Pin A decadent, chewy dessert bar layered with chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, nuts, and a luscious salted caramel drizzle — a truly magical treat perfect for any sweet tooth.
The first time I baked these 7-Layer Magic Bars, the aroma filled my kitchen and my family couldn't wait to try them. Now, they're my go-to treat for potlucks and celebrations & they disappear quickly every single time.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: 1 1/2 cups (180 g)
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115 g), melted
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup (180 g)
- Butterscotch chips: 1 cup (180 g)
- Sweetened shredded coconut: 1 cup (120 g)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Sweetened condensed milk: 1 cup (300 ml)
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Water: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp (30 g)
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Flaky sea salt: 1/2 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the crust:
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined. Press firmly into the pan to form an even crust.
- Layer ingredients:
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by butterscotch chips, then coconut, and finally the chopped nuts.
- Add condensed milk:
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layers.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until edges are golden and the center is set. Cool completely in the pan.
- Salted caramel drizzle:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir until dissolved, then stop stirring and cook until the mixture turns a deep amber color (4–5 minutes). Remove from heat, whisk in butter, then slowly add heavy cream while whisking. Stir in sea salt. Let cool slightly.
- Finish and serve:
- Drizzle the cooled caramel over the bars. Let set, then lift bars from the pan and cut into squares.
Pin Whenever these are on the dessert table, my kids race to be first in line. They love helping with the layers and watching the caramel drizzle — it's a family baking tradition now.
Required Tools
9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, saucepan, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter, condensed milk, heavy cream), tree nuts (walnuts/pecans), and gluten (unless using gluten-free crackers). Contains coconut. May contain soy (in chocolate/butterscotch chips). Double-check ingredient labels for allergens if unsure.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 285, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 33 g, Protein: 3 g
Pin These 7-Layer Magic Bars are always a hit — the perfect combination of crunchy, chewy, and sweet. Share them with friends or keep a stash for your own cravings!
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of nuts can I use in the bars?
Walnuts, pecans, or even almonds can be used to add crunch and flavor to the bars.
- → Can I use gluten-free graham crackers?
Yes, substituting gluten-free graham crackers allows for a gluten-free version while maintaining texture.
- → How is the salted caramel drizzle made?
Sugar and water are cooked until amber-colored, then combined with butter, heavy cream, and sea salt for a smooth, rich drizzle.
- → What is the baking time for these bars?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden and center is set.
- → How should the bars be cooled before serving?
Cool completely in the pan, then drizzle with caramel. Allow the drizzle to set before cutting into squares.