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I’ve made countless batches of these 7 layer bars over the years, and I’m excited to share not only the classic recipe but also 8 easy substitutions so you can customize them to your taste. Want to swap the nuts? Prefer a different type of chocolate? I’ve tested plenty of variations to help you create your perfect version.
Made these cookies twice during Christmas and gave as gifts. They are one of my favorites!
-Jeanne
7 Layer Bars have been a beloved dessert for generations, showing up at church potlucks, bake sales, and family gatherings across the country. Whether you call them Magic Bars, Hello Dolly Bars, or 7 Layer Magic Bars, one thing is certain—they’re irresistibly delicious. Growing up in the Midwest, we always called them 7 Layer Bars, but depending on where you’re from, the name might be different. No matter what you call them, the magic is in the layers!
These bars are a true staple—rich, chewy, and packed with layers of flavor. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for your next potluck or bake sale, these are always a hit. And if you want to switch things up, try a butterscotch brownie for another easy, nostalgic treat!
What are 7 Layer Bars?
The name “7 Layer Bars” stems from the fact that these delicious treats are composed of seven distinct layers of flavors. These layers include butter, a graham cracker crust, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, nuts, a luscious sweetened condensed milk topping, and coconut.
What you’ll need for Seven Layer Bars
- graham cracker crust
- chocolate chips
- butterscotch chips
- chopped pecans or walnuts
- sweetened condensed milk
- shredded coconut
How to make 7 Layer Bars
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a small mixing bowl combine the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Press the crumbs into the pan.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and chopped nuts over the crust.
- Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the chips.
- Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the condensed milk, then use a fork to press the coconut into the milk.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes or until the top is golden in color. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature before slicing.
How to neatly cut a Seven Layer Bar
Use the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan. Next, use a large sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. To achieve clean cut lines, wipe the knife clean between each cut.
You can also refrigerate the bars for 1 hour before cutting. This will help the bars stay together and ensure clean cutting.
7 Layer Bars Recipe Substitutions
• peanut butter chips
• peanuts
• oatmeal
• caramel pieces
• white chocolate chips
• reese’s pieces
• mini peanut butter cups
• m&ms
Feel free to substitute any of the following for the ingredients listed in the recipe.
Seven Layer Bars Recipe Tips
- Be sure to use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk.
- Transfer the sweetened condensed milk to a microwave safe bowl and warm it in the microwave. This will help the milk drizzle nice and evenly because it won’t be so thick.
- Line your pan with parchment paper, that way you can remove the bars from the bar to cut them.
How to Store 7 Layer Bars
Do 7 Layer Bars Need To Be Refrigerated?
No, you don’t need to refrigerate seven layer bars. They can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days.
How To Freeze 7 Layer Cookie Bars
There are 2 freezing options. You can freeze the entire slab or cut them into squares and freeze.
→ Entire slab: Allow the bars to cool completely. Wrap well in plastic wrap then store in a freezer ziplock bag.
→ Squares: Allow the bars to cool completely then cut into squares. Wrap bundles of 4-5 squares well in plastic wrap then store in a freezer ziplock bag.
To Thaw: Place in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours.
More Bar Desserts
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7 Layer Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (170g) graham cracker crumbs, 1 sleeve or 12 crackers
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted, 1 stick
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (170g) butterscotch chips
- 1 cup (114g) chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 14 oz
- 1 cup (85g) shredded sweetened coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º F. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. To get the parchment paper to stick to the pan, butter the bottom and sides of the pan, then press the parchment paper into the pan.
- In a small mixing bowl combine the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Press the crumbs into the pan, either using your hands or the bottom of a cup to pack the crust down.1 1/2 cups (170g) graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and chopped nuts over the crust.1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup (170g) butterscotch chips, 1 cup (114g) chopped pecans or walnuts
- Evenly drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the chips. Evenly sprinkle the shredded coconut over the milk, then use a fork to press the coconut into the milk.1 can sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup (85g) shredded sweetened coconut
- Bake for 25-35 minutes or until the top is golden in color. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature before slicing.
Does the butter in the crust count as a “layer”? No matter how I count, I only come up with 6 layers? What am I missing?
Haha, great question! 7 layer bars is just the name, not necessarily meaning there are 7 layers. I think it all depends on what people add!
1. Butter
2. Graham crackers
3. chocolate chips
4. Butterscotch/ peanut butter chips
5. Nuts
6. Coconut
7. sweetened condensed milk
These are wonderful and easy. Been making them for thirty years. Never thought about warming the milk. Can’t figure out why you would want to freeze them ours are lucky if they get to cool completely. Awesome
Made these cookies twice during Christmas and gave as gifts. They are one of my favorite. Thank you for adding in to microwave sweeten condense milk. That was very hard to spread over the Graham cracker crust
I didn’t see the 8 different ways. I’m GF and was hoping to find a crust other than Graham crackers?
My great aunt made these as far back as I can remember. Your post is the first recipe I’ve seen that has mentioned call them Hello Dollys. My aunt called them that and it brought back so many “sweet” memories.