Pin this 7-Layer Magic Bars with Salted Caramel Drizzle are a beloved American dessert that brings together a perfect medley of textures and flavors. Layers of semisweet chocolate, butterscotch, shredded coconut, and crunchy nuts rest on a buttery graham cracker crust, all crowned with a decadent salted caramel drizzle that balances sweet and salty notes beautifully. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, these bars are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Pin this This recipe is perfect for those moments when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The layers build upon each other for a delightful texture contrast, while the homemade salted caramel drizzle takes these bars from simple to extraordinary. Baking fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes waiting all the more rewarding.
Ingredients
- Crust
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- Layers
- 1 cup (170 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (170 g) butterscotch chips
- 1 cup (85 g) sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 (14 oz / 400 ml) can sweetened condensed milk
- Salted Caramel Drizzle
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) water
- 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp (3 g) flaky sea salt
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- 2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- 3. Layer chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts evenly over the crust.
- 4. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top, covering all layers.
- 5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are golden and center is set. Cool completely in the pan.
- 6. Meanwhile, prepare the salted caramel drizzle: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves, then cook without stirring until deep amber, about 5–7 minutes.
- 7. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in butter, then cream (mixture will bubble). Stir in flaky sea salt. Let cool to room temperature.
- 8. Drizzle cooled salted caramel over the cooled bars. Lift bars from pan using parchment, cut into 16 squares, and serve.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure even baking, press the crust firmly and spread the layers evenly. Use high-quality chips for the best flavor, and allow the bars to cool completely before drizzling caramel to prevent it from sinking in. If the caramel hardens too much, gently warm it to restore drizzle consistency.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version. For added crunch, consider using toasted coconut. Gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and dairy-free butter can be substituted to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Serviervorschläge
These bars are delightful on their own or paired with a cup of fresh coffee or a cold glass of milk. They also make a wonderful sweet treat to bring along to potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings.
Pin this This classic 7-Layer Magic Bars recipe elevates a traditional favorite with the addition of homemade salted caramel, creating a delicious balance of flavors and textures that is sure to become a staple dessert in your collection. Simple, satisfying, and irresistibly sweet, these bars embody comfort in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute nuts in the bars?
Yes, pecans can be replaced with walnuts or omitted entirely for a nut-free version without sacrificing the delicious texture.
- → How do I make the salted caramel drizzle?
Cook sugar and water over medium heat until amber, then whisk in butter and cream, finishing with flaky sea salt for a smooth caramel topping.
- → What is the best way to store these bars?
Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Can I use toasted coconut in this dessert?
Absolutely, toasted coconut adds extra crunch and a deeper flavor that complements the other layers beautifully.
- → What pan size is recommended for baking?
A 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) pan works best for even baking and easy removal using parchment paper.