Sweet, gooey, and irresistibly rich, these Seven Layer Magic Bars are everything I crave in a quick and classic dessert. With layers of buttery graham cracker crust, chocolate and butterscotch chips, coconut, and nuts, all topped with a blanket of sweetened condensed milk, they’re the kind of indulgence I turn to when I want something that’s easy to throw together but feels totally satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it delivers big flavor with very little effort. Everything comes together in one pan with no need for fancy tools or complicated steps. The contrast of textures—crunchy crust, chewy coconut, melty chips, and soft, gooey layers—makes every bite feel like a treat. These bars are a hit at parties, potlucks, and bake sales, and they store beautifully, which means I can make them ahead of time and enjoy them all week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
1(14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
I mix the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs in a bowl, then press that mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid crust.
Next, I sprinkle the coconut evenly over the crust.
I follow that with layers of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chopped nuts, distributing them evenly.
Then I pour the sweetened condensed milk over the entire surface, making sure everything is well-covered to help bind the layers together.
I bake it for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Once it’s fully cooled, I slice it into bars.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 24 bars.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Each bar has approximately 290 kcal.
Variations
I sometimes swap out the walnuts for pecans or leave out the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
If I’m in the mood for more chocolate, I add white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks to the layers.
A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking gives a lovely sweet-salty finish.
For a seasonal twist, I add crushed peppermint candies during the holidays or a swirl of peanut butter for an extra-rich treat.
Storage/Reheating
I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze them by placing parchment between the layers and sealing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They thaw quickly at room temperature and taste just as good. I don’t reheat them, since they’re best served at room temperature.
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FAQs
What makes these bars “magic”?
It’s the sweetened condensed milk that creates the magic. When baked, it transforms into a caramel-like binder that holds all the layers together and gives these bars their signature gooey texture.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, I often make them a day or two in advance. They actually taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
Can I use different types of chips?
Absolutely. I like to play around with white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even peanut butter chips depending on what I have on hand or the flavor I want.
How do I keep the crust from crumbling?
The key is to press the graham cracker and butter mixture firmly into the pan so it forms a solid base. I sometimes use the bottom of a measuring cup to get an even, tight press.
Are these bars gluten-free?
As written, they’re not because of the graham crackers. But I’ve made them gluten-free by using certified gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, and they turned out great.
Conclusion
Seven Layer Magic Bars are the kind of no-fuss dessert I love to make when I want something easy but completely satisfying. Whether I’m baking for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night at home, these bars never fail to impress. With so many ways to customize them, I can always find a new spin on this classic treat.
📖 Recipe:
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Seven Layer Magic Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, gooey, and irresistibly rich, these Seven Layer Magic Bars are made with layers of graham cracker crust, chocolate and butterscotch chips, coconut, and nuts, all held together by sweetened condensed milk. A classic, easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded coconut evenly over the crust.
- Add layers of semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chopped nuts, distributing them evenly.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire surface to bind the layers together.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
Try adding white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for variation.
Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty finish.
Add crushed peppermint or a swirl of peanut butter for seasonal twists.
Bars store well at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
