When you’re craving a bar that delivers a perfect blend of crunchy, chewy, nutty, and sweet all in one bite, the 7 Layer Bars Recipe is your answer. This classic dessert brings together layers of graham cracker crust, luscious sweetened condensed milk, butterscotch and chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans, baked to golden perfection. Each mouthful is like a delightful celebration of textures and flavors that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this 7 Layer Bars Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, from the buttery graham cracker crust to the rich, sweet fillings, ensuring every bite is a multi-textured delight.
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs: This crunchy base adds structure and a slightly sweet, honeyed flavor that perfectly supports the layers above.
- ½ cup salted butter (melted): Butter binds the crust together and brings richness to balance the sweetness in the filling.
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk: Acts as the deliciously gooey glue between layers, adding smooth creaminess and sweetness.
- 1 cup butterscotch chips: These add a lovely caramel-like depth, melting slightly into the bars during baking.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Providing rich chocolate chunks, they add that perfect bittersweet counterpoint.
- 1â…“ cup flaked coconut: This layer brings a subtle chewiness and a tropical hint that brightens every bite.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Adding crunch and nutty warmth, pecans round out the textural contrast brilliantly.
How to Make 7 Layer Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Lining the pan with parchment paper and leaving edges hanging over makes it super easy to lift out the bars in one piece for neat slicing. Next, combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create a crisp, buttery base.
Step 2: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Evenly drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the crust. This step is crucial because the condensed milk acts like a glue that holds the layers together and gives the bars their signature chewy, sweet texture once baked.
Step 3: Layer the Butterscotch and Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle the butterscotch chips across the surface, followed by an equal layer of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Adding them in this order ensures every square gets a balanced mix of sweet, melty butterscotch and rich chocolatey goodness in each bite.
Step 4: Add Coconut and Pecans
Next, spread the flaked coconut evenly over the chips, which will toast lightly and develop a lovely chew. Finally, top with chopped pecans, pressing down gently but firmly with a fork to compact the layers without crushing the nuts.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your assembled pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top turns a delicate golden color. This baking lightly toasts the nuts and coconut, melds the layers together, and sets the bars so they cut cleanly.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once out of the oven, gently loosen the edges of the bars from the pan while still warm. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. After cooling, use a sharp knife to cut into squares for serving. The parchment paper makes this step a breeze and preserves the bars’ perfect shape.
How to Serve 7 Layer Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle a bit of melted chocolate on top. Adding a few whole pecans or extra coconut flakes as a garnish will also enhance the visual appeal and hint at the delicious layers inside.
Side Dishes
7 Layer Bars shine best accompanied by a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Pairing with a cup of strong coffee or a smooth glass of milk balances the sweetness, making your dessert moment even more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gift, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them beautifully on a platter or festive tin. Wrapping individual pieces in wax paper tied with a ribbon turns these bars into irresistible homemade treats perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover 7 Layer Bars stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain the crispness of the crust and the chewiness of the filling.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy warm bars, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the layers nicely without making them soggy. Avoid reheating multiple times so the integrity of the layers stays intact.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even chopped macadamia nuts work beautifully and provide a different but equally delicious texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes. Simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, which are widely available. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap.
How do I prevent the bars from becoming too soggy?
Be sure to press down the layers firmly before baking and avoid overbaking. Also, store at room temperature rather than the fridge to keep the texture just right.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling the ingredients is easy, but be sure to use a larger pan or two separate pans so the bars bake evenly and the layers set well.
How long do the bars last once cut?
They keep well for about a week in an airtight container at room temperature. Since they don’t contain perishable ingredients like eggs, they have good shelf life compared to many other desserts.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, you simply must try this 7 Layer Bars Recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients into a rich, multi-layered treat. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, once you make them, these bars will become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire.
Print
7 Layer Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously rich and sweet 7 Layer Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with layers of butterscotch chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans, all brought together with sweetened condensed milk for an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup salted butter (melted)
Filling & Topping
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1â…“ cup flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving the paper hanging over the edges for easy removal and clean, even bars.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a compact crust layer.
- Add sweetened condensed milk: Evenly drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the graham cracker crust, making sure it covers the surface thoroughly to help bind the layers.
- Layer the toppings: Sprinkle the butterscotch chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, flaked coconut, and chopped pecans evenly over the condensed milk layer. Press down gently with a fork to compact the ingredients slightly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and bubbly.
- Cool and cut: When the bars are still warm, loosen the edges from the pan using the parchment paper. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before using a sharp knife to cut into 24 squares.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
- Press the crust and toppings firmly to ensure the bars hold together well.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
