Seven Layer Bars

I woke up this weekend to the sound of thunder and rain splattering against my bedroom window. It felt cold and empty, so I decided to make my all time favorite dessert, Seven Layer Bars (also known as Magic Bars). I first learned of this delicious dessert when my college roommate would bring a large batch back to school upon returning from break. They’re a mix between a cookie and a candy bar. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (I like Dryer's "Slow Churned" Vanilla Bean) makes the perfect combination.

I am a huge fan of coconut, especially on desserts. I guess that's what makes these bars so appealing.

Seven-Layer Bars

1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

1 stick unsalted butter

9 graham crackers (5 ounces), crushed

1 cup finely chopped walnuts

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

½ cup white chocolate chips

½ cup Reese's peanut butter chips

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1. Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Line the pan with two overlapping pieces of foil or parchment paper (parchment paper works best), leaving overhang to act as handles for lifting the bars out of the pan. Spray with non-stick spray.

2. Spread the coconut on a baking sheet and bake until the outer flakes just begin to brown, about 4 minutes. (Keep a close eye on it – coconut can go from slightly browned to burnt in a matter of seconds. You don't want it burned.) Set aside.

3. Melt the butter and combine with graham cracker crumbs in a small bowl. Toss with your fingers until the butter is evenly distributed. Press the crumbs evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan.

4. In order, sprinkle the walnuts, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, Reese's peanut butter chips, and coconut over the graham crumbs. Pour the condensed milk evenly over the entire dish.

5. Bake until the top is golden brown, about 25 minutes. Cool in the pan on a wire rack to room temperature, about 2 hours.

6.  Using a sharp knife, cut into 2 by 3-inch bars. Remove the bars from the pan using a spatula.


love, julie