The Best 7 Layer Bars
When it comes to indulgent desserts, few can rival the scrumptiousness of The Best 7 Layer Bars. Bursting with layers of flavors and textures, these delightful treats are a crowd-pleaser at parties, potlucks, or simply as a sweet pick-me-up during a busy week. Each bite packs a punch of chocolatey goodness, crunchy nuts, and a hint of coconut, making them utterly irresistible. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will leave everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe!
Why Cooks Rave About It
The Best 7 Layer Bars are adored by home bakers for their versatility and ease of preparation. The layers create a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture. From the buttery graham cracker base to the gooey sweetened condensed milk that binds everything together, each layer complements the others perfectly. Plus, these bars are easy to customize! Love nuts? Add more! Prefer a different type of chocolate? Go for it! They are perfect for any occasion and can be made ahead of time, making them a go-to dessert for busy schedules.
What to Buy
To make The Best 7 Layer Bars, ensure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup shredded coconut, divided
- ½ cup white chocolate discs or chips
- ½ cup bittersweet chocolate discs or chips
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate discs or chips
- ½ cup chopped, toasted pecans
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
Must-Have Equipment
Before you begin baking, gather the necessary equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan – This is the perfect size to hold all those delicious layers.
- Parchment paper – Helps with easy removal of your bars after baking.
- Mixing bowl – For combining your ingredients smoothly.
- Rubber spatula – Ideal for spreading and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Precision is key in baking!
- Oven mitts – Safety first when handling hot pans!
The Best 7 Layer Bars Made Stepwise
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This step is crucial for achieving perfect bars.
Step 3: Make the Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Mix until well combined. Then, add the graham cracker crumbs and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Step 4: Press the Base into the Pan
Evenly press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to ensure it is compact and uniform.
Step 5: Layer the Goodies
Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded coconut over the graham cracker base, followed by the white chocolate chips, bittersweet chocolate chips, and semisweet chocolate chips.
Step 6: Add the Pecans
Evenly distribute the chopped, toasted pecans over the layers. The crunch from the pecans will complement the gooey chocolate beautifully.
Step 7: Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of the layered ingredients. This will bind everything together during baking.
Step 8: Finish with Coconut
Finally, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded coconut over the top. This adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Step 10: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before using the parchment paper to lift them out. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
If You’re Out Of…
If you find yourself missing an ingredient, here are some quick substitutions:
- Butter – Use coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
- Brown sugar – You can substitute with coconut sugar or white sugar mixed with molasses.
- Graham cracker crumbs – Crushed digestive biscuits or cookie crumbs work well.
- Sweetened condensed milk – Make a homemade version using milk and sugar or use evaporated milk with a sweetener.
Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary
The Best 7 Layer Bars are truly a delightful dessert that can be tailored to your tastes. Here are some notes to keep in mind:
- For extra richness, consider adding a layer of caramel sauce between the chocolate layers.
- Feel free to mix and match the types of chocolate used; dark chocolate can add a sophisticated touch.
- To toast pecans, simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, though they never last that long!
Save It for Later
These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Simply bake, cool, and store them in an airtight container. They also freeze beautifully! You can wrap them in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving for a quick and easy treat!
Ask the Chef
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans add a wonderful flavor and crunch, feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorites.
How do I know when The Best 7 Layer Bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A slight jiggle in the middle is fine, as they will firm up as they cool.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or ground almonds for a gluten-free version.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. You can also refrigerate the bars for a bit to make them firmer before slicing.
Hungry for More?
If you love The Best 7 Layer Bars, you might enjoy trying other delightful treats like chocolate chip cookies, blondies, or brownies. Each recipe brings its own unique flavors and textures, ensuring that there’s always something sweet to satisfy your cravings.
The Best 7 Layer Bars are an irresistible treat that combines various flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or simply to enjoy at home, they are sure to impress. With their easy preparation and customizable nature, you can make them your own. So grab your ingredients, gather your equipment, and get ready to indulge in these delightful bars that are bound to become a favorite in your household!
The Best 7 Layer Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the bars bake evenly.
- Line your 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Mix until well combined. Then, add the graham cracker crumbs and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Evenly press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded coconut over the graham cracker base, followed by the white chocolate chips, bittersweet chocolate chips, and semisweet chocolate chips.
- Evenly distribute the chopped, toasted pecans over the layers.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of the layered ingredients.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded coconut over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before using the parchment paper to lift them out. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For extra richness, consider adding a layer of caramel sauce between the chocolate layers.
- Feel free to mix and match the types of chocolate used; dark chocolate can add a sophisticated touch.
- To toast pecans, simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
