This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
7 layer bars are filled with gooey layers of baking chips, pecans, and coconut on a buttery graham cracker crust. They are pure magic!
These bars are crazy simple to make and taste like pure heaven. They are similar to Magic Cookie Bars and are right up there with M&M Chocolate Bars.
What Are They?
Why are they called 7 layer bars when there appear to be only 6 layers?! Some recipes do include white chocolate chips as a layer, but in this case, we’re counting butter as that magic layer.
This dessert is a family favorite, one that we make quite often. I usually have all ingredients on hand, and they are perfect for feeding the entire crew.
These tasty bars hit all of the sweet notes that will leave you coming back for seconds!
Just Layer and Bake!
These seven layer bars are so easy to make, they will be a go-to treat!
PREP. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-x-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
LAYER. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Pour into the prepared baking dish and press evenly over the bottom.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker layer.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips in an even layer, then do the same with butterscotch chips.
- Next, sprinkle on coconut, and top it with a layer of chopped pecans.
BAKE. Use a fork to firmly press down all the layers. Bake for 25 minutes. Cool completely in the pan, then cut into squares, rectangles, or diamonds for serving.
Recipe Tips
Change the layers up, or keep it as is. Just be sure to follow these simple tips for the best 7 layer bars recipe!
Variations. I’ve seen different versions using slightly different layers such as using a different type of nut like walnuts or almonds instead of pecans, different flavored chocolate chips, chopped pretzels, or mini marshmallows. Sometimes we like to substitute the butterscotch chips with peanut butter chips for an entirely new flavor profile!
One really fun addition would be to use festive colored M&Ms to match different holidays.
Milk. Make sure that you use sweetened condensed milk and NOT evaporated milk or other types of milk.
Easy clean up. Line the pan with parchment paper before adding the ingredients. After they have baked and cooled simply lift the entire block of bars out of the pan using the paper. This makes them much easier to cut.
Storing Tips
STORE seven layer bars recipe in an airtight container for 3-5 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
FREEZE them for later. Wrap each bar with plastic wrap and place them together in a freezer Ziploc. They’ll last for about 3 months. Thaw before eating.
Recipe FAQ
The sweetened condensed milk layer needs time to cool and set otherwise it will simply ooze out when you cut the bars. You will also need to make sure you use sweetened condensed milk and not any other type of milk.
This recipe calls for 1½ cups of graham cracker crumbs. You can easily make your own using 7-8 graham cracker sheets and crushing them into crumbs using a food processor or even a rolling pin.
For More Bar Recipes, Try:
7 Layer Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-x-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Pour into the prepared baking dish and press evenly over the bottom.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker layer.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips in an even layer, then do the same with butterscotch chips.
- Next, sprinkle on coconut, and top it with a layer of chopped pecans.
- Use a fork to firmly press down all the layers. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Cool completely in the pan, then cut into squares, rectangles, or diamonds for serving.
Video
Notes
- Try using chopped walnuts or sliced almonds instead of pecans.
- Substitute peanut butter chips for the butterscotch chips.
- Add a layer of chopped pretzels or mini marshmallows.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Holy moly are these good! All the layers together are perfection. 5 stars all the way!