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.
When I made these magic bars for a family party, everyone asked for the recipe right away. They disappeared quicker than anything else on the dessert table, and the kids loved helping drizzle the caramel on top.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: 1 1/2 cups (180 g)
- Unsalted butter (melted): 1/2 cup (115 g)
- 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: 2 tbsp (30 g)
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Flaky sea salt: 1/2 tsp
Instructions
- Prep Baking Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, letting some overhang for easy bar removal.
- Make Crust:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press into the pan for an even base.
- Add Layers:
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over the crust, then butterscotch chips, then coconut, and finally chopped nuts.
- Pour Sweetened Condensed Milk:
- Drizzle condensed milk evenly over all layered ingredients.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until edges are golden and the center is set. Cool in the pan.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle:
- In a small saucepan, heat sugar and water until dissolved. Let cook (do not stir) until deep amber (about 4 to 5 minutes). Off the heat, whisk in butter, then slowly add cream while whisking. Stir in sea salt. Cool slightly.
- Finish & Serve:
- Drizzle cooled caramel over bars, let set, then use parchment to lift and cut into squares.
Save Last holiday season, we made these bars for the annual cookie exchange. My children enjoyed arranging the layers and proudly shared them with our neighbors.
Required Tools
9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, saucepan, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter, condensed milk, cream), tree nuts (walnuts/pecans), gluten (unless gluten-free crackers are used), coconut, and may contain soy (in chocolate/butterscotch chips). Double-check ingredient labels when needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 bar): Calories 285, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 33 g, Protein 3 g
Save Serve these bars at parties or pack them as a sweet lunchbox treat. Their chewy, caramel-laced texture makes every bite memorable.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I ensure the crust holds together well?
Using melted butter mixed thoroughly with graham cracker crumbs helps the crust bind firmly when pressed into the pan.
- → Can I substitute nuts in the layers?
Yes, walnuts can be replaced with pecans or almonds to alter the flavor and texture.
- → What is the best way to make the salted caramel drizzle?
Cook sugar and water until amber, then whisk in butter, heavy cream, and sea salt until smooth before drizzling.
- → How can I make this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use certified gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust to keep the bars gluten-free.
- → How should the bars be stored after baking?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness.