Save A decadent, chewy dessert bar layered with chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, nuts, and a luscious salted caramel drizzle — a truly magical treat perfect for any sweet tooth.
The first time I baked these magic bars, my kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of caramel and toasted coconut. Watching the golden caramel drizzle transform a simple pan of bars into something extra-special always brings back memories of sharing homemade treats with friends.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: 1 1/2 cups (180 g)
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115 g), melted
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup (180 g)
- Butterscotch chips: 1 cup (180 g)
- Sweetened shredded coconut: 1 cup (120 g)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Sweetened condensed milk: 1 cup (300 ml)
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Water: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
- Unsalted butter (for caramel): 2 tbsp (30 g)
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Flaky sea salt: 1/2 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the crust:
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined. Press firmly into the pan to form an even crust.
- Layer the ingredients:
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by butterscotch chips, then coconut, and finally the chopped nuts.
- Add condensed milk:
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layers.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are golden and the center is set. Cool completely in the pan.
- Make salted caramel drizzle:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir until dissolved, then stop stirring and cook until the mixture turns a deep amber color (4–5 minutes). Remove from heat, whisk in butter, then slowly add heavy cream while whisking. Stir in sea salt. Let cool slightly.
- Finish and serve:
- Drizzle the cooled caramel over the bars. Let set, then lift bars from the pan and cut into squares.
Pin it My kids love helping sprinkle the layers, and we always share fresh-baked bars at our weekend family gatherings. These moments make the treat even sweeter.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, saucepan, 9x9-inch pan, parchment paper, whisk, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy, tree nuts, gluten (unless using gluten-free crackers), coconut, and may contain soy.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 285, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 33 g, Protein: 3 g
Pin it Share these magic bars warm or chilled for an irresistible dessert everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What ingredients create the crust layer?
The crust is made from graham cracker crumbs combined with melted unsalted butter, pressed firmly into the pan for a sturdy base.
- → How is the salted caramel drizzle prepared?
Sugar and water are cooked until amber, then whisked with butter, heavy cream, and flaky sea salt to create a smooth caramel topping.
- → Can I use different nuts in the bars?
Yes, walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be used to vary the flavor and add a crunchy texture.
- → Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Substitute traditional graham crackers with gluten-free versions to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- → How long should the bars bake for optimal texture?
Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set but still chewy.