7 Layer Bars

7 Layer Bars Recipe: A Gooey, Irresistible Dessert Classic

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Introduction

If you’re looking for a decadent dessert that’s ridiculously easy to make and absolutely delicious, you’ve just found it—7 Layer Bars. Also known as Magic Bars, these rich, sweet bars are layered with everything you could possibly want in a treat: buttery graham cracker crust, gooey condensed milk, chocolate and butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts.

These bars are beloved for their ease (no mixer or special equipment needed!) and their versatility—swap out toppings based on your cravings, and they still turn out delicious. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, holiday, or just to treat yourself, 7 Layer Bars are the perfect choice.

What Are 7 Layer Bars?

7 Layer Bars are a dessert made by layering different ingredients in a baking dish, then baking them into gooey, chewy, crunchy bars of bliss. Traditionally, the seven layers are:

  1. Graham cracker crust
  2. Sweetened condensed milk
  3. Chocolate chips
  4. Butterscotch chips
  5. Shredded coconut
  6. Chopped nuts (usually walnuts or pecans)
  7. Another sprinkling of toppings (optional, but often added)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a classic batch of 7 Layer Bars:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full crackers)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
7 Layer Bars

Optional Add-Ins & Variations

Want to customize your bars? Try these:

  • White chocolate chips
  • Peanut butter chips
  • Mini M&M’s
  • Crushed pretzels or Oreos
  • Caramel bits
  • Dried fruit (like cranberries or cherries)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press into the pan: Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to compact it well.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

  1. Add sweetened condensed milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust. Use a spatula to spread it to the edges.
  2. Add chips: Sprinkle the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips evenly over the condensed milk.
  3. Add coconut and nuts: Top with shredded coconut and then chopped nuts.
  4. Optional final layer: Press everything down slightly with the back of a spatula. This helps the layers bake into one cohesive bar.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

  1. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and bubbly and the top is lightly browned.
  2. Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. For easier cutting, refrigerate them for 30 minutes before slicing.
  3. Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
7 Layer Bars

Tips and Tricks

  • Use parchment paper: It makes removing the bars and cleaning up a breeze.
  • Toast the nuts and coconut: Toasting before adding boosts flavor and adds a slight crunch.
  • Let them set fully: The bars need to cool completely to slice cleanly. Refrigerating helps them firm up faster.
  • Make ahead: These bars can be made 1-2 days in advance—perfect for parties or holidays.

Why You’ll Love 7 Layer Bars

  • Easy to make: No special tools or mixers required.
  • Highly customizable: Swap in your favorite chips, nuts, or toppings.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Sweet, gooey, and rich—these bars are always a hit.
  • Perfect for any occasion: Bake sales, holidays, picnics, potlucks—you name it!

Make It Your Own: Creative Twists on 7 Layer Bars

S’mores 7 Layer Bars: Add mini marshmallows and use milk chocolate chips for a nostalgic twist.

Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars: Replace nuts with crushed pretzels and drizzle with caramel sauce before baking. Sprinkle sea salt on top after baking.

Tropical 7 Layer Bars: Use macadamia nuts, white chocolate chips, and dried pineapple or mango for a beachy flavor.

Nut-Free Bars: Skip the nuts and add more chips or crushed cookies instead.

7 Layer Bars

Healthier Alternatives

While 7 Layer Bars are definitely a treat, here are some ways to lighten them up:

  • Use light sweetened condensed milk
  • Choose unsweetened shredded coconut
  • Replace some of the chips with dried fruit
  • Use a whole grain or gluten-free crust
  • Cut into smaller pieces to help with portion control

Conclusion

7 Layer Bars are the kind of dessert that never goes out of style. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and oh-so-delicious, they’re the perfect treat for when you need something sweet without a ton of effort. Whether you stick to the classic combo or mix things up with your own twist, this recipe is sure to be a keeper.

Try them out for your next get-together, or just because—it’s hard to go wrong with this gooey, crunchy, chewy delight!