If you have a sweet tooth and love cookies layered with delightful textures and rich flavors, this 7 Layer Bars Recipe will quickly become your go-to treat. It’s a perfect harmony of crunchy graham cracker crust, decadent chocolate and butterscotch chips, nutty pecans, and creamy sweetened condensed milk, all baked to golden perfection. Every bite delivers a symphony of sweetness and crunch that feels like a cozy hug from the inside out. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or a simple afternoon indulgence, these bars shine for their simplicity and crowd-pleasing charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing its own magic to the final bars. From the buttery graham cracker base to the mix of sweet chips and crunchy pecans, every element enhances the taste, texture, and mouthfeel of this classic dessert.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 ½ cups): Provides a crisp, slightly sweet crust that forms the sturdy base layer.
- Butter, melted (6 Tablespoons): Adds richness and binds the crust ingredients together perfectly.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (½ cup): Brings a smooth, slightly bittersweet chocolate flavor that contrasts the sweetness.
- Butterscotch chips (½ cup): Offers a luscious, buttery sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate.
- Sweetened flaked coconut (½ cup): Adds a chewy texture and tropical hint that livens up the bars.
- Chopped pecans (½ cup): Introduces a satisfying nutty crunch that balances the softness of the other layers.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces): Acts as a rich, creamy glue that binds all layers together with a luscious, milky sweetness.
How to Make 7 Layer Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave extra hanging over the edges for easy removal later. Give the pan a quick spray with cooking spray so your bars come out cleanly and intact when baked.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and salt. Stir thoroughly with a firm spoon or spatula until the mixture resembles wet sand. This crust forms the foundation of your bars, so pressing it evenly into the pan is key to an even bake and perfect crunch.
Step 3: Layer the Chips
Once the crust is firmly pressed into the pan, sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the surface, followed by the butterscotch chips. This layer is where the gorgeous mix of flavors begins to build, blending hints of chocolate bitterness with the buttery sweetness of butterscotch.
Step 4: Add Coconut and Pecans
Next, scatter the sweetened flaked coconut evenly, giving the bars a subtle chewiness and a lovely tropical flair. Sprinkle on the chopped pecans so that every bite can have that irresistible nutty crunch; these nuts also add a beautiful texture contrast to the soft layers.
Step 5: Pour on the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the sweetened condensed milk slowly and evenly over all the layers. This richer sweet layer seeps through the bars, binding everything together during baking while adding luscious creaminess.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a subtle golden brown. This moment signals that the bars are perfectly set and the sweet condensed milk has gently caramelized the layers beneath.
Step 7: Cool, Chill, and Cut
After baking, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely right in the pan. For the best texture and easiest slicing, refrigerate the bars for at least one hour before lifting them out using the parchment paper edges. Cut into 16 squares, and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve 7 Layer Bars Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little flair when serving, sprinkle some extra toasted coconut or a few chopped pecans on top of the bars right before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a touch of elegance and sweetness, making the bars look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
These bars pair amazingly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a comforting dessert experience. You can also serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea to complement the rich, sweet flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a pretty platter with fresh berries or mint leaves. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes for charming homemade gifts that show you care.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
7 Layer Bars keep wonderfully in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This not only maintains their freshness but also allows the bars’ flavors to meld together even more deeply.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars ahead for a big event, they freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
While these bars are delicious cold or room temperature, if you prefer a warm dessert, pop a bar or two in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to gently soften them without melting the chocolate chips entirely.
FAQs
Can I substitute nuts if I have allergies?
Absolutely! You can replace the pecans with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version without losing the delightful texture contrast.
Is it necessary to use parchment paper in the pan?
Using parchment paper makes it much easier to remove the bars cleanly from the pan after baking, preventing any breakage or sticking, so it’s highly recommended.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet?
Yes, dark chocolate chips will give your bars a slightly more intense chocolate flavor and less sweetness, which some people really enjoy balancing the butterscotch and condensed milk layers.
How long can 7 Layer Bars sit out at room temperature?
These bars can safely sit out for a few hours, making them great for parties. However, to maintain the best texture and flavor, store any leftovers in the fridge as soon as possible.
What is the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts to get neat squares without crumbling, especially after chilling the bars thoroughly in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried this 7 Layer Bars Recipe yet, you’re truly in for a treat. It’s a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that feels like a homemade gift, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring as a special indulgence. So, grab your ingredients and enjoy every delicious layer of this timeless dessert!
Print
7 Layer Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these classic 7 Layer Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust layered with rich semisweet chocolate chips, creamy butterscotch, sweet coconut flakes, crunchy pecans, and a luscious sweetened condensed milk topping. Baked to golden perfection, these bars offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
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
- 14 ounces Sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. 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.
- Make the Crust Mixture: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and salt. Stir together with a fork until the mixture is well combined and holds together when pressed.
- Form the Crust: Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared baking dish and evenly press it down into the bottom using your fingers or the back of a spoon, creating a firm base for the layers.
- Add Chocolate and Butterscotch Chips: Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips evenly over the graham cracker crust, distributing them to cover the surface fully.
- Add Coconut Layer: Evenly sprinkle the sweetened flaked coconut over the chip layers to add a chewy texture and sweet flavor.
- Top with Pecans: Scatter the chopped pecans evenly across the coconut layer, adding a satisfying crunch to the bars.
- Pour Sweetened Condensed Milk: Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the entire layer of ingredients, spreading it gently to create an even coating that bonds the layers together.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. For best taste and easier cutting, refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour before lifting them out using the parchment paper and slicing into 16 squares.
Notes
- Be sure to line the pan with parchment paper to help remove the bars more easily without breaking.
- Allowing the bars to chill in the refrigerator improves the texture and makes cutting neater.
- You can substitute chopped walnuts or almonds for pecans depending on preference.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and add extra coconut or chocolate chips.
