7 Layer Magic Bars

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

These 7 layer magic bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with layers of semisweet chocolate, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts. Sweetened condensed milk binds the layers during baking, creating a rich texture. A luscious salted caramel drizzle adds a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness. Ideal for easy dessert occasions, these bars combine nostalgic flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Preparation involves mixing the crust, layering the ingredients, baking until golden, and finishing with a smooth caramel drizzle. Toasting nuts before layering enhances the crunch and depth. Serve cooled and sliced into squares for a delightful treat that pairs well with coffee or milk.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:41:00 GMT
Warm, gooey 7-Layer Magic Bars drizzled with salted caramel, a perfect sweet treat. Save
Warm, gooey 7-Layer Magic Bars drizzled with salted caramel, a perfect sweet treat. | poppyhearth.com

A decadent, nostalgic dessert featuring layers of chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, and nuts on a buttery graham cracker base, finished with a luscious salted caramel drizzle.

This 7-Layer Magic Bars recipe brings back fond childhood memories with every bite, making it a perfect treat for family gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Crust: 1½ cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter melted
  • Layers: 1 cup (170 g) semisweet chocolate chips, 1 cup (170 g) butterscotch chips, 1 cup (75 g) sweetened shredded coconut, 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Salted Caramel Drizzle: ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 tbsp (30 ml) water, ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream room temperature, 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, ¼ tsp flaky sea salt
  • Other: 1 (14 oz / 396 g) can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper leaving overhang for easy removal
Step 2:
In a bowl mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust
Step 3:
Evenly sprinkle chocolate chips butterscotch chips shredded coconut and chopped nuts over the crust in layers
Step 4:
Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire pan covering all layers
Step 5:
Bake for 25 30 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set Cool completely in the pan
Step 6:
Meanwhile make the salted caramel In a small saucepan over medium heat combine sugar and water Cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color about 5 7 minutes Remove from heat carefully whisk in heavy cream mixture will bubble then whisk in butter and sea salt until smooth Let cool to room temperature
Step 7:
Drizzle the cooled salted caramel over the cooled bars Lift bars from the pan using parchment cut into squares and serve
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My family loves enjoying these bars during holiday get-togethers, making every moment sweeter.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days Pair with a glass of cold milk or strong coffee

Required Tools

9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan Mixing bowls Saucepan Whisk Parchment paper Knife

Allergen Information

Contains dairy gluten (from graham crackers) tree nuts and soy (from chips) Always check ingredient labels for possible allergens

A close-up of golden-baked 7-Layer Magic Bars, richly layered and ready to be served. Save
A close-up of golden-baked 7-Layer Magic Bars, richly layered and ready to be served. | poppyhearth.com

This layered dessert is an effortless way to impress guests and satisfy sweet cravings.

Recipe Questions

What type of nuts work best for these bars?

Pecans, walnuts, or almonds can be used. Toasting them before adding enhances flavor and crunch.

Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is key for the layers’ binding and richness, so substitutes may alter texture and sweetness.

How do I achieve the perfect salted caramel drizzle?

Cook sugar and water until amber, then whisk in cream, butter, and sea salt off heat for a smooth caramel sauce.

What is the best way to store these bars?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain texture and flavor.

Can these bars be made in advance?

Yes, they can be prepared ahead, refrigerated if desired, and returned to room temperature before serving.

7 Layer Magic Bars

Rich bars combining chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, nuts, and salted caramel drizzle on a buttery crust.

Prep duration
15 minutes
Cooking duration
30 minutes
Total duration
45 minutes
Created by Grace Holloway

Recipe type Simple Sweet Treats

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 16 Portions

Dietary details Meat-free

Required Ingredients

Crust

01 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
02 ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Layers

01 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
02 1 cup butterscotch chips
03 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
04 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
05 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Salted Caramel Drizzle

01 ½ cup granulated sugar
02 2 tbsp water
03 ¼ cup heavy cream, room temperature
04 2 tbsp unsalted butter
05 ¼ tsp flaky sea salt

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

Step 02

Form crust base: Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl; press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 03

Add layered toppings: Sprinkle chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts evenly over the crust in layers.

Step 04

Pour condensed milk: Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over all layers covering the entire surface.

Step 05

Bake bars: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until edges are golden and center is set. Allow to cool completely in pan.

Step 06

Prepare salted caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water; cook without stirring until deep amber, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat, whisk in heavy cream carefully, then whisk in butter and sea salt until smooth. Let cool to room temperature.

Step 07

Finish and serve: Drizzle cooled caramel over the bars. Lift bars from pan using parchment overhang, cut into squares, and serve.

Tools needed

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife

Allergy notices

Check ingredients for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider with any questions.
  • Contains dairy, gluten (graham crackers), tree nuts, and soy (in chips).
  • Check labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These details are meant for general advice, not medical guidance.
  • Energy: 315
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 4 g