because they just disappear the second I put them out! Honestly, they are way less fussy than brownies, but they pack just as much of a decadent punch. And guess what? This Seven-Layer Bars Recipe will become your go to dessert. They are super addictive.
What is a seven-layer bar?
Seven-Layer Bars, sometimes called Magic Bars, are these ridiculously easy bar cookies that are basically a party in your mouth. Think of it as a graham cracker crust topped with layers of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, walnuts (or pecans!), and then drenched in Sweetened Condensed Milk. It’s essentially a “dump and bake” recipe, where you literally just layer everything in a pan and let the oven do its thing. The sweetened condensed milk kind of melts everything together into this gooey, delicious mess. It is sweet though! But, oh so good.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even start? First of all, the flavor explosion is insane. You get the salty crunch of the nuts, the sweet richness of the chocolate and butterscotch, the chewy coconut…it’s all just perfectly balanced. What I love most about this is how crazy simple it is. I mean, seriously, if you can layer ingredients in a pan, you can make this. Trust me. The cost-efficiency is another huge win. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, and even if you don’t, they’re all pretty budget-friendly. And it’s versatile! I’ve made these for potlucks, bake sales, and even just a random Tuesday night when I needed a serious sugar fix. They always disappear FAST. I have tried other similar dessert recipes, but nothing comes close to the perfect balance of flavors in this Seven-Layer Bars Recipe.
How do I make Seven-Layer Bars?
Quick Overview
What is the easiest recipe you have ever made? What is the best way to make graham crackers? Mix it with butter for the crust, then layer on top. Chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, and nuts. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the top, bake until golden brown, and boom! What is the best way to serve a dessert? I promise you that you won’t find anything easier!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups of Graham Cracker crumbs (about 12 full Graham Crackers)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted.
For the Filling:
Is sweetened condensed milk safe to drink?
One cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. 1 cup Semi-su
1 cup butterscotch chips. 1 t
1 1/3 cups shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, your choice!)
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (I usually use walnuts, but pecans are equally delicious)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 9×13 inch Baking Pan. I actually prefer to line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the bars out later and cut them cleanly. If you don’t have parchment paper, no biggie, just grease it well!
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix it up until everything is evenly moistened. It should look like wet sand. If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of melted butter until it comes together. This is important – you want the crust to hold together when baked.
Step 3: Press the Crust into the Pan
How do you press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan? I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down. What makes a good base for all those delicious layers?
Step 4: Layer the Goodies
What’s the fun part? Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by the butterscotch chips, coconut, and almond. Why don’t you just layer them on, one after another? I usually give the pan a gentle shake after each layer to help everything settle in nicely.
Step 5: Drizzle with Sweetened Condensed Milk
How do you spread sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layers? Is there a way to get it down into all the layers of oats?
Step 6: Bake
Is it necessary to bake a pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes? Is it crispy? The center should be set, but still a little gooey. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to make sure the coconut doesn’t burn.
Step 7: Cool & Cut
Is it necessary to remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely before cutting? If you try to cut them while they are still warm, they’ll be a sticky mess. Once they’re completely cooled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang (if you use a knife or other kind of paper) (optional). How do I cut them into squares?
Step 8: Devour!
What are the best side dishes to serve with a cold glass of milk or coffee? I won’t judge!
What should we serve it with?
These Seven-Layer Bars are amazing on their own, but if you’re looking to take things up a notch, here are a few ideas. For breakfast or brunch, you can cut them into smaller squares and serve them alongside a fruit salad and a mimosa. The sweetness of the bars is a great contrast to the tartness of the fruit. As dessert, I love serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess is perfect with the warm, gooey bars. For cozy nights, pair them with a mug of hot chocolate or a spiced latte. It’s the ultimate comfort food combo! My family loves to grab a bar and curl up on the couch to watch a movie.
How do I make Seven-Layer Bars?
Okay, here’s the deal. This recipe is super easy, but there are a few little things you can do to make sure your Seven-Layer Bars are absolutely perfect. First, don’t skip the parchment paper! It really does make a huge difference when it comes to cutting and serving. When you are making your crust, make sure you really press it into the pan, as the crust can come loose after baking. If you want to change up the layers, feel free to experiment with different kinds of chocolate chips (dark chocolate, white chocolate), different nuts (pecans, almonds), or even add a layer of M&Ms. Just make sure you don’t overload the pan, or they might not bake properly. I tried this once with a gluten-free graham cracker crust, and it was a disaster! It just crumbled. I like to use sweetened condensed milk, you can also use sugar-free sweetened condensed milk. Also, keep an eye on them while they’re baking. Ovens can vary, and you don’t want the coconut to burn. If the top starts to get too dark, just tent the pan with foil.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Okay, if you somehow manage to not eat all of these bars in one sitting, here’s how to store them. At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. In the refrigerator, they’ll last for up to a week. I actually like them cold straight from the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re freezing them, it’s best to skip the glaze until after they’ve thawed, otherwise it might get a little weird. In general, make sure you use an airtight container. If you are storing them at room temperature, be mindful of how hot it is in your area. If the container is left in a hot area, then they could melt or get overly gooey.
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
What are some of the best recipes for Seven Layer Bars? Is it a crowd-pleaser, and tastes absolutely divine? What is the perfect dessert for any occasion? If you are looking for other easy desserts, I recommend checking out my blondie recipe. What are some of your favorite recipes and why?
Seven-Layer Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Graham cracker crumbs
- 0.5 cup Sugar
- 0.25 cup Melted butter
- 1 cup Butterscotch chips
- 1 cup Semisweet chocolate chips
- 0.5 cup Chopped pecans
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Spread butterscotch chips evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Melt semisweet chocolate chips and spread over pecans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
