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Chewy 7-Layer Bars

chewy 7-layer bars recipe - featured image

These chewy 7-layer bars combine layers of chocolate, coconut, and nuts into a quick and easy homemade dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (170 g) butterscotch chips
  • 1 cup (80 g) sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup (120 g) chopped toasted nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the lining.
  2. In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until crumbs are evenly coated and mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust. Spread gently with a spatula to cover the crust completely without mixing.
  4. Sprinkle evenly over the condensed milk in this order: chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped toasted nuts.
  5. Lightly sprinkle vanilla extract and a pinch of salt over the top.
  6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until edges are bubbly and golden and center looks set but still soft. Avoid overbaking to keep bars chewy.
  7. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack, about 1 to 2 hours. For firmer bars, refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting.
  8. Use foil overhang to lift bars from pan. Slice into 24 squares with a sharp knife, wiping knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Do not overbake to maintain chewy texture. Cool bars completely before cutting to prevent crumbling. Toast nuts lightly before adding for enhanced flavor. Rotate pan halfway through baking for even cooking. For extra fudginess, add 1/4 cup melted butter or swap half the chocolate chips for chopped chocolate bars.

Nutrition

Keywords: 7-layer bars, chewy dessert bars, easy dessert, homemade bars, chocolate coconut bars, butterscotch bars, nutty dessert