7 Layer Bars: The Ultimate Gooey Treat for Any Occasion

Oh my gosh, have you ever tasted something so good it makes you do a little happy dance? That’s what happens every time I bite into 7 Layer Bars. They’re like magic—sweet, gooey, crunchy, and oh-so-yummy.

The best part? These bars are super easy to make. You don’t need to be a fancy chef, I promise. Just layer all the good stuff in a pan, and boom—dessert heaven!

Imagine chocolate chips, coconut, and caramel all in one bite. Sounds amazing, right? You’re gonna want to make these every single week (or maybe every single day!).

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and let’s make some! Trust me, you’ll be hooked after the first bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: No fancy equipment or complicated steps here. You just layer, bake, and enjoy.
• Customizable: Love peanut butter? Swap the butterscotch chips for peanut butter chips. Not a fan of nuts? Leave them out. It’s your dessert, your way.
• Rich and Decadent: Each bite is bursting with chocolate, coconut, and buttery goodness.
• Kid-Friendly: The layering process is so simple that kids can join in on the fun.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From birthdays to lazy weekends, these bars are always a hit.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper (optional but helpful for easy removal)
• Mixing bowl (for graham cracker crust)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or spoon for spreading layers

Ingredients for 7 Layer Bars

Here’s everything you need to make these gooey, delicious bars:

• 1 and 3/4 cups (205g) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (224g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (112g) white chocolate chips
• 1 cup (112g) butterscotch chips
• 1/2 cup (58g) chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 cup (180g) sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 can (14oz) sweetened condensed milk

Variations for 7 Layer Bars

• Nut-Free: Omit the nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds or additional chocolate chips.
• Add Peanut Butter: Drizzle melted peanut butter over the top before baking for a nutty twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free dessert.
• Dark Chocolate Version: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a deeper flavor.
• Salted Caramel: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top after baking for a sweet-and-salty combo.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Trust me, this will make cleanup a breeze later.

2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and look like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust. This step is the foundation of all that gooey magic.

3. Layer the Ingredients

Now comes the fun part – layering! Follow this order:

1. Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle them evenly over the crust.
2. White Chocolate Chips: Add these for a creamy contrast.
3. Butterscotch Chips: These add a caramel-like sweetness that’s hard to resist.
4. Chopped Nuts: Scatter the walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch.
5. Shredded Coconut: This is what gives the bars their iconic chewy texture.
6. Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour it slowly and evenly over the top. This is the glue that holds everything together.

4. Bake the Bars

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is slightly bubbly. Your kitchen will smell AMAZING at this point – try not to sneak a taste just yet!

5. Cool Completely

Once out of the oven, let the bars cool in the dish for at least 2 hours. This allows them to set properly. If you’re impatient (like me), you can pop them in the fridge to speed up the process.

6. Slice and Serve

Once cooled, slice the bars into squares or rectangles. You should get about 24 bars, depending on how big you cut them. Enjoy the gooey, chewy, chocolaty goodness!

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve 7 Layer Bars

These bars are perfect as-is, but if you want to take them up a notch, here are some serving ideas:

• With Ice Cream: Warm up a bar and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Drizzled with Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: Add an extra drizzle of caramel or melted chocolate on top.
• Topped with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream makes these bars feel extra fancy.
• As a Gift: Wrap them in parchment paper and tie them with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift.

Storing 7 Layer Bars

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• In the Refrigerator: These bars can last up to 10 days in the fridge. They’ll stay firmer and are just as delicious.
• In the Freezer: Freeze the bars in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
1 Bar	~200	10g	25g	2g

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients used.)

7 Layer Bars FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars are great for making ahead. Bake them the night before your event and store them in the fridge overnight. They’ll taste even better the next day.

What’s the best way to cut these bars?

For clean cuts, chill the bars in the fridge first. Then use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just use a larger pan or bake in two separate dishes. Keep an eye on the baking time; it might need a few extra minutes.

Conclusion

7 Layer Bars are the dessert equivalent of a hug in food form—simple, sweet, and universally loved. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or hoarding them for yourself, they’ll quickly become a household favorite. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare for dessert magic!