Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love 7 Layer Bars for their rich, satisfying layers of flavor and texture. With a crunchy base of graham cracker crumbs, creamy layers of sweetened condensed milk, and a perfect combination of chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts, these bars are sure to please a crowd. They’re not only incredibly easy to make, but they also come together quickly, making them a fantastic option for last-minute dessert cravings or when you need something to share at a potluck. Every bite is a sweet, chewy, and crunchy experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
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1/2 cup butter, melted
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1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
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1 cup butterscotch chips
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1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
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1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
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1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, stirring until well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form a crust.
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Layer the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and chopped nuts over the crust.
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Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of the layered ingredients.
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Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
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Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 24 bars, depending on how large you cut them. The preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a baking time of 25 to 30 minutes. Allow the bars to cool for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares. The total time is around 40 to 45 minutes, making this a quick and easy dessert.
Variations
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Add a sprinkle of sea salt: For a sweet and salty twist, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top of the bars before baking.
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Use different chips: Swap out the butterscotch chips for peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips for a unique flavor.
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Add dried fruit: For a touch of tartness, you can add dried cranberries or raisins along with the coconut and nuts.
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Vegan version: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut milk in place of the sweetened condensed milk for a vegan-friendly version of these bars.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover 7 Layer Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to stay fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let them come to room temperature, or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for a gooey, melty treat.
FAQs
1. Can I use any other nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of nuts you prefer, such as almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts, depending on your taste.
2. Can I make 7 Layer Bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
3. Can I substitute the graham cracker crumbs with something else?
You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits or even oatmeal cookies for a different flavor and texture.
4. Can I make these bars without sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is key for binding the layers and adding sweetness. However, you can try substituting it with coconut milk mixed with sugar or a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.
5. Can I use different chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even dark chocolate chips depending on your flavor preferences.
6. Are 7 Layer Bars gluten-free?
The traditional version of 7 Layer Bars contains graham crackers, which are not gluten-free. You can easily make them gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers or substituting with another gluten-free crust.
Conclusion
7 Layer Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a combination of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy in one dessert. With their easy preparation and rich flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday parties. The combination of graham cracker crust, chocolate, coconut, and nuts, all bound together with sweetened condensed milk, makes for a delightful dessert that will be a hit with friends and family alike.
7 Layer Bars
7 Layer Bars are a sweet, indulgent treat made with layers of graham cracker crust, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, nuts, and sweetened condensed milk. These easy-to-make bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a delightful combination of chewy, crunchy, and gooey goodness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or your choice)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until well combined and press into the bottom of the pan to form a crust.
- Layer the ingredients: Add the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and chopped nuts on top of the crust.
- Pour condensed milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layers.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool for 30 minutes before cutting them into squares.
Notes
Variations: Add a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast, or swap butterscotch chips for peanut butter chips for a different flavor.Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg