Classic Seven Layer Bars Recipe [Chocolate Coconut Dessert]

Looking for an easy dessert that everyone will rave about? These Seven Layer Bars are rich, gooey, and loaded with delicious layers of flavor! Made with simple pantry staples like graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk, this crowd-pleasing treat comes together in one pan with zero fuss. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just want something sweet and satisfying, these classic magic cookie bars never disappoint!

Why You’ll Love Seven Layer Bars

• They’re incredibly easy to make – All you need is one pan and a few simple ingredients. No need to stir, no need to mix—just layer and bake! Perfect for busy days when you want something sweet without the mess.

• They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – These bars are always the first dessert to disappear at parties, potlucks, or bake sales. The gooey texture and mix of flavors are totally addictive. Everyone loves them—kids and adults alike!

• So rich and satisfying – Between the chocolate, butterscotch, nuts, and coconut, every bite is packed with indulgent flavor. The sweetened condensed milk holds everything together for a chewy, delicious treat. One bar goes a long way!

• Perfect for making ahead – These bars store beautifully and can even be frozen. Great for holiday baking or prepping for a party in advance. Just pull them out when you’re ready to serve!

• Customizable with your favorite mix-ins – Don’t like butterscotch? Swap it for peanut butter chips! Want to make them festive? Add holiday-colored candy on top. You can easily make this recipe your own!

Ingredients For Seven Layer Bars

• Unsalted Butter – This melts in the pan and creates a rich, buttery base for the crust.

• Graham Cracker Crumbs – These form the first layer and give the bars a crunchy, cookie-like foundation.

• Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Adds rich chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the other sweet layers.

• Butterscotch Chips – Brings a sweet, caramel-like taste that complements the chocolate.

• Chopped Walnuts – Adds crunch and nutty flavor to balance out the sweetness.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk – This sticky-sweet layer binds everything together and gives the bars their chewy texture.

• Shredded Sweetened Coconut – Sprinkled on top for flavor, texture, and a toasty finish after baking.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Seven Layer Bars

• 13×9 Inch Baking Dish – The perfect size for evenly layering and baking the bars.

• Measuring Cups – For accurate measurements of all your ingredients.

• Measuring Spoons – Handy for smaller ingredients like butter or toppings if needed.

• Spatula or Spoon – Helps spread layers evenly in the pan.

• Mixing Bowl (Optional) – You can use it if you want to pre-mix your graham cracker crumbs and butter before pressing into the pan.

How To Make Seven Layer Bars

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the butter directly in a 13×9 pan to melt while the oven heats.

• Once melted, carefully tilt the pan to coat the entire bottom and sides with butter.

• Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the melted butter and press down lightly to form the crust.

• Evenly layer the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chopped walnuts over the graham cracker base.

• Slowly drizzle the sweetened condensed milk all over the top to help it soak into the layers.

• Finish by sprinkling shredded coconut evenly across the surface.

• Bake until the edges are golden brown and the center is set, about 25 minutes.

• Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these Seven Layer Bars on a pretty dessert tray for parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. They look festive and taste even better!

• Cut them into small squares for bite-sized treats that are easy to grab and enjoy.

• Pair with a cup of Turkish coffee, honey tea, or cold vanilla milkshake for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

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• Add them to a cookie box or dessert platter along with cheesecake brownies, swirl sugar cookies, and chocolate fudge for a variety of sweet options.

• Drizzle a little chocolate frosting or vanilla buttercream on top before serving for an extra indulgent touch.

Tips For Success

• Melt the butter right in the baking dish – This saves an extra dish and ensures the bottom and corners are well-greased so the bars won’t stick. Just tilt the pan gently to coat all sides.

• Press the graham cracker crumbs gently – After sprinkling them over the melted butter, press them down lightly to form the crust. A measuring cup or spoon works great—don’t pack it too tightly.

• Layer the ingredients without mixing – Simply sprinkle the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chopped nuts in even layers. Don’t stir—just stack each one on top of the other.

• Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly – Pour it slowly so it covers the surface as much as possible. It will spread during baking and bind all the layers together.

• Watch closely near the end of baking – You want the coconut to toast and the edges to turn golden, but not burn. Every oven is different, so check around the 20-minute mark.

• Let the bars cool completely before cutting – This helps them firm up and makes cleaner slices. Cutting too soon will cause them to fall apart.

• Chill before slicing for neater bars – Refrigerating the pan for 30 minutes makes cutting easier. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices.

• Serve in small squares – These bars are super rich and gooey, so a little goes a long way. Perfect for bite-sized treats!

Variations And Substitutions

• Swap the chips for different flavors – Use peanut butter chips for a nutty twist, white chocolate chips for a creamier flavor, or dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet version.

• Change up the nuts – Replace walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. You can also skip the nuts entirely if needed.

• Add festive touches for holidays – Try red and green M&Ms for Christmas, pastel candies for Easter, or orange and black candies for Halloween. Sprinkles work too!

• Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and check all labels to ensure the other ingredients are safe. Most of the layers are naturally gluten-free.

• Make it dairy-free – Use vegan butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed coconut milk. You can also find dairy-free butterscotch chips online.

• Try fun tropical or mocha twists – Add dried pineapple or macadamia nuts for a tropical flavor. Mix instant espresso powder into the graham crumbs for a mocha version.

• Add salty or crunchy elements – Toss in chopped pretzels or sprinkle sea salt on top before baking. It adds a fun contrast to the sweet layers.

• Customize your way – This recipe is super flexible. Mix and match your favorite ingredients to make it perfect for any party or craving!

Storage and Reheating

• These Seven Layer Bars store beautifully, making them perfect for make-ahead desserts or leftovers. Once the bars are completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. You can store them at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate them to keep them firm and fresh even longer—up to 10 days.
• To freeze, arrange the bars in a single layer or place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let the bars thaw at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
• These bars don’t need to be reheated, as they’re best enjoyed at room temperature. But if you prefer them a little warm and gooey, pop a slice in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. Just be careful—they get hot fast because of the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Seven Layer Bars ahead of time?

Yes! Seven Layer Bars are perfect for making ahead. They stay fresh for several days and actually taste even better after sitting overnight. You can store them at room temperature or in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Do I need to use parchment paper or foil in the pan?

It’s optional, but using parchment paper can make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan for cutting. If you don’t use it, just be sure to coat the baking dish well with melted butter so the bars don’t stick.

What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?

No problem! You can crush whole graham crackers in a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. You’ll need about 10 to 12 full-size crackers to make 1½ cups of crumbs.

Can I leave out the coconut?

Yes, you can skip the coconut if you prefer or if someone in your family doesn’t like it. The bars will still turn out delicious and hold together well, though they’ll be missing that toasty texture on top.

Are these bars very sweet?

Yes—they’re definitely on the rich and sweet side! That’s why we recommend cutting them into small squares. A little goes a long way, and even a small piece is super satisfying.

Can I use different kinds of chocolate?

Absolutely. Semisweet chocolate is classic, but you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a mix. White chocolate works too if you want a sweeter, creamier flavor profile.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing the bars?

Let the bars cool completely before slicing. For extra clean edges, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes, then use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Do I need to refrigerate these bars?

They don’t need refrigeration if eaten within a few days, but storing them in the fridge keeps them firmer and makes them last longer. If you like your bars extra chewy and cool, the fridge is a great option.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in two 13×9 pans or use a larger sheet pan if you have one. Just keep an eye on the baking time—larger batches may need a few more minutes in the oven.

Are these good for gifting or cookie boxes?

Definitely! These bars hold up well during transport and look beautiful in dessert tins or cookie boxes. Just be sure to separate layers with wax paper or parchment so they don’t stick together.

Other Easy Bar Recipes

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M&M Cookie Bars – Loaded with colorful candy-coated chocolates, these festive cookie bars are soft, chewy, and perfect for any holiday party.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars – These moist pumpkin bars are filled with warm spices and melty chocolate chips for the ultimate fall treat.

Greek Honey Sesame Snack Bars – Made with just two ingredients, these traditional Greek pasteli bars are naturally sweet, crunchy, and totally addictive.

Peanut Butter Cheerios Bars – No-bake and super easy, these peanut butter cereal bars are a quick and tasty treat the whole family will love.

Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Bars – These healthy breakfast bars are naturally sweetened and perfect for a grab-and-go vegan, gluten-free start to your day.

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