Save to Pinterest A decadent, chewy dessert bar layered with chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, nuts, and a luscious salted caramel drizzle — a truly magical treat perfect for any sweet tooth.
These 7-Layer Magic Bars were my go-to treat for bake sales as a teenager. Watching the caramel bubble as I made it for the first time filled our kitchen with excitement—now my family requests them at every holiday gathering!
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: 1 1/2 cups (180 g), for the base
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115 g), melted to bind the crust
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup (180 g), classic magic bar layer
- Butterscotch chips: 1 cup (180 g), adds sweet richness
- Sweetened shredded coconut: 1 cup (120 g), brings chewy texture
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: 1/2 cup (60 g), crunchy layer
- Sweetened condensed milk: 1 cup (300 ml), binds and sweetens
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g), for caramel drizzle
- Water: 2 tbsp (30 ml), caramel base
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp (30 g), finishes drizzle
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (60 ml), smoothness for caramel
- Flaky sea salt: 1/2 tsp, for topping drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the crust:
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined. Press firmly into the pan to form an even crust.
- Add the layers:
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by butterscotch chips, then coconut, and finally the chopped nuts.
- Pour condensed milk:
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layers.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until edges are golden and the center is set. Cool completely in the pan.
- Make salted caramel drizzle:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir until dissolved, then stop stirring and cook until the mixture turns a deep amber color (4–5 minutes). Remove from heat, whisk in butter, then slowly add heavy cream while whisking. Stir in sea salt; let cool slightly.
- Finish and serve:
- Drizzle the cooled caramel over the bars. Let set, then lift bars from the pan and cut into squares.
Save to Pinterest Our youngest always insists on adding extra coconut, and the whole family gathers to drizzle caramel together. These bars have become a sweet tradition for rainy afternoons!
Required Tools
9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, saucepan, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter, condensed milk, heavy cream), tree nuts (walnuts/pecans), and gluten (unless using gluten-free crackers). Contains coconut. May contain soy (in chocolate/butterscotch chips). Double-check all ingredient labels for allergens if unsure.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 285, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 33 g, Protein: 3 g per serving
Save to Pinterest With every bite of these Magic Bars, you taste a little joy. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or pack up for your next picnic!
Common Questions
- → Can I substitute the nuts?
Yes, walnuts can be swapped with pecans or almonds to adjust the flavor and texture.
- → How do I make the salted caramel drizzle?
Cook sugar and water until amber, whisk in butter and cream, then stir in flaky sea salt before drizzling.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs instead of the regular ones to create a gluten-free version.
- → What is the best method for removing bars from the pan?
Line the pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang to easily lift the bars out once set and cooled.
- → How should these bars be stored?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Can I add extra crunch to the bars?
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before serving enhances texture and flavor balance.