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Craving a dessert that’s effortless to make and irresistibly delicious? Look no further than this 7-Layer Bars recipe!
A Family Favorite Treat to Love!
We have lots of go-to desserts we often whip up for parties and get togethers! Many of those happen to be bar recipes – especially our 7 Layer Bars.
They go by many names, but this dessert is one our mom first made for us when we were kids. We’ve been making them ever since because they have so many of our favorite ingredients.
These bars start with a Graham Cracker Crust, a smooth milky layer, 2 types of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and a top layer of chopped pecans. Heaven, right? We know you’ll love them too!
What’s not to love:
- Quick and easy. Simply layer and bake! This cookie bar recipe is ready in only about 30 minutes.
- Simple ingredients. These ingredients are all items I usually have on hand so I can bake a pan almost anytime – great for last-minute company.
- A big batch. These make a 9×13 pan, perfect for feeding the entire crew, and friends!
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 25 minutes
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs – Make your own using 7-8 graham cracker sheets and crush them into crumbs using a food processor or even a rolling pin.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk – Make sure to use sweetened condensed milk and NOT evaporated milk or other types of milk.
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips – or peanut butter chips
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans – or use different types of nuts like walnuts or almonds
How to Make 7 Layer Bars
- PREP. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- LAYER. In a medium bowl, combine 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs and ½ cup melted butter. Pour into the prepared baking dish and press evenly over the bottom.
- Pour 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker layer.
- Sprinkle both ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips, ½ cup milk chocolate chips, and 1 cup butterscotch chips in an even layer.
- Sprinkle on 1 cup coconut, and top it with a layer of 1 cup 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.
More Like This
- More dessert bars: M&M Chocolate Bars, Magic Bars Recipe, No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars, Churro Cheesecake Bars
- More easy desserts: Best Chocolate Chip Cookies, Fudgy Brownies, Scotcheroos, Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
More collections: Dessert Bar Recipes, Cookie Bar Recipes, Brownie Recipes
7 Layer Bars
7 layer bars are filled with gooey layers of baking chips, pecans, and coconut on a buttery graham cracker crust. They are pure magic!
Equipment
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
Make ahead of time. These can be made in advance and stored, covered tightly with plastic wrap, on the counter for up to 3 days. To reheat, just place in the microwave for about 15 seconds.
STORE. Place the seven layer magic bars recipe in an airtight container for 3-5 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
FREEZE. Wrap each bar with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer Ziploc for about 3 months. Thaw before eating.
Variations. You can swap out any of the topping ingredients or add additional layers to easily change up these bars!
- 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
Serving: 1bar, Calories: 280kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 19mg, Sodium: 121mg, Potassium: 101mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 221IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 26mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Additional Toppings?
- Add an 8th layer to these 7-layer bars. Use festive holiday sprinkles, mini M&Ms, mini marshmallows, toffee bits, crushed pretzels, or add a Caramel Sauce drizzle.
What is the best way to get 7 layer bars out of the pan?
- Line the pan with parchment paper before adding the ingredients. Lift the entire block of cooled bars from the pan using the paper. This makes them much easier to cut.
Why are my 7 layer bars runny?
- The sweetened condensed milk layer needs time to cool and set otherwise it will simply ooze out when you cut the bars. Be sure to use sweetened condensed milk and not any other type of milk.
How to store 7 layer bars?
- Place the seven layer magic bars recipe in an airtight container for 3-5 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
How to Freeze?
- Wrap each bar with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer Ziploc for about 3 months. Thaw before eating.
We make these bars all the time for youth activities and the kids always love them! They are definitely one of our go-to desserts!
We make these bars all the time for youth activities and the kids always love them! They are definitely one of our go-to desserts!
This is a party staple and a favorite!
I have been making these for years BUT using a 9×13 you have to double the recipe.
I love all the great textures of this bar and they are delicious as well.
These bars have been around a long time and they just never get old. A classic!
Gave these a try this afternoon and it turned out perfect! Loved every layer; this was exactly what I needed to cure my sweet tooth! Delicious!
This recipe is so addicting and very yummy! The family was all over this and wanted more! So excited to make this again!
These bars are always such a great crowd pleaser! Everyone loves these. I’m lucky if I see these at a potluck and actually get my mits on one! Reason #1 to go through the dessert line first! Yum!
When I see these at a bakery, I have to get one! They are my absolute favorite!! Never knew how easy they are to make at home! I will be making these all the time!