If you are craving a delightful treat that combines a symphony of textures and flavors all in one bite, this 7 Layer Bars Recipe is the perfect answer to your sweet tooth. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust topped with gooey sweetened condensed milk, layers of butterscotch and semi-sweet chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and crunchy pecans—baked to golden perfection. Each layer brings its magic, creating a rich, chewy, and crunchy dessert that’s irresistibly scrumptious. Whether you’re making these bars for a potluck, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your own dessert cravings, this 7 Layer Bars Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This 7 Layer Bars Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that combine to create an amazing balance of flavor and texture. Every item plays a key role—from the crunchy base to the nutty topping—ensuring each bite is both satisfying and memorable.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1½ cups): Provides a buttery, crunchy crust that serves as the perfect foundation.
- Salted butter, melted (½ cup): Binds the crust together and adds rich flavor with a hint of saltiness.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14-ounce can): Acts as the gooey, sweet glue that holds all the layers together.
- Butterscotch chips (1 cup): Adds a creamy caramel-like sweetness with a delightful melt-in-the-mouth texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Balances the sweetness with a smooth, slightly bitter chocolate note.
- Flaked coconut (1⅓ cups): Brings chewy texture and subtle tropical flavor to the bars.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Offers a toasted crunch and nutty depth, rounding out the delicious layers.
How to Make 7 Layer Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper, making sure the paper extends over the edges. This little trick ensures that once baked, your bars will lift out easily and cut neatly without sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
Mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated and hold together when pressed. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a sturdy, buttery base that will hold all the delicious layers above.
Step 3: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust. This layer melts during baking and works as the sweet, luscious glue that binds the ingredients together, ensuring each bite is gooey and satisfying.
Step 4: Layer the Remaining Ingredients
Sprinkle the butterscotch chips first, followed by the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Then scatter the flaked coconut evenly and top it off with chopped pecans. Using a fork, gently press everything down to make sure the layers stick together while allowing the coconut and nuts to retain their texture.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the pan in the oven and bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top turns a lovely light golden color. The sight of bubbling chocolate and caramelized edges will have your kitchen smelling like heaven.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Once baked, carefully loosen the edges using the parchment paper overhang, then transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps the bars firm up so you can slice them into perfect squares with a sharp knife without crumbling.
How to Serve 7 Layer Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are delicious on their own, but if you want to dress them up for guests or special occasions, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top. A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a few flakes of coconut can provide added visual appeal and crunch.
Side Dishes
Serve these sweet bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to turn the snack into a delightful dessert experience. For balanced contrast, fresh berries or a cup of rich coffee or tea complement the deep sweetness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Create a charming dessert platter by pairing cut 7 Layer Bars with mini fruit tarts or small chocolate truffles. You can also wrap individual squares in festive wax paper to give as sweet gifts, or stack them in a mason jar layered with wax paper for an inviting homemade treat presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars keep beautifully at room temperature for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The layers remain chewy and flavorful, making them an easy make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars at a later time, freeze them by wrapping individual squares in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to restore their perfect texture.
Reheating
While these bars are often enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive the gooey chocolate and butterscotch layers. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become too soft or lose their structure.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans for another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts make great alternatives depending on your preference or dietary needs. Just ensure they are roughly chopped to maintain the texture contrast.
Is it necessary to use sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, sweetened condensed milk is crucial in this recipe as it provides the rich sweetness and helps bind the layers together. Using a substitute will alter both texture and flavor significantly.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free graham cracker alternative or crushed gluten-free cookies. This way, you keep the texture and flavor while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
How long do 7 Layer Bars stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these bars remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature, and up to a week if kept in the refrigerator.
Can I add extra ingredients to the layers?
Of course! Some favorites to mix in include chopped dried fruits, white chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top to contrast the sweetness. Just be mindful not to overload the bars, or the layers might not bake evenly.
Final Thoughts
This 7 Layer Bars Recipe brings together classic flavors and delightful textures in a way that feels both nostalgic and new. It’s a simple, no-fail recipe that’s perfect for any occasion and sure to impress everyone you share it with. So gather those ingredients, follow these steps, and treat yourself to a dessert that feels like a warm, delicious hug.
Print
7 Layer Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 to 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 to 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic 7 Layer Bars are a deliciously rich and easy-to-make dessert featuring layers of graham cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk, butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Base
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
Layers
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1⅓ cup flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges for easy removal later.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until combined. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk: Evenly drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the graham cracker crust layer.
- Layer remaining ingredients: Add butterscotch chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, flaked coconut, and chopped pecans in that order, spreading each layer evenly and gently pressing down with a fork to compact the layers.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and cut: When done, loosen the edges of the bars from the pan while still warm, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into 24 squares using a sharp knife.
Notes
- For easy removal and clean edges, use parchment paper with overhang in the baking pan.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
