7-Layer Magic Bars Caramel

Featured in: Sweet Heat Treats

These bars feature a crisp graham cracker crust layered with semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts. Sweetened condensed milk binds the layers during baking, creating a chewy texture. Once cooled, a luscious sea salt caramel drizzle enhances the balance of sweet and salty flavors. They are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, with optional toasting of coconut and nuts for richer taste.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:53:00 GMT
Golden, gooey 7-Layer Magic Bars topped with sea salt caramel, a perfect dessert recipe. Save
Golden, gooey 7-Layer Magic Bars topped with sea salt caramel, a perfect dessert recipe. | fireandbites.com

Decadent, chewy dessert bars layered with chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, and nuts, finished with a luscious sea salt caramel drizzle for the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat.

I first enjoyed making these bars for a family gathering and they quickly became the star dessert everyone requests.

Ingredients

  • Base: 1 1/2 cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter melted
  • Layers: 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup (170 g) butterscotch chips, 1 cup (90 g) sweetened shredded coconut, 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans or walnuts, 1 (14 oz/400 ml) can sweetened condensed milk
  • Caramel Drizzle: 1/2 cup (120 ml) store-bought caramel sauce or homemade caramel sauce, 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions

Preheat oven:
350°F (175°C) Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal
Make crust:
Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust
Add layers:
Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust followed by butterscotch chips coconut and chopped nuts
Add condensed milk:
Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire surface making sure to cover all layers
Bake:
Bake for 25 30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan
Drizzle caramel:
Once cooled drizzle caramel sauce over the bars and sprinkle with flaky sea salt
Serve:
Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper Cut into 16 squares and serve
Chewy texture and sweet-salty flavors burst in these homemade 7-Layer Magic Bars for dessert tonight. Save
Chewy texture and sweet-salty flavors burst in these homemade 7-Layer Magic Bars for dessert tonight. | fireandbites.com

These bars always bring smiles when shared at holiday parties and family celebrations.

Notes

For a richer flavor toast the coconut and nuts before layering Substitute walnuts with almonds or cashews if desired Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine

Required Tools

9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan Mixing bowls Measuring cups and spoons Parchment paper Spatula

Allergen Information

Contains dairy gluten (unless using gluten-free graham crackers) tree nuts coconut and soy (in chocolate/butterscotch chips) Always check labels for potential hidden allergens

A close-up of delicious 7-Layer Magic Bars, drizzled with caramel and sea salt, ready to enjoy. Save
A close-up of delicious 7-Layer Magic Bars, drizzled with caramel and sea salt, ready to enjoy. | fireandbites.com

Enjoy these bars as a perfect treat to impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth any time.

Common Questions

Can I substitute nuts in the bars?

Yes, walnuts can be swapped for almonds or cashews depending on your preference or allergy needs.

How do I achieve a chewier texture?

Using sweetened condensed milk and baking until edges are golden ensures the bars remain moist and chewy inside.

Is it necessary to toast the coconut and nuts?

Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a subtle crunch but is optional based on your taste.

What is the best way to remove bars from the pan?

Using parchment paper overhang allows easy lifting of the bars from the pan without sticking or breaking.

How should these bars be stored?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and texture.

7-Layer Magic Bars Caramel

Chewy chocolate, butterscotch, and nut layers topped with sea salt caramel drizzle in a sweet, satisfying bar.

Setup Duration
20 min
Time at Heat
30 min
Complete Duration
50 min
Created by Logan Hayes

Recipe Type Sweet Heat Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background American

Output 16 Portion Count

Special Diet Info Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Base

01 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Layers

01 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
02 1 cup butterscotch chips
03 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
04 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
05 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Caramel Drizzle

01 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
02 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Method Steps

Phase 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Phase 02

Form Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press firmly into bottom of prepared pan to create an even crust.

Phase 03

Layer Ingredients: Evenly sprinkle chocolate chips over crust, followed by butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts.

Phase 04

Add Condensed Milk: Slowly pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over all layers, ensuring complete coverage.

Phase 05

Bake Bars: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until edges are golden and center is set. Remove from oven and let cool completely in pan.

Phase 06

Apply Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over cooled bars and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Phase 07

Cut and Serve: Use parchment overhang to lift bars from pan. Cut into 16 squares and serve.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy, gluten (unless gluten-free graham crackers are used), tree nuts, coconut, and soy (in chocolate and butterscotch chips).
  • Check ingredient labels for potential hidden allergens.

Dietary Information (Single Portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific dietary advice.
  • Energy Content: 320
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 4 g