7-Layer Magic Bars Delight Recipe
Introduction
These 7-Layer Magic Bars Delight combine rich layers of chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, and nuts into a buttery graham cracker crust. Finished with a luscious salted caramel drizzle, they make an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to help remove the bars later.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by the butterscotch chips, then the shredded coconut, and finally the chopped nuts in an even layer.
- Step 4: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layered ingredients, making sure to cover all the surface.
- Step 5: Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Step 6: While the bars cool, prepare the salted caramel drizzle. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Without stirring, allow it to cook until it turns a rich amber color, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Step 7: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the unsalted butter, followed by the heavy cream. Stir in the flaky sea salt and let the caramel cool slightly.
- Step 8: Drizzle the cooled salted caramel evenly over the cooled bars. Let the caramel set before using the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the chopped walnuts or pecans lightly before adding them to the layers.
- Substitute the butterscotch chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the caramel drizzle by a tablespoon.
- Use a mix of different nuts such as almonds or macadamia nuts for added texture and taste.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week. Before serving refrigerated bars, let them come to room temperature or warm slightly to soften the caramel drizzle.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too much?
Allow the caramel to cool only until it thickens slightly but is still pourable before drizzling. This helps it set nicely without becoming too hard.
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7-Layer Magic Bars Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent 7-Layer Magic Bars Delight, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a colorful stack of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts, all bound together with sweetened condensed milk and finished with a luscious homemade salted caramel drizzle.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Layers
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
Salted Caramel Drizzle
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars.
- Make crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture is evenly combined. Press this firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer.
- Add layers: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the crust, then add the butterscotch chips, followed by the shredded coconut, and finally the chopped nuts, layering each ingredient evenly across the pan.
- Add condensed milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layered ingredients, ensuring they are sealed and held together during baking.
- Bake bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare salted caramel drizzle: In a small saucepan over medium heat, dissolve the granulated sugar and water. Avoid stirring once dissolved; instead, let it cook until it turns an amber color, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the unsalted butter, then the heavy cream, and finally stir in the flaky sea salt. Allow the caramel to cool slightly before use.
- Drizzle caramel and serve: Drizzle the cooled salted caramel evenly over the cooled bars. Let the caramel set briefly before using the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For nut-free version, omit the chopped walnuts or pecans or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Use parchment paper to ensure easy removal of bars without sticking.
- Ensure the caramel is not too hot when drizzling to prevent melting the bar’s surface layers excessively.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain clean edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: 7-Layer Bars, Magic Bars, Dessert Bars, Chocolate, Butterscotch, Coconut, Salted Caramel, Easy Dessert
