These 7 Layer Bars are packed with layers of chocolate, coconut, butterscotch, and crunchy nuts for an irresistible dessert that only takes 45 minutes to make!
These 7 Layer Bars are a classic dessert that combines layers of buttery graham cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and crunchy nuts into one delicious bar. As they bake, the layers meld together to create a rich, chewy texture with plenty of sweet, gooey flavor in every bite.
This easy bar recipe is perfect for family gatherings or parties and comes together in 45 minutes. For more sweet treats, check out my Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, Lemon Bars, and M&M Cookie Bars.
Table of Contents
What are Seven Layer Bars?
7 Layer Bars, also known as Magic Bars or Hello Dolly Bars, are a dessert made by layering ingredients over a graham cracker crust and baking them to perfection.
The “7 layers” in the name refer to the seven key ingredients typically used in the recipe: graham cracker crumbs, butter, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and sweetened condensed milk.
Why We Love This 7-Layer Bar
- These bars are freezer-friendly so you can always have a treat ready to go.
- Easy to assemble, these bars are great for baking with kids.
- They stay fresh for several days, so you can enjoy them over time.
Recipe Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust – The base of this dessert, made with graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, is buttery and perfectly crunchy.
Sweetened Condensed Milk – The secret to the gooey, cohesive texture of these bars while adding a rich sweetness.
Chocolate Chips – Semi-sweet chocolate chips add a rich flavor, but milk or dark chocolate chips are great alternatives.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
Extra Add-Ins – Make your 7 Layer Bars your own with add-ins like mini marshmallows, crushed pretzels, caramel toffee bits, dried fruits, M&M’s, peanut butter drizzle, or chopped cookies.
Nut Options – Swap pecans with chopped walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor and crunch, or omit entirely for a nut-free version.
How to Make 7 Layer Bars
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil. Set aside.
Step 2: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the butter. Microwave until melted. Add the graham cracker crumbs and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press into an even layer on the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: Sprinkle layers of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, and chopped pecans over the pressed graham cracker crumbs.
Step 4: Sprinkle half of the coconut over the layers, then pour the sweetened condensed milk over top. Sprinkle the remaining coconut over the condensed milk.
Step 5: Place in the oven and bake for 22–25 minutes. Remove and allow to cool completely before cutting them into bars.
Expert Tips
Line and Prepare the Pan – Line your baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with non-stick spray to prevent the bars from sticking or falling apart.
Cool Completely Before Cutting – Allow the bars to cool for a couple of hours before cutting to help them set and hold together better.
FAQs
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in two pans or a larger pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.
Allow the bars to cool completely, then use a sharp knife. Wiping the knife with a damp cloth between cuts helps achieve neat edges.
Storage Information
To STORE Old-Fashioned 7 Layer Bars, keep them in an airtight container or sealed bag at room temperature for 3–4 days.
For longer storage, FREEZE the bars after they’ve cooled completely. Place them in an airtight bag, stacked with wax or parchment paper between layers, and freeze for up to 3 months. You can enjoy them straight from the freezer or let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
More Dessert Bar Recipes to Try
7 Layer Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter - (1 stick)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 (14 oz) can full-fat sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil. Set aside.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the butter. Microwave until melted. Add the graham cracker crumbs and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press into an even layer on the bottom of the pan.
- Sprinkle layers of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, and chopped pecans over the pressed graham cracker crumbs.
- Sprinkle half of the coconut over the layers, then pour the sweetened condensed milk over top. Sprinkle the remaining coconut over the condensed milk.
- Place in the oven and bake for 22–25 minutes. Remove and allow to cool completely before cutting them into bars.
These tasted really good, I love all the flavors in one bite. Making these next week for a work potluck.