The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Seven Layer Bars Recipe: A Classic Dessert Stack You Can’t Resist
There’s something magical about the first bite of a freshly baked seven layer bar. The way the sweet, sticky condensed milk blends with crunchy nuts, gooey chocolate, and a buttery graham crust feels like a bite of nostalgia. If you grew up with these bars at bake sales, family gatherings, or holiday trays, then you know the feeling.
This isn’t the kind of treat that requires fancy equipment or hours in the kitchen. In fact, seven layer bars are known for being wonderfully easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re baking for guests, gifting, or simply craving something sweet, these bars deliver every single time.
Recipe Snapshot (Quick Facts)
| Category | Details |
| Yield | 16 bars |
| Serving Size | 1 bar |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Bake Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Calories per Serving | ~290 |
| Primary Cooking Method | Baking |
| Cooling Time | 1 hour |
| Occasion | Potluck, Holiday, Bake Sale |
| Diet Type | Vegetarian |
Calories are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.
Seven Layer Bars Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: EasyServings
16
BarsPrep Time
10
minutesCooking Time
25
minutesCalories
290
kcalSeven layer bars, sometimes called magic cookie bars, are a no-fuss dessert made by layering classic pantry ingredients like graham crackers, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, butterscotch, and coconut. They bake into golden, chewy bars that offer the perfect blend of texture and flavor.
Ingredients for Seven Layer Bars
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips (or white chocolate if preferred)
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (full fat recommended)
- Optional Swaps & Additions:
Peanut butter chips, dark chocolate chunks, or chopped dried fruit
Gluten-free graham crackers for gluten-sensitive eaters
Directions
- Preheat and Prep the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Create the Graham Cracker Crust: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup melted butter and 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create an even base.
- Add the Chocolate and Butterscotch Chips: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by the butterscotch chips. Gently press them down so they stay in place during baking.
- Layer the Coconut and Nuts: Next, add the sweetened shredded coconut, spreading it evenly. Top with chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great here).
- Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Carefully pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top. Try to drizzle it slowly and cover as much surface area as possible. This binds everything together and creates that signature chewy texture.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool Completely Before Cutting: Let the bars cool in the pan at room temperature for about 1 hour. Once completely cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into 16 squares.
Notes
- You can make seven layer bars a day ahead. Once cooled and cut, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. They actually taste better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
Equipment Needed
Make sure to gather these before you start for a smoother baking process:
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (recommended for easy removal)
- Mixing bowl (for crust)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or spoon for spreading layers
- Knife for cutting bars
Storage Instructions
Keep these bars fresh with the right storage method:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to a week.
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. They keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Extra Tips for Perfect Seven Layer Bars
Want to level up your bars even more? Here are some helpful tricks:
- Use parchment paper. It makes removing and cutting the bars way easier.
- Let them cool fully. This helps everything firm up so you get clean slices.
- Mix up the chips. You can do half white chocolate and half dark for a twist.
- Toast the coconut slightly before layering for extra depth of flavor.
- Don’t overbake. Once the top is golden and bubbling, they’re done!
Ingredient Selection Tips
Picking the right quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture:
- Graham crackers: Go for classic honey graham crackers, finely crushed.
- Condensed milk: Use full-fat sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk.
- Coconut: Make sure to use sweetened shredded coconut for best texture.
- Nuts: Toasting the nuts before using enhances their crunch and taste.
Serving Suggestions
These are perfect served as-is, but here are some fun ways to dress them up:
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a festive touch.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a rich dessert.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel for an elegant finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe without nuts?
Yes! Just skip the nuts entirely or swap them for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a crunch.
Q: Can I use different types of chips?
Absolutely. Try white chocolate, peanut butter, or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
Q: Why are they called seven layer bars?
They traditionally include 7 distinct layers: butter, graham crackers, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, nuts, and sweetened condensed milk.
Q: Do I need to use parchment paper?
It’s highly recommended, but not essential. Without it, make sure to grease the pan well.
Q: How do I cut clean slices?
Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife. Wiping the knife clean between cuts helps keep the edges neat.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason seven layer bars have stood the test of time. They’re easy, rich, and adaptable — and they’re always the first to disappear from the dessert table. With minimal prep and maximum reward, this is the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Whether you stick to the classic layers or mix in your own twist, these bars are the perfect treat to satisfy every sweet tooth.
