7 Layer Magic Bars

7 Layer Magic Bars, also famously known as Hello Dolly Bars, are named after the popular Broadway musical "Hello, Dolly!" from the 1960s and have become a classic layered dessert!

This unique dessert starts with a buttery graham cracker crust. On top of the crust, a combination of sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and white chocolate chips gets layered. The layers continue to unfold with sweetened shredded coconut, adding a tropical twist, and finally, a sprinkle of chopped pecans to bring a satisfying crunch to each bite. These layers come together in balance, creating a perfect dessert!

Not only do they taste good, they're easy to make! With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these delectable bars in no time. The graham cracker crust comes together by mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, creating a firm base. From there, it's all about layering on the rest of the ingredients. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into them, and you can enjoy them anytime!

If you like decadent desserts like we do. I highly recommend our Easy Mint Chocolate Brownies or our Hostess Cupcake Cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• From the rich combination of chocolate chips (semi-sweet, butterscotch, and white chocolate) to the sweetened condensed milk that adds a creamy touch, each layer brings its own unique taste.
• These bars are crunchy, chewy, smooth, and nutty, offering a variety of textures that work well together.
• This recipe is a breeze to make, even for those who are new to baking. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a decadent dessert easily.
• These layered cookie bars are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them with your favorite ingredients. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips and nuts or add dried fruit to the mix.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Graham Crackers - Forms the base of the 7 Layer Magic Bars, providing a sturdy and buttery crust that holds all the layers together.
• Melted Butter - Gets combined with the graham cracker crumbs to create the crust. It adds richness and helps bind the crumbs together.
• Chocolate Chips -Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a deep, rich chocolate taste, while white chocolate chips add a creamy and sweet element to balance the flavors.
• Butterscotch Chips - Contributes an indulgent caramel-like flavor to the bars.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk - Acts as a binder and adds moisture to the bars. It becomes rich and gooey during baking, creating a luscious layer that holds everything together.
• Shredded Coconut - Adds a tropical twist and a chewy texture to the bars.
• Pecans - Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the bars.

How To Make 7 Layer Magic Cookie Bars

Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 350℉. Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper. Cut two strips of parchment paper. Make one the same width as the pan and one the same length as the pan.

Make the graham cracker crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and butter together using a fork to stir. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.

Layer the ingredients: Layer the white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, half of the coconut, and the chopped pecans over the graham cracker crust. Pour sweetened condensed milk on top and sprinkle the remaining coconut over the sweetened condensed milk.

Bake, slice, and serve: Bake for 20-25 minutes. Let the bars cool completely before slicing with a sharp knife. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• When preparing the graham cracker crust, be sure to press it firmly into the bottom of the pan. This will help create a solid and cohesive base that holds together when cutting the bars later on.
• Lining the baking pan with parchment paper makes it easier to remove the bars once they're cooled. Cut two strips of parchment paper, one the width of the pan and the other the length, and place them in a cross shape. This will create handles to lift the bars out of the pan effortlessly.
• For an extra depth of flavor, toast the chopped pecans before adding them to the bars. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until they turn slightly golden and become fragrant.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into them. This helps them set properly and makes them easier to slice into clean, neat squares. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pan in the refrigerator for about an hour.

Variations & Substitutions

• If you or someone you're serving has a nut allergy, you can omit the pecans and replace them with an equal amount of crispy rice cereal. This substitution will still provide a delightful crunch while maintaining the bars' texture.
• Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips. The intense and slightly bitter flavor of dark chocolate adds a sophisticated twist to the bars.
• Add dried fruit such as cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried cherries to the layers. Sprinkle them over the graham cracker crust along with the other ingredients for bursts of fruity sweetness.
• Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top of the bars once they're cooled. This addition will create a contrast between the sweet layers and the salty caramel.
• Replace some or all of the graham cracker crumbs with crushed cookies of your choice. The cookie crumbs will add a different texture and flavor to the crust.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Place leftover cookie bars in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the fridge for up to one week.

Freezing: Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. The bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw the frozen bars, transfer them to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight.

FAQ

More Dessert Bar Recipes

• Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
• M&M Cookie Bars
• Golden Grahams S'mores Bars
• Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

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