Magic Bars also known as 7 Layer Bars are quite fascinating in its taste, texture, and ease in the making. A sweet concoction of coconut, nuts, chocolate and graham cracker, this straightforward recipe is practically failproof!
Magic bars also known as magic cookie bars, 7 layer bars, or even Hello Dolly Bars. Regardless of what you call it, one thing we could all agree on is that they’re pure magic! I haven’t done extensive research but I’m quite positive these bars are dubbed such a name because of how miraculously easy it is to whip up. This is practically a failproof recipe!
For years, I kept hearing about these so-called, “magic bars.” I’ve seen countless images of melty chocolate with a beautiful thick layer of coconut that looked almost cloud-like and I wondered how good could these bars really be? How does it get “magic” in its name and who the heck is Dolly? The curiosity got the best of me and so, I made them. Let me tell you…
With how easy it was to make them, I was so close to not posting this recipe. I kept thinking, “there’s no way anyone’s gonna want to see this especially after pumping out layered cakes and pastries…” But then I thought, “there has to be other people who, like me, never heard of these bars and I shouldn’t be the one to deprive them of that.”
If you’re familiar with magic bars, great! But if you’re not, you have to see the images below on how seamless these bars come together. It’s simply layering several ingredients on top of one another. The beauty about this, aside from the short ingredient list, is you can use any morsels or nuts you prefer. From what I’ve come across, magic bars are known to have 4 common ingredients: graham cracker crumbs, coconut, chocolate, and nuts. The latter two can be adjusted to your liking.
How to Make Magic Bars
With that said, and as an example, I wouldn’t recommend that if you LOVE chocolate, to place 3 cups of chocolate chips. The sweetened condensed milk used in this recipe acts as a glue. We want to make sure the quantities don’t change too much. Examples of changes made from other sources viewed is the use of butterscotch and walnuts.
I had extra butterscotch chips (I desperately wanted to get rid of) so I threw them in with the chocolate chips. Pecans are frequently used however, I had much more walnuts on hand so I swapped the pecans out. The flavor may be different but the end result of making bars should be the same.
Let’s talk about taste! If you’re like me, whenever graham cracker crumbs are used, a little sugar goes a long way to help give the bland crumbs a boost of flavor. Add melted butter and it’s off to a good start. (I swear, I can eat sweetened buttered graham cracker crumbs on its own.)
Next, you have a gorgeous layer of melted chocolate with a touch of soft butterscotch, a light bite from the walnuts and that rich toasted coconut throughout. All-in-all, these bars are quite magical and not to be missed!
If you enjoyed this recipe, consider commenting & rating below. I love to see your feedback and help answer any questions. Don’t forget to check below for related recipes.
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Magic Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Magic Bars also known as 7 Layer Bars are quite fascinating in its taste, texture, and ease in the making. A sweet concoction of coconut, nuts, chocolate and graham cracker, this straightforward recipe is practically failproof!
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240 grams) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup (75 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons (36 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (170 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (85 grams) butterscotch chips
- 1 cup (115 grams) chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup (60 grams) sweetened flaked coconut
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with aluminum foil leaving excess foil to hang over two opposite sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the bottom and sides of the foil; set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, butter and sugar together until it resembles “wet sand.” Press the mixture onto the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips and butterscotch over the hot graham cracker crust. Sprinkle the walnuts and then the coconut. Evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the coconut.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the coconut becomes lightly browned and edges begin to bubble. Remove from the oven and allow the pan to cool over a wire rack for 1 hour before removing and cutting into bars. ENJOY!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28
- Category: Bars
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: magic bars, 7 layer bars, dolly bars, holiday baking, easy bar recipe
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