Seven Layer Bars

This seven layer Bars Recipe are also called Magic Cookie Bars or hello dolly bars. I grew up making these bars for all of our holiday gatherings and they are so addicting.

Make this recipe for 7 layer bars for a delicious dessert recipe. If you love this recipe, make these Scotcheroos Bars Recipe or Homemade Twix Bars Recipe for a crowd pleasing treat.

Why is it Called a 7 Layer Bar?

The reason these dessert bars are called 7 layer bar dessert is because of the many layers of deliciousness. Once you have made the graham cracker crust with butter, it is pressed in a pan so the other ingredients can be layered on.

You start by adding the different flavors of chocolate chips and butterscotch chips and chopped nuts. Then pour the sweetened condensed over the top and then sprinkle with coconut.

The bars have a layer effect because of the different ingredients. These ingredients are added on top of each other. It makes the best dessert for any occasion. If you like easy desserts, you should make our chocolate covered rice krispie treats recipe.

Ingredients 

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

The reason we love these 7 Layer Bars so much is because the ingredients can be changed to what you have on hand. Here are some of our favorite variations:

• Change the Crust – Instead of using a graham cracker crust you can change it to crushed vanilla wafers. Really any cookie mixed with melted butter would be amazing.
• Omit Coconut – If you don’t like coconut, you can just omit it. I know a lot of people don’t like it, so you can easily sprinkle half of the bars with coconut.
• Change the Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – You can use peanut butter chips, dark chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips. We think it is great to change the flavoring.
• Double up the Chocolate – You can double up on the chocolate chips if you prefer or layer with ½ cup of chocolate chips.
• Add more nuts – Add more nuts or use a mixture of nuts. Walnuts, pecans, and almonds would be a good options.

How to Make Seven Layer Bars

• Step 1 – Prepare the Oven – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Line a 9X13 baking pan with parchment paper. 

Step 2 – Make Graham Cracker Crust – Mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.  Then press this mixture into the baking dish into an even layer. 

Step 3 – Top with Chocolate Chips and Nuts – Top this buttery graham cracker crust evenly with the chocolate chips. Butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips and pecans.  

Step 4 – Add the Condensed Milk – Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top as evenly as possible. 

Step 5 – Top with Coconut – Sprinkle the flaked coconut on top and press it down slightly. 

• Step 6 – Bake Bars – Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown.  
• Step 7 – Baking and Cooling – Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.  1-2 hours at room temperature or 20 minutes in the refrigerator.  
• Step 8 – Serve and Enjoy – Then remove the bars from the pan, cut into bars and enjoy! 

Recipe Tips

• Baking Dish – To easily cut the bars, we recommend line the baking dish with parchment paper. This helps to easily remove the bars and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs – Crush graham crackers with a food processor or place the crackers in the zip lock and crush with a rolling pin.
• Cooking Time – Cooking time will vary make sure to remove the bars from the oven once the top is golden brown.

How to Cut Bars Clean

If you struggle with cutting desserts bars clean, use the following tips and tricks to help evenly cut the bars.

• Cooking Spray – Spray your sharp knife with cooking spray in between cutting.
• Hot Water – In between cutting, dip your sharp knife in hot water then wipe clean before cutting.