7 Layer Bars Recipe

Introduction

These classic 7 Layer Bars are a deliciously rich treat combining a buttery graham cracker crust, coconut, chocolate, butterscotch, walnuts, and sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you want an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup coconut flakes or shredded coconut
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it with non-stick spray.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs using a fork. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the coconut flakes evenly over the crust, followed by the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chopped walnuts.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top, distributing it as evenly as possible.
5. Step 5: Bake the bars for 22–28 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, at least 3 hours, before removing and slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Use Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk for the best results.
• Crush graham crackers finely in a food processor or use pre-crumbled graham crackers for a smoother crust.
• Either salted or unsalted butter works; adjust salt in other ingredients accordingly.
• If using a glass baking pan, reduce the oven temperature to 325℉ to avoid over-browning.
• For clean, neat slices, refrigerate the bars for about an hour before cutting.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing or refrigerating, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Reheat gently if desired, but these bars are delicious served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

No, evaporated milk is not sweetened and will not provide the same rich, gooey texture and sweetness that sweetened condensed milk offers. Use sweetened condensed milk to achieve the classic flavor and consistency.

Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or any nuts you prefer. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them can enhance their flavor.

7 Layer Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 109 reviews

Classic 7 Layer Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust layered with coconut flakes, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, chopped walnuts, and sweetened condensed milk baked to a golden perfection. Perfect as a rich, decadent dessert or snack bar with a chewy, crunchy texture.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 3 hours 35 mins
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

Layers

• 1 cup coconut flakes or shredded coconut
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 14 ounce sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or coat it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Crust: In a bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the graham cracker crumbs using a fork until evenly incorporated. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan using your hands or an offset spatula to form the crust layer.
3. Add Layers: Evenly sprinkle the shredded coconut flakes, followed by the semi-sweet chocolate chips, then the butterscotch chips, and the chopped walnuts over the graham cracker crust.
4. Drizzle Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layers, ensuring it covers the ingredients to help bind the bars together as they bake.
5. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 28 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown and bubbling is observed around the edges.
6. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for at least 3 hours to set properly before slicing.
7. Slice and Serve: Once fully cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for an additional hour before slicing.

Notes

• Use Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk for best results.
• Graham cracker crumbs can be made by crushing crackers in a food processor or bought pre-crushed.
• Either salted or unsalted butter can be used; adjust salt accordingly if salted butter is used.
• For optimal baking results, use a metal baking pan; if using a glass pan, reduce oven temperature to 325℉.
• Refrigerating bars before slicing will help achieve tidier cuts.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze up to 2 months, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Keywords: 7 Layer Bars, Seven Layer Bars, Magic Bars, Graham Cracker Bars, Chocolate Butterscotch Bars, Coconut Bars, Nutty Bars, No-churn Bars, Easy Dessert Bars