7-Layer Magic Bars Caramel

Featured in: Classic American Desserts

These decadent bars combine layers of graham cracker crust, semi-sweet chocolate, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and nuts, all baked under a generous pour of sweetened condensed milk. After baking, they are cooled and topped with a luscious caramel drizzle sprinkled with flaky sea salt, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Toasting the coconut and nuts enhances richness, while substitutions like almonds or cashews offer versatility. Ideal for easy serving and pairs well with coffee or dessert wine.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:24:00 GMT
Golden, layered 7-Layer Magic Bars with sea salt caramel glistening on top, a delicious dessert. Save
Golden, layered 7-Layer Magic Bars with sea salt caramel glistening on top, a delicious dessert. | epicurestates.com

Decadent and chewy, these 7-Layer Magic Bars feature layers of chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, and nuts, brought together with a luscious sea salt caramel drizzle for the ultimate sweet-and-salty dessert experience.

I remember making these for the first time when my friends visited. The gooey caramel with hints of flaky salt made everyone reach for seconds. It was the highlight of our evening!

Ingredients

  • Graham cracker crumbs: 1 1/2 cups (150 g)
  • Unsalted butter (melted): 1/2 cup (115 g)
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup (170 g)
  • Butterscotch chips: 1 cup (170 g)
  • Sweetened shredded coconut: 1 cup (90 g)
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts: 1 cup (120 g)
  • Sweetened condensed milk: 1 (14 oz/400 ml) can
  • Caramel sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml), store-bought or homemade
  • Flaky sea salt: 1/2 teaspoon

Instructions

Prepare Baking Pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
Make Crust:
Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a medium bowl. Press firmly into the pan to form a crust.
Layer Ingredients:
Sprinkle chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and chopped nuts evenly over the crust.
Add Condensed Milk:
Pour sweetened condensed milk over all layers, covering completely.
Bake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set. Cool completely in the pan.
Finish and Serve:
Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Lift out using parchment paper, cut into 16 squares, and serve.
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My kids always ask for these magic bars at bake sales. They love helping with drizzling the caramel, and it's become our little tradition before school events.

Required Tools

You'll need a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan, a set of mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, parchment paper, and a spatula to assemble these delicious bars.

Allergen Information

This dessert contains dairy, gluten (unless using gluten-free graham crackers), tree nuts, coconut, and soy (found in most chocolate and butterscotch chips). Always check product labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each bar provides approximately 320 calories, 18 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein per serving.

Chewy homemade 7-Layer Magic Bars featuring chocolate, butterscotch, and nuts, drizzled with caramel. Save
Chewy homemade 7-Layer Magic Bars featuring chocolate, butterscotch, and nuts, drizzled with caramel. | epicurestates.com

Enjoy these bars fresh or save them for a special occasion. Their irresistible layers and salty-sweet finish make every bite memorable.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute nuts in the bars?

Yes, walnuts can be swapped for almonds or cashews without altering the texture significantly.

Is it necessary to toast the coconut and nuts?

Toasting enriches flavors and adds a subtle crunch but is optional.

How long do these bars stay fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Can I use gluten-free graham crackers?

Absolutely, using gluten-free graham crackers makes this suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

What does the sea salt caramel drizzle add?

The drizzle brings a luscious, sweet-and-salty finish that complements the rich layers.

7-Layer Magic Bars Caramel

Chewy bars layered with chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, nuts, finished with sea salt caramel drizzle.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
50 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 16 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

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

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare 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 mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust.

Phase 03

Assemble layers: Evenly sprinkle chocolate chips over the crust, followed by butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts.

Phase 04

Add condensed milk: Slowly pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring full coverage.

Phase 05

Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until edges turn golden brown and the center is set. Remove and cool completely in the pan.

Phase 06

Apply caramel drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle caramel sauce over the bars and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Phase 07

Serve: Lift bars from the pan using the parchment paper, cut into 16 squares, and serve.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy, gluten (unless gluten-free crackers used), tree nuts, coconut, and soy.
  • Check labels for hidden allergens in chocolate and butterscotch chips.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein: 4 g