7 Layer Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a symphony of textures and flavors, a truly unforgettable gooey treat. With layers of melty chocolate, crunchy pecans, and toasted coconut piled high over a buttery graham cracker crust, these bars embody pure bliss in every bite.

Irresistible 7 Layer Bars: A Beloved Classic Dessert

Known by many names—from Magic Bars to Hello Dolly Bars—these irresistible treats hold a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers everywhere. While this particular recipe creatively adds an eighth layer, we affectionately stick to the classic and universally recognized name: 7 Layer Bars. It’s a name that evokes nostalgia and the promise of a delightful, multifaceted experience.

For me, 7 Layer Bars conjure fond memories of childhood holidays. My mom would often whip up batches of these during festive seasons, alongside her famous Carmelitas and comforting Rice Krispie Treats. They were always a highlight, a true embodiment of homemade joy. Even now, they remain among my absolute favorite nostalgic desserts.

My mom, a master of customization, loved experimenting with different baking chips and nuts. However, there was one ingredient she consistently omitted: white chocolate. Her dislike for it meant it never graced her holiday baking. But I, on the other hand, adore the creamy sweetness of white chocolate, especially when paired with the rich notes of milk chocolate. So, in my kitchen, a new tradition began. I introduced white chocolate chips to the classic mix, instantly transforming her beloved 7 Layer Bars into a new, elevated version – an eight-layer marvel that’s become a new family favorite!

The Decadent Layers of Our Ultimate 7 Layer Bars

Each component of these 7 Layer Bars plays a crucial role in creating their iconic flavor and texture. Let’s dive into what makes each layer so special:

• Golden Graham Cracker Crust: The foundation of these bars is a classic honey-flavored graham cracker crust. It provides a delightful buttery crunch that perfectly complements the rich, gooey layers above. This crisp base is essential for stability and a satisfying bite.
• Unsalted Butter: Used to bind the graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter is key to controlling the overall saltiness of the bars. It creates a rich, fragrant crust that sets beautifully and adds depth of flavor.
• Luscious Chocolate Chips: The beauty of 7 Layer Bars lies in their versatility. I typically opt for milk chocolate chips to enhance the sweet, comforting profile. However, feel free to use dark chocolate or semi-sweet chips for a less sugary, more intense chocolate experience. A mix of different chocolates can also create a complex flavor dimension.
• Sweet Butterscotch Chips: These chips introduce a distinct caramel-like sweetness and a delightful golden hue. If butterscotch isn’t your preference, these can easily be swapped for more chocolate varieties (dark, white, or milk), or even caramel bits, allowing for endless customization.
• Creamy White Chocolate Chips: My personal addition! White chocolate chips introduce a creamy, vanilla-infused sweetness that beautifully balances the other robust flavors. They melt into a smooth layer, adding an extra dimension of gooey indulgence.
• Crunchy Chopped Nuts: Pecans are my go-to for their buttery flavor and satisfying crunch, providing a wonderful textural contrast. Walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of different nuts would also work perfectly, allowing you to tailor the nuttiness to your liking.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the true magic ingredient that brings all the layers together. Drizzled generously, it caramelizes during baking, creating that signature gooey, chewy texture that defines 7 Layer Bars. It binds the disparate layers into a cohesive, delectable whole.
• Toasted Coconut Flakes: The final layer adds a fantastic chewiness and a hint of tropical sweetness. I recommend using unsweetened shredded coconut to prevent the bars from becoming overly sweet, especially with the condensed milk and various chips. As it toasts in the oven, it develops a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor.

Expert Tips for Crafting Flawless 7 Layer Bars

Achieving perfection with your 7 Layer Bars is simple with these invaluable tips. Follow them closely to ensure every batch is as delicious as the last:

• Precisely Measure Your Crumbs: Instead of estimating based on the number of graham crackers, which can vary greatly in size, always measure out 2-1/2 cups of fine crumbs. This ensures a consistent, perfectly proportioned crust that won’t be too thin or too thick, providing the ideal base for your bars.
• Achieve a Fine, Even Blend: The key to a sturdy and uniform crust is finely crushed graham cracker crumbs. Use a blender or food processor to pulverize the crackers into a sandy texture. If you notice any larger pieces, simply re-blend them. Working in smaller batches can help achieve a more consistent result, preventing a crumbly or uneven crust.
• Firmly Press the Crust: Once your butter-laced crumbs are in the pan, don’t just gently pat them down. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup, or even a heavy glass, to firmly and evenly press the mixture across the entire base of the pan. A well-pressed crust is crucial for preventing crumbling and ensuring your bars hold together beautifully when sliced.
• Drizzle Condensed Milk Slowly and Evenly: The sweetened condensed milk is your binding agent and source of gooey magic. Pour it slowly and carefully over all the layered ingredients. This gentle drizzling ensures that every chip, nut, and flake is lightly coated, guaranteeing a harmonious blend of flavors and a cohesive, chewy texture throughout the bars.
• Allow Ample Cooling Time: Patience is a virtue when it comes to cutting perfect 7 Layer Bars. It’s absolutely essential to let the bars cool completely at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours, or even longer. This crucial step allows the condensed milk to set properly, preventing the layers from shifting and making for cleaner, more defined slices. If you’re in a hurry, you can refrigerate them after 20 minutes of cooling to speed up the setting process.

Mastering the Art of Cutting Perfect 7 Layer Bars

To showcase the beautiful layers and ensure your bars are presentation-ready, follow these simple cutting techniques:

• Utilize Parchment Paper for Easy Lift: Before assembling your layers, line your baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This thoughtful step creates convenient “handles,” allowing you to effortlessly lift the entire slab of baked bars out of the pan once cooled. This prevents any sticking and makes the cutting process much cleaner and simpler.
• Cool Completely for Pristine Slices: As emphasized earlier, full cooling is paramount. Resist the urge to cut warm bars, as they will be gooey and prone to crumbling or smearing. Allowing them to cool completely, or even chilling them in the refrigerator, ensures the condensed milk and chocolate have fully set, leading to beautifully crisp, defined edges.
• Employ a Hot, Sharp Knife: For the cleanest possible cuts, use a sharp chef’s knife. For an extra edge of precision, run the blade under hot water for a few seconds, then thoroughly dry it before each cut. The warm blade will glide through the sticky layers with less resistance, creating smooth, even slices without dragging or tearing. Repeat this warming and drying process as needed for each cut.

Explore More Decadent Dessert Recipes

If you loved these 7 Layer Bars, you’re sure to enjoy these other delightful dessert creations from my kitchen:

• S’mores Bars — Featuring a fun twist with graham cracker-flavored cereal for an extra crunch.
• Raspberry Jell-o Cheesecake Bars — A refreshing and vibrant treat with a classic graham cracker crust.
• Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies — Widely hailed as the best chewy chocolate chip cookies ever!
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Mix — An addictively crunchy and sweet mix, loaded with mini Reese’s cups.
• Cookie Bars — Simple, classic, and loaded with gooey chocolate chips.

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Rating: 4.74 out of 5 stars from 15 votes

7 Layer Bars

By Chelsea Lords

7 Layer Bars are a classic treat with a graham cracker crust, loaded with baking chips, chopped pecans, and coconut flakes, all held together by condensed milk for a gooey texture. Shop the recipe here.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Cooling Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Servings: 24 bars

Recipe Video (Currently Unavailable)

A video demonstration for this recipe would typically appear here. Please refer to the instructions below.

Equipment

• 9 x 13-inch baking pan
• Blender or food processor

Ingredients

Yields 24 bars

• Cooking spray
• 2-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (measure as crumbs, about 20 crackers)
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips (see note 1)
• 1 cup butterscotch baking chips (see note 2)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (see note 3)
• 1-1/3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there’s an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray.
2. Break up graham crackers and blend them in a food processor or blender until very fine crumbs are formed. Re-blend any larger pieces as needed to achieve an even texture. Measure out 2-1/2 cups of these crumbs into a large bowl. Add the salt and melted butter, and stir until the mixture is thick and well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the flat base of a measuring cup or glass to create a firm crust.
3. Evenly layer the milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, and chopped pecans over the graham cracker crust. Use your hands to gently press down on the layers to ensure they are compact. Evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk over all the layered ingredients, spreading gently with the back of a spoon to cover as much as possible. Finally, sprinkle the unsweetened shredded coconut over the top and lightly press it down so it adheres to the condensed milk.
4. Bake for 23–28 minutes, or until the edges of the bars are golden brown and the sweetened condensed milk is bubbling at the edges.
5. Let the baked bars cool completely at room temperature for 1–2 hours. For quicker cooling and a firmer set, you may refrigerate the bars after they have cooled for about 20 minutes at room temperature. Once fully cooled and set, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Cut into squares using a hot, sharp knife. To do this, run the knife under hot water, wipe it dry, make a cut, and repeat the process for clean, precise slices.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Chocolate Chip Varieties: I prefer using milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier bar, but you can easily substitute with dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a less sweet, richer flavor. A combination of different chocolate types can also be delightful.

Note 2: Chip Customization: If butterscotch or white chocolate isn’t to your liking, feel free to swap them out! You can replace them with an equal amount of your favorite baking chips, such as extra chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet), caramel bits, or even peanut butter chips. Maintain the overall quantity for best results.

Note 3: The Magic of Condensed Milk: It is crucial to use only full-fat sweetened condensed milk for this recipe. Do not substitute with sugar-free condensed milk or evaporated milk, as they will not provide the same rich flavor, binding properties, or signature gooey texture. I highly recommend a fresh can of Eagle Brand® for consistent results (this is not a sponsored recommendation, just a trusted brand).

Storage: Store your 7 Layer Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–5 days. For a firmer texture, especially in warmer conditions, you can store them in the refrigerator. To freeze, ensure the bars are completely cooled, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or layer them with parchment paper in an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving |
Calories: 394 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 36 g |
Protein: 4 g |
Fat: 27 g |
Saturated Fat: 15 g |
Trans Fat: 1 g |
Cholesterol: 24 mg |
Sodium: 188 mg |
Potassium: 221 mg |
Fiber: 3 g |
Sugar: 26 g |
Vitamin A: 247 IU |
Vitamin C: 1 mg |
Calcium: 87 mg |
Iron: 1 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Variations may occur based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

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