These irresistible Magic Bars (also known as 7 Layer Bars) combine sweet, salty, and crunchy elements into one decadent treat that’s ready in just 40 minutes. Each perfectly portioned bar delivers a satisfying 271 calories of pure bliss, featuring layers of complementary textures and flavors.
The beauty of these bars lies not just in their deliciousness, but also in their simplicity – with only 10 minutes of prep time required. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these crowd-pleasing treats will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients for Magic Bars
- Graham Crackers (1 sleeve): Essential base for our crust, crushed finely
- Butter (6 Tbsp): Melted, helps bind the crust together
- Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Creates rich, melty chocolate layer
- Butterscotch Chips (1/2 cup): Adds caramel-like sweetness
- Heath Bars (2): Chopped, brings delightful toffee crunch
- Shredded Coconut (1 cup): Adds wonderful texture and tropical flavor
- Chopped Nuts (1 cup): Provides delicious crunch and nutty flavor
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can): Binds all layers together magically
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Crush graham crackers until fine, combine with melted butter, and press into greased 8-inch baking dish
- Layer the Magic: Start with chocolate chips, followed by butterscotch chips, heath pieces, nuts, and coconut
- Add the Binding Magic: Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over all layers
- Bake to Perfection: Place in preheated 350°F oven for 30-35 minutes
- Cool and Set: Allow to cool completely, preferably refrigerate for few hours for perfect slicing
Storage Tips
These yummy bars stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Want them to last even longer? Pop them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks! The cold temperature helps keep all those delicious layers firmly stuck together.
You can even freeze them for up to 3 months – just place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Variations & Substitutions
Love the recipe but want to mix it up? Try these sweet swaps:
- Switch milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate
- Replace butterscotch chips with peanut butter chips or toffee bits
- Swap heath bars with your favorite candy bar (Snickers or Reese’s work great!)
- Try different nuts like pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts
- For nut allergies, skip the nuts and add extra chocolate chips or coconut
- Use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version
Serving Suggestions
These magic bars are perfect on their own, but here are some fun ways to make them extra special:
- Warm them up slightly (10 seconds in the microwave) and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Serve with hot coffee or cold milk for the perfect sweet treat
- Cut into tiny squares for a party platter
- Pack them in lunch boxes for a happy surprise
- Add them to cookie platters during the holidays
Magic Bars (7 Layer Bars)
Equipment
- 8-inch square baking dish
- Food processor or rolling pin
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 sleeve honey graham crackers
- 6 Tablespoons butter melted
Layers
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
- 2 heath bars chopped
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Crush graham crackers in the sleeve, using a food processor, or rolling pin. Mix with melted butter and pour mixture into a greased 8” square baking dish.
- Sprinkle crust with chocolate chips, then butterscotch chips, chopped heath bars, nuts and coconut. Pour sweetened condensed evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool before serving. (I like to refrigerate mine for a few hours before serving so they are easier to get out of the pan, to cut and hold the “layers” better.)
