7-Layer Magic Bars

Featured in: Warm Baked Goods

These 7-layer magic bars combine rich layers of chocolate chips, butterscotch, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts all baked over a graham cracker crust. Sweetened condensed milk binds the layers into a chewy, decadent confection. Finished with a salted caramel drizzle made from sugar, butter, cream, and sea salt, these bars offer a satisfying balance of sweetness and depth. Ideal for a quick bake, they deliver complex textures and flavors in every bite, perfect for sharing or gifting.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 11:10:00 GMT
Golden-brown 7-Layer Magic Bars with gooey chocolate and salted caramel drizzle, ready to enjoy. Save
Golden-brown 7-Layer Magic Bars with gooey chocolate and salted caramel drizzle, ready to enjoy. | olivedune.com

A decadent, chewy dessert bar layered with chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, nuts, and a luscious salted caramel drizzle — a truly magical treat perfect for any sweet tooth.

The first time I made these magic bars, they disappeared within minutes at a family movie night. Everyone loved the sweet and salty twist from the caramel drizzle, and they've become our go-to treat for celebrations.

Ingredients

  • Graham cracker crumbs: 1 1/2 cups (180 g)
  • Unsalted butter (melted): 1/2 cup (115 g)
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup (180 g)
  • Butterscotch chips: 1 cup (180 g)
  • Sweetened shredded coconut: 1 cup (120 g)
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans: 1/2 cup (60 g)
  • Sweetened condensed milk: 1 cup (300 ml)
  • Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
  • Water: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
  • Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp (30 g)
  • Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
  • Flaky sea salt: 1/2 tsp

Instructions

Prepare pan and crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until combined. Press evenly into pan.
Add layers:
Sprinkle chocolate chips over crust, followed by butterscotch chips, coconut, and chopped nuts.
Finish with condensed milk:
Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layers.
Bake:
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until edges are golden and the center is set. Cool completely in the pan.
Make salted caramel:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir until dissolved, then stop stirring and cook until the mixture turns deep amber (about 4 to 5 minutes). Remove from heat, whisk in butter, then slowly whisk in heavy cream. Stir in sea salt and let cool slightly.
Drizzle and cut:
Drizzle cooled caramel over the bars. Let set, then lift bars from pan and cut into squares.
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| olivedune.com

Every holiday, my little ones help sprinkle the layers and drizzle that final touch of caramel. Sharing these bars fresh from the pan always brings lots of giggles and sticky fingers in the kitchen.

Required Tools

You'll need a 9x9-inch pan, mixing bowls, a saucepan, a whisk, measuring cups and spoons, and parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains dairy, tree nuts, gluten (unless using gluten-free crackers), coconut, and possible soy. Always check each ingredient label for allergen safety.

Nutritional Information

Each bar contains about 285 calories, 17 g total fat, 33 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.

A square of rich, decadent 7-Layer Magic Bars topped with a glistening, salted caramel swirl. Save
A square of rich, decadent 7-Layer Magic Bars topped with a glistening, salted caramel swirl. | olivedune.com

These 7-layer magic bars are pure comfort dessert — a perfect party treat that's as fun to make as it is to eat. Enjoy each chewy, gooey bite!

Cooking Questions & Answers

Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?

Yes, pecans or almonds can be used instead to add different nutty flavors and textures.

How do I make the salted caramel drizzle?

Cook sugar and water until amber, remove from heat, then whisk in butter, cream, and sea salt for a smooth drizzle.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to keep the base gluten-free while maintaining texture.

What is the best way to ensure even layers?

Sprinkle each layer evenly across the crust before pouring the condensed milk for uniform texture and flavor.

How long should the bars cool before cutting?

Allow the bars to cool completely and set to firm up for clean, neat squares when sliced.

7-Layer Magic Bars

A luscious treat with chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, nuts, and salted caramel layers.

Prep Duration
20 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Overall Duration
50 min
Creator: Clara Moretti


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Serves 16 Portions

Dietary Info Vegetarian-Friendly

What You Need

Crust

01 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Layers

01 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
02 1 cup butterscotch chips
03 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
04 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
05 1 cup sweetened condensed milk

Salted Caramel Drizzle

01 1/2 cup granulated sugar
02 2 tablespoons water
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 1/4 cup heavy cream
05 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Steps

Step 01

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 02

Form Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until evenly mixed. Press firmly into the prepared pan to create an even base.

Step 03

Add Layers: Evenly distribute the chocolate chips over the crust, followed sequentially by butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts.

Step 04

Pour Condensed Milk: Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over all layered ingredients.

Step 05

Bake Bars: Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until edges turn golden and center is set. Allow to cool completely in the pan.

Step 06

Prepare Salted Caramel Drizzle: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir until dissolved, then let cook undisturbed until deep amber color develops (4–5 minutes). Remove from heat, whisk in butter, then gradually add heavy cream while whisking. Stir in sea salt and let cool slightly.

Step 07

Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the slightly cooled caramel over the bars. Allow to set, then use parchment overhang to lift bars from the pan and cut into 16 squares.

Essential Tools

  • 9x9-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Notice

Always review each component for allergens, and reach out to medical experts if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy, tree nuts, coconut, gluten (unless using gluten-free crackers), and may contain soy.

Nutrition Breakdown (each portion)

These details are for general advice—please consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance.
  • Energy (kcal): 285
  • Lipids: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 3 g