Pin It A decadent, chewy dessert bar layered with chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, nuts, and a luscious salted caramel drizzle — a truly magical treat perfect for any sweet tooth.
I first baked these 7-Layer Magic Bars for a family gathering and the plate was empty before I could even enjoy a second piece. The salted caramel drizzle adds a delicious twist that people keep talking about long after the bars are gone.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 1/2 cups, 180 g): Main base for the crust
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, 115 g), melted: Helps hold the crust together
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup, 180 g): First delicious layer
- Butterscotch chips (1 cup, 180 g): Add sweet flavor
- Sweetened shredded coconut (1 cup, 120 g): Adds chewiness
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, 60 g): Provides crunchy texture
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 cup, 300 ml): Binds layers and adds richness
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup, 100 g): For caramel drizzle
- Water (2 tbsp, 30 ml): For caramel drizzle
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp, 30 g): For caramel drizzle
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup, 60 ml): For caramel drizzle
- Flaky sea salt (1/2 tsp): For salted caramel drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare baking pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang for easy removal.
- Make crust:
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press mixture firmly into the pan to form an even crust.
- Add layers:
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by butterscotch chips, coconut, and chopped nuts.
- Pour condensed milk:
- Evenly pour sweetened condensed milk over all layers.
- Bake bars:
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until edges are golden and center is set. Cool completely in the pan.
- Make salted caramel drizzle:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and cook until mixture is deep amber (about 4 to 5 minutes). Remove from heat, whisk in butter, then add heavy cream while whisking. Stir in sea salt and let cool slightly.
- Drizzle caramel and serve:
- Drizzle cooled caramel over bars. Let set, then lift bars from pan and cut into squares.
Pin It Making these bars is a favorite weekend project with my siblings. We love pulling them out, slicing them just the way grandma does, and sharing them with neighbors — one bite never seems to be enough!
Recipe Variations
Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different taste. If you want more crunch, sprinkle flaky salt on top before serving. You can also use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
Helpful Tools
Use sturdy mixing bowls for the crust, a whisk for the caramel, and parchment paper for easy pan removal. Measuring cups and spoons keep ingredient amounts precise.
Nutrition & Allergens
Each bar contains about 285 calories, 17 g fat, and 33 g carbohydrates. These bars contain dairy, tree nuts, coconut, and gluten unless using gluten-free crackers; always double-check packaging for allergen information.
Pin It These magic bars always disappear quickly — a true crowd-pleaser for dessert tables. Enjoy every chewy bite with a generous drizzle of caramel!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute nuts in this dessert?
Yes, feel free to swap walnuts with pecans or almonds to adjust the flavor and texture according to preference or allergies.
- → How do I make a gluten-free version?
Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs in the crust to create a gluten-free variation without altering the taste.
- → What is the best way to achieve the caramel drizzle?
Cook sugar and water until amber, then whisk in butter and cream before adding sea salt. Let it cool slightly before drizzling over the bars.
- → Can these bars be stored after preparation?
Yes, once cooled and set, store the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days.
- → Are there flavor enhancements suggested?
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before serving enhances the sweetness and adds a pleasant contrast in flavor.