Seven-Layer Magic Bars
In short: Crumb-crust bars layered with chocolate, butterscotch, coconut and pecans under sweetened condensed milk, baked until golden and chewy. It takes about 43 min in total and makes 16 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 28 min
- Resting
- 3 h
- Total
- 43 min
- Servings
- 16
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 295 kcal
Magic bars, also called seven-layer bars, stack a crumb crust, chocolate, butterscotch, coconut and nuts under a blanket of sweetened condensed milk. In the oven the milk bubbles and turns golden, binding everything into one rich, chewy bar. Nothing needs mixing apart from the crust, so they are a good project with children. They are very sweet, so cut small squares and keep coffee or cold milk nearby.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 23 cm (9 in) square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides, and grease the paper lightly.
- Stir the melted butter into the crumbs with a fork until they look like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into an even layer across the base of the pan.
- Scatter the chocolate chips and the white chocolate chips over the crust, then the coconut, then the nuts.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top, getting it right to the corners. Press the toppings down gently with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and golden and the coconut is toasted.
- Cool in the pan to room temperature, about 2 hours, then chill for 1 hour. Lift out and cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife.
Tips
- Use any mix of chips, nuts and dried fruit that adds up to about the same weight. Peanut butter chips, toffee bits and chopped dried cherries all work well.
- Chill the bars well before cutting, and wipe the knife between slices. Warm bars are sticky and tear instead of cutting cleanly.
Questions and answers
Why are they called magic bars?
The sweetened condensed milk seems to work magic in the oven, turning from a poured liquid into a golden, chewy layer that binds the toppings to the crust.
How do I store magic bars?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cut bars for 3 months.
Can I make magic bars without nuts?
Yes. Replace the nuts with the same weight of extra coconut or chocolate chips, or with crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty bar.
How long does it take to make Seven-Layer Magic Bars?
About 43 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 28 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Seven-Layer Magic Bars?
About 295 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 31 g of carbohydrates and 17 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 295 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 25 g |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
