best seven layer bars recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best best seven layer bars recipe

I’ve been making seven layer bars for years, and they’re always a hit with my family and friends. These sweet and salty treats are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients.

The best part? They’re perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a quick breakfast, an after-school snack, or a potluck dinner.

I love that they’re made with simple pantry staples like graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar. The combination of textures and flavors is just right – crunchy, chewy, and sweet.

My kids love helping me make them, too. We get to press the mixture into the pan and wait for them to come out of the oven all golden brown.

It’s a fun and delicious activity for the whole family. I’ve even made them for our church potlucks and they’re always a favorite.

Plus, they freeze beautifully so we can enjoy them throughout the month. Seven layer bars are one of those magical recipes that tastes like a lot of work went into it, but really it’s just a matter of layering some simple ingredients in a pan and baking until golden.

Best Seven Layer Bars

4.8 from 1565 votes

These classic seven layer bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with semisweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts, all bound together with sweetened condensed milk. They are chewy, rich, and incredibly easy to make, perfect for potlucks and holiday trays.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 24Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

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

For the Layers

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, stirring until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
3Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan.
4Make sure the crust is compact so it holds together after baking.
5Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by the butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts.
6Distribute each layer as evenly as possible.
7Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire top, making sure to cover all the ingredients.
8Use a spatula to gently spread it if needed, but avoid stirring the layers.
9Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set and bubbly.
10The top should be lightly browned and the coconut toasted.
11Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
12Once cool, cut into 24 squares and serve.

🔧Equipment

9×13 inch baking pan
Mixing bowl
Spatula
Measuring cups
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 120mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 25g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

Tips: For cleaner cuts, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing. You can substitute milk chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different flavor, and use any combination of nuts you prefer.

Watch Video Of How Best Seven Layer Bars Works

The best part about seven layer bars is that they freeze beautifully – simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in an airtight container for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve, just thaw overnight at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds per bar (depending on your preference).

These sweet treats are perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or even as an after-school snack – kids love ’em! In fact, my husband requests them regularly as his go-to dessert whenever we have company over.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Seven Layer Bars

1. Can I use salted butter for the crust?

Yes, you can, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe. If you use salted butter, just skip the extra salt that some recipes call for. The bars will still taste great, just slightly saltier which can actually balance the sweetness.

2. How do I store seven layer bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warm climate, you might want to keep them in the fridge to prevent the chocolate from melting. They also freeze well for up to three months if you wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

3. Can I make these bars gluten free?

Absolutely. Use gluten free graham crackers or a gluten free cookie crust like crushed gluten free vanilla wafers. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, but always check the labels on your chips and condensed milk to be safe.

4. What can I substitute for butterscotch chips?

If you do not have butterscotch chips, you can use white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even caramel bits. Keep in mind that the flavor will change, but the bars will still be delicious. I have also used a mix of semisweet and milk chocolate chips when I was out of butterscotch.

5. Why did my bars turn out too hard?

This usually happens if you overbake them or use too much condensed milk. The bars should be golden brown on top but still soft in the center when you take them out. They will firm up as they cool, so do not wait until they look completely set in the oven. Also, make sure you are using a 9×13 pan and not a smaller one, which would make the layers too thick.

6. Can I add other toppings like dried fruit or pretzels?

Yes, you can get creative with the toppings. Dried cranberries, raisins, or crushed pretzels work well. Just keep the total amount of toppings to about two cups so they do not overwhelm the condensed milk. If you add pretzels, crush them into small pieces so they do not get too chewy after baking.

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