Description
7 Layer Bars, also known as Magic Bars or Hello Dolly Bars, are a classic, easy-to-make dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust layered with semisweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, sweetened coconut flakes, chopped pecans, and topped with luscious sweetened condensed milk that caramelizes during baking. These gooey, crunchy bars are perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a delicious homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups Graham cracker crumbs
- 6 Tablespoons Butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Layers
- ½ cup Semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup Butterscotch chips
- ½ cup Sweetened flaked coconut
- ½ cup Chopped pecans
Topping
- 14 ounces Sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and salt. Stir thoroughly with a fork or spoon until the mixture is well blended. Then press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan using your fingers or the back of a spoon to form a firm, even crust layer.
- Layer the chips and coconut: Sprinkle semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the graham cracker crust. Follow this by a layer of butterscotch chips, then sprinkle the sweetened flaked coconut evenly on top of the chips.
- Add pecans: Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the coconut layer to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the bars.
- Pour the condensed milk: Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layers. Make sure the sweetened condensed milk covers the top completely to bind all the layers together during baking.
- Bake the bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown and the top is bubbly and caramelized.
- Cool and chill: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For best results, place the cooled bars in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour before cutting to help them firm up and make cleaner slices.
- Slice and serve: Once chilled, lift the parchment paper edges to remove the bars from the pan. Cut into 16 equal squares and enjoy the rich, gooey, crunchy dessert bars.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to line the pan to make removal and cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
- Chill the bars before cutting to achieve neat, clean slices.
- Customize the bars by swapping butterscotch chips for peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or adding a caramel drizzle for extra flavor.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.