Easy Seven Layer Bars Recipe

Also known as magic cookie bars, these seven layer bars are simply sublime.

They’re loaded with flavor and texture and are beyond easy to make.

Everything about these seven layer bars comes in sevens.

They have seven layers, use seven ingredients, and need just seven steps to complete.

The taste, appearance, and texture are perfect tens, though!

From the crunchy base to the ooey gooey filling and toasted coconut top, you won’t be able to stop at just one.

What Are 7 Layer Bars?

Seven layer bars are some of the most delicious treats you’ll ever eat. But that’s not the only thing to love about them.

They’re also ridiculously easy to make. 

If you can layer ingredients and operate an oven, you’ve got these in the bag.

7 layer bars (magic cookie bars) often only have six layers but feature seven ingredients: a crunchy butter and Graham Cracker crumb, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chopped nuts. Condensed milk is poured over that, followed by shredded coconut. Once it bakes, it becomes thick and sticky.

If you want a tasty treat that everyone in the family will love, look no further. These simple-to-make bars are sure to be a hit, no matter the occasion.

Ingredients

As mentioned, 7 layer bars usually only have six layers. However, I’ve seen them with four, eight, and more than ten!

But the OG recipe has seven ingredients:

• Butter – to make the Graham Cracker crust, like you would with cheesecake. The rest of the bar is soft and chewy, but the base is sturdy and holds everything together nicely. 

• Graham Cracker Crumbs – You’ll use a basic mix of butter and Graham Cracker crumbs, and it’s divine. But you can use any cookie crumb you like!

• Chocolate chips – Chocolate chips are the third layer of these seven layer bars. After a spin in the oven, they’re gooey, chocolatey, and full of YUM. 

• Butterscotch chips – Combining butterscotch chips with chocolate chips gives these bars an incredible caramel flavor. It also makes them decadent and totally indulgent.

• Chopped Nuts – I like walnuts because they add a salty, nutty crunch. But you could use any nuts, like pecans, macadamia, or almonds.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk – As if butter, chocolate, and butterscotch aren’t enough! Pour some sweetened condensed milk over the top for even more decadence.

• Shredded Coconut – Flaky shredded coconut adds flavor, texture, and just a hint of tropical sweetness. 

How to Make Seven Layer Bars 

Here are the steps for making these spectacular 7 layer bars: 

1. Prepare the ingredients and baking dish, and preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Make the crust. Melt the butter and crush the Graham Crackers. Then mix them with a fork and pour the wet crumbs into the baking dish. Press them gently to form the crust.

3. Layer the dry ingredients over the crust. When the crust is ready, it’s time to layer everything. Start with the chocolate chips, then the butterscotch, and chopped nuts. Don’t mix anything! The chips will melt in the oven and create a gooey filling with pops of crunchy nuts!

4. Add the condensed milk. Pour the condensed milk over the top, doing your best to make it even. I like to make a small hole in the can, then drizzle it back and forth over the top. Top it with the coconut.

5. Bake the bars. Bake the dish in the oven, uncovered, for 25 minutes. It should be slightly bubbly at the edges with golden brown coconut over the top.

6. Cool and cut. Remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely. If they’re not cold, they’ll be too gooey. Cut them into 35 equal pieces, serve, and enjoy! 

Storing and Freezing Instructions 

Storing leftover seven layer bars is incredibly simple. Just place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for 3-5 days.

Or, pop them in the fridge for up to 9 days.

You can also freeze them to keep them around for longer!

Wrap the squares/portions (in plastic wrap and foil), then freeze them for up to six months.

Let them thaw in the fridge overnight when you want to eat them. 

Tips for the Best Magic Cookie Bars 

Here are a few final tips and tricks to ensure you have the best seven layer bars possible: 

• Line the baking dish with parchment paper. This will just make the bars easier to lift out of the dish. And it makes clean up easier!

• Allow the bars to cool before cutting them. I’ve said this already, but it’s important enough to mention it twice. Let them cool completely – pop them in the fridge for about 20 minutes before cutting.

• Store the bars at room temperature for the best texture. They’ll last a few days and will taste amazing. But if you need them around longer, store them in the fridge, then let them warm up a little before eating (you can even nuke them for 10-20 seconds). 

• Don’t be afraid to experiment. If you can’t have nuts, don’t add the walnuts. If you hate coconut, leave it off. Prefer peanut butter to butterscotch? Swap out those ingredients. There are no wrong answers! You can even add marshmallows to make the bars gooier. 

• Play with the crust. Use Nilla wafers, Oreos, or something else. Any dry cookie should work. 

• Consider adding toppings when they’re warm. Serve these as a warm dessert with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel. Yum!

They’re your seven layer bars, after all! Do whatever you want to make them perfect for you. 

More Dessert Bars You’ll Love

Chocolate Chip Blondies
Brookies
Hello Dolly Bars
Gooey Butter Bars
Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars