7-Layer Magic Bars

Featured in: Vegetarian & Plant-Based Grill

These decadent seven-layer bars combine a crunchy graham cracker base with layers of chocolate chips, butterscotch, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts, all soaked in sweetened condensed milk and baked to golden perfection. Finished with a generous drizzle of sea salt caramel, they balance rich sweetness with a touch of salt for a memorable sweet-and-salty treat. Perfect for easy batching and serving as a satisfying dessert or snack.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:36:00 GMT
Golden-brown 7-Layer Magic Bars drizzled with sea salt caramel; a sweet, layered dessert. Save
Golden-brown 7-Layer Magic Bars drizzled with sea salt caramel; a sweet, layered dessert. | bitegrill.com

Decadent, chewy dessert bars layered with chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, and nuts, finished with a luscious sea salt caramel drizzle for the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat.

This recipe quickly became my go-to when I want an easy, impressive dessert for gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Base: 1 1/2 cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter melted
  • Layers: 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup (170 g) butterscotch chips, 1 cup (90 g) sweetened shredded coconut, 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans or walnuts, 1 (14 oz/400 ml) can sweetened condensed milk
  • Caramel Drizzle: 1/2 cup (120 ml) store-bought caramel sauce or homemade caramel sauce, 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
Step 3:
Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust followed by butterscotch chips coconut and chopped nuts.
Step 4:
Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire surface making sure to cover all layers.
Step 5:
Bake for 25 30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
Step 6:
Once cooled drizzle caramel sauce over the bars and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Step 7:
Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Chewy, homemade 7-Layer Magic Bars with visible chocolate chips and scattered pecans served. Save
Chewy, homemade 7-Layer Magic Bars with visible chocolate chips and scattered pecans served. | bitegrill.com

My family always looks forward to these bars during holidays as a special treat.

Notes

Substitute walnuts with almonds or cashews if desired. Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine.

Required Tools

9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan Mixing bowls measuring cups and spoons parchment paper spatula

Allergen Information

Contains dairy gluten (unless using gluten-free graham crackers) tree nuts coconut and soy (in chocolate butterscotch chips). Always check labels for potential hidden allergens.

Close-up of baked 7-Layer Magic Bars: inviting dessert squares with glistening caramel. Save
Close-up of baked 7-Layer Magic Bars: inviting dessert squares with glistening caramel. | bitegrill.com

These bars combine simple ingredients for a crowd-pleasing dessert you can make anytime.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use different nuts in the bars?

Yes, walnuts, pecans, almonds, or cashews can be used interchangeably to suit your taste preferences.

Is toasting the coconut and nuts necessary?

Toasting enhances the flavor and adds a crunchy texture, but it is optional if you prefer a softer bite.

How should I store these layered bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to maintain freshness.

Can I make the caramel drizzle from scratch?

Yes, homemade caramel sauce can be prepared and used to top the bars for a richer taste experience.

What size pan is recommended for baking?

A 9x13-inch baking pan provides the perfect thickness and texture for these bars.

7-Layer Magic Bars

Chewy bars layered with chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, nuts, topped with a salted caramel glaze.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Ethan Walker


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 16 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

Base

01 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Layers

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

Caramel Drizzle

01 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
02 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Make Base: Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press firmly to form an even crust in the lined pan.

Phase 03

Layer Ingredients: Evenly sprinkle chocolate chips, then butterscotch chips, followed by shredded coconut and chopped nuts over the crust.

Phase 04

Add Condensed Milk: Slowly pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over all layers, ensuring full coverage.

Phase 05

Bake Bars: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until edges turn golden brown and center is set. Remove and cool completely in the pan.

Phase 06

Apply Caramel and Salt: Drizzle caramel sauce over cooled bars and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Phase 07

Serve: Lift bars from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares and serve.

Tools needed

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain about sensitivities.
  • Contains dairy, gluten (unless gluten-free graham crackers used), tree nuts, coconut, and soy.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 4 g