7 Layer Bars (Magic Cookie Bars) Recipe
Introduction
7 Layer Bars, also known as Magic Cookie Bars, are a delightful treat that combines crunchy, gooey, and sweet flavors in every bite. With layers of graham cracker crust, chocolate, butterscotch, nuts, coconut, and condensed milk, these bars are irresistible and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. Pour the melted butter evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the butter and press gently to form a crust.
- Step 2: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the crust, followed by the butterscotch chips. Then, add your choice of chopped walnuts or pecans. Evenly sprinkle the shredded coconut over the top.
- Step 3: Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire pan, making sure to cover most of the toppings. It’s what binds all the layers into one gooey, golden masterpiece.
- Step 4: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and bubbly. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. For best results, chill in the fridge for an hour to get clean cuts.
Tips & Variations
- Swap walnuts or pecans with your favorite nuts like almonds or macadamia for a different crunch and flavor.
- Use dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer chocolate taste.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to contrast the sweetness.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften the edges without melting the layers too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened vs. unsweetened shredded coconut?
Sweetened shredded coconut adds extra sweetness and chewiness, which complements the bars well, but unsweetened can be used if you prefer a less sweet flavor.
Do these bars freeze well?
Yes, 7 Layer Bars freeze nicely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Print7 Layer Bars (Magic Cookie Bars) Recipe
These 7 Layer Bars, also known as Magic Cookie Bars, are a deliciously rich and gooey layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, layers of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, nuts, and a sweetened condensed milk topping. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, they make a wonderful treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
Layers
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Binding
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. Pour the melted butter evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the butter and press gently to form a firm and even crust.
- Layer the goodies: Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by the butterscotch chips. Then, add your choice of chopped walnuts or pecans. Finally, sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut over the top, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed.
- Pour the magic: Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire pan, covering most of the toppings. This sweetened condensed milk binds all the layers together, creating a gooey, rich texture.
- Bake and cool: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For clean, firm slices, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least one hour before cutting.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans depending on preference or allergies.
- For a nut-free version, omit the nuts completely.
- Ensure the condensed milk is poured evenly to avoid dry spots.
- Chilling the bars before slicing helps to achieve cleaner cuts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Keywords: 7 layer bars, magic cookie bars, layered dessert, graham cracker crust, chocolate chip bars, butterscotch bars, coconut bars, sweetened condensed milk dessert
