If you’re searching for a dessert that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and nostalgia, you’ve just found your new best friend in the kitchen with this 7 Layer Bars Recipe. These bars are a delightful medley of crunchy graham cracker crust, gooey sweetened condensed milk, melty butterscotch and chocolate chips, chewy coconut, and crunchy pecans—all baked into one irresistible treat that you won’t be able to stop eating. Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck, gifting them to friends, or indulging in a cozy night at home, these bars hit every mark for sweetness and satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret to making these 7 Layer Bars Recipe so easy and so scrumptious. Each item plays a crucial role, from the buttery crunch of the graham cracker crumbs to the melty layers of chips and the tactile contrast of coconut and pecans.
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides a sturdy, buttery base that adds a satisfying crunch.
- ½ cup salted butter (melted): Binds the crust ingredients with rich flavor and moisture.
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk: Creates a luscious, chewy layer that holds everything together.
- 1 cup butterscotch chips: Adds a smooth, caramel-like sweetness that complements the chocolate.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Offers a classic, melty chocolate punch in every bite.
- 1⅓ cup flaked coconut: Brings a subtle chewiness and a tropical flair.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Delivers a crunchy, nutty finish that balances the sweet layers.
How to Make 7 Layer Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Lining the pan with parchment paper is a genius move because it makes lifting out the bars a breeze when it’s time to cut and serve. Let the paper hang over the edges for extra easy removal.
Step 2: Make and Press the Crust
Mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until perfectly combined. Then, press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, forming a flavorful and firm crust base that will hold all the delicious layers without crumbling apart.
Step 3: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust. This sticky layer is what will bind the toppings and keep everything wonderfully chewy inside each bar.
Step 4: Layer the Toppings
Now comes the fun part! Evenly sprinkle the butterscotch chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, flaked coconut, and chopped pecans over the condensed milk in the exact order listed. Gently press down with a fork to help everything stick together—this ensures perfectly compact bars that won’t fall apart.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks lightly golden and smells absolutely irresistible. This step melds all those flavors and textures into one glorious harmony.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
While still warm, carefully loosen the edges from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the bars cool completely. Once cool, use a sharp knife to cut into 24 servings of pure happiness.
How to Serve 7 Layer Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These 7 Layer Bars are amazing on their own, but if you want to elevate them, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top after baking to balance the sweetness. Alternatively, a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a pretty finish and a touch of extra sweetness that makes them irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dreamy dessert experience. They also go surprisingly well alongside a fresh fruit salad to cut through the richness and add a refreshing finish to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, arrange the bars on a decorative platter lined with parchment or doilies to make them pop visually. You can also cut them into smaller bite-sized squares and serve with toothpicks for easy picking. Wrapping individual bars in cellophane tied with a ribbon turns them into charming homemade treats to share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover bars into an airtight container and store them at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every last crumb.
Freezing
If you want to save these for longer, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen, they keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Reheating
To bring a bar back to that freshly baked warmth, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This little trick revives the melty chips and softens the condensed milk layer without compromising the crunchy crust.
FAQs
Can I substitute pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully as alternatives, offering a slightly different flavor but keeping that delightful crunch.
Is it necessary to use sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, sweetened condensed milk is essential for creating that chewy, luscious binding layer unique to this recipe. It also adds the perfect amount of sweetness and moisture.
Can I make 7 Layer Bars Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make this treat safe for those avoiding gluten, without sacrificing texture or taste.
How do I get clean, neat edges when cutting the bars?
Using parchment paper to lift the bars from the pan helps greatly. Also, using a sharp knife and wiping it clean between cuts will give you the best results.
Are 7 Layer Bars good for freezing and storing ahead?
Definitely. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months, making them an ideal make-ahead treat. Just thaw before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
These 7 Layer Bars Recipe are one of those magical desserts that combine simplicity with incredible flavor and texture layers. They bring so much joy to any occasion and are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in this beloved classic. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll be requested again and again!
Print
7 Layer Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously rich and layered, these 7 Layer Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with sweetened condensed milk, butterscotch chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, coconut, and chopped pecans for a perfect no-fuss dessert bar. Easy to make and perfect for potlucks or a sweet snack, these bars bake until golden and set for a chewy, nutty treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup salted butter (melted)
Layer Toppings
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1⅓ cup flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, letting the paper overhang the edges for easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Make Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted salted butter until evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Evenly drizzle the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the graham cracker crust, ensuring it is spread out uniformly but not stirred in.
- Layer Remaining Ingredients: In the order listed—first the butterscotch chips, then the semi-sweet chocolate chips, followed by the flaked coconut, and lastly the chopped pecans—spread each topping evenly over the condensed milk layer, gently pressing them down with a fork to help them adhere.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top layer is lightly golden and bubbling slightly.
- Cool and Cut: Remove from the oven and while still warm, gently loosen the edges from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into 24 even pieces using a sharp knife.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean edges when cutting the bars.
- Press layers gently but firmly to help the bars hold together well after baking.
- Keep an eye on baking time as ovens vary; bars should be golden but not burnt.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Optionally, substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds as per preference.
