Seven Layer Bars
There’s something special about a treat that layers a variety of sweet flavors into one delightful bite. The Seven Layer Bars have become a cherished favorite in my home, bringing memories of family gatherings where the dessert plate was the center of attention. I remember my first experience with these bars — the way the melted chocolate and sweetened coconut danced together on my palate left an everlasting impression. Whether it’s a holiday celebration, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, these bars always hit the spot. They’re incredibly easy to make, which means you can whip them up confidently, even at the last minute. Each layer brings its own unique texture and flavor, making every bite an adventure. Let me tell you, once you take a bite, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Recipe Snapshot
40 mins
15 mins
25 mins
Easy
210 kcal
2 g
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
10 g
Chef’s Knife, Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan
What We Adore About This Seven Layer Bars
Irresistible Layers of Flavor
The beauty of Seven Layer Bars lies in their combination of ingredients that come together in a harmonious blend. Each layer contributes something unique — the buttery graham cracker base, the rich chocolate chips, and the sweetened coconut. The contrast of textures from crunchy to chewy makes every bite a delightful surprise.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These bars are incredibly versatile! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging yourself, they fit right in. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing. Once you make them, you’ll find they disappear in no time.
Easy to Prepare
Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, the Seven Layer Bars are a breeze to prepare. With minimal prep work and just a handful of ingredients, you can bring these delicious bars to life in no time.
Customizable to Your Taste
If you want to switch things up, these bars are incredibly customizable. You can add or substitute ingredients like nuts or different types of chips according to your preference. The possibilities are endless!
Great for Meal Prepping
One of my favorite things about the Seven Layer Bars is how well they store. Make a batch in advance and keep them in an airtight container for a quick snack or dessert throughout the week.
Classic Charm
The nostalgic charm of Seven Layer Bars keeps them a perennial favorite. They remind us of simpler times, filled with good company and sweet treats.
Essential Ingredients for Seven Layer Bars

Creating the perfect Seven Layer Bars relies on a few essential ingredients that work together beautifully. The rich flavors and textures these ingredients bring to the table create a truly irresistible dessert. Each one plays a crucial role, from the buttery base to the sweet toppings, ensuring that every layer is full of flavor and delight.
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted: This forms the rich, buttery base that holds everything together and adds moisture.
- 9 whole graham crackers, crushed: They provide a delightful crunch and sweetness, creating the perfect foundation for the layers.
- 1 cup of finely chopped pecans: These add a nutty flavor and an extra layer of crunch.
- 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips: They melt beautifully, contributing a rich chocolatey taste that complements the other layers.
- ½ cup of white chocolate chips: Their sweetness balances the darker chocolate, making the bars even more decadent.
- ½ cup of butterscotch chips: They add a unique flavor that elevates the overall taste experience.
- 1 cup of sweetened flaked coconut, toasted: The coconut provides a chewy texture and tropical flavor that ties the layers together.
- 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk: This is the glue that binds everything together, creating a luscious texture and sweetness.
Recipe Directions for Seven Layer Bars

Let’s dive right into making these delicious Seven Layer Bars. The process is straightforward, and you’ll be amazed at how your kitchen will fill with delightful aromas as they bake. Follow these steps to create a perfect batch!
- First, adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures even baking throughout the bars.
- Next, take a 9×13-inch baking pan and spray it with non-stick spray to prevent the bars from sticking. This small step makes a big difference!
- Line the pan with two overlapping pieces of foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang. This will act as handles later, making it easy to lift the bars out of the pan once they’re ready.
- Spray the lining with non-stick spray to make sure everything releases smoothly.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and crushed graham crackers. Toss them together with your fingers until the butter is evenly mixed throughout the crumbs.
- Spread the crumb mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan. This layer doesn’t need to be pressed flat; leaving some small bare spots is okay!
- Now, in this order, sprinkle the pecans, semisweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and finally the toasted coconut over the graham cracker crumbs. Take your time with this part to ensure even distribution.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire dish, ensuring that every layer gets a touch of this sweetness.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake until the top is a beautiful golden brown, approximately 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking!
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack to room temperature. This should take about 2 hours. Patience is key!
- Finally, use the foil or parchment handles to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer them to a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, cut them into 2 by 3-inch bars. Enjoy!
Things Worth Knowing
- Texture Matters: For the best results, make sure your butter is melted but not too hot when mixing with the graham cracker crumbs. Too much heat can affect the texture of the final bars.
- Layering Tips: When layering your chocolate chips, be sure to spread them evenly. This will ensure every bite has a bit of all the delicious flavors.
- Cooling Time: Letting the bars cool completely before cutting is crucial. It helps them set and makes slicing much easier.
- Storage: Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.
Recipe Notes about Seven Layer Bars

Here are some tips to enhance your experience with Seven Layer Bars. These notes will help you make the most out of your baking adventure!
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer them chilled, keep them in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to three months.
- Pairing: Enjoy these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment by adding additional layers of your favorite nuts or swapping out the chocolate types for something different.
- Serving Size: The recipe yields approximately 18 bars, great for sharing at gatherings or events!
- Occasions: These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue or holiday festivities.
What Goes Well With This Seven Layer Bars
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side creates an irresistible combination with the bars’ flavors.
- Coffee: Pairing these bars with a hot cup of coffee is a match made in heaven, enhancing the rich flavors.
- Picnics: These bars are ideal for picnics due to their easy portability and lasting freshness.
- Parties: Serve them at birthday parties, school events, or family reunions for a guaranteed hit.
- Seasonal Gatherings: They can be a delightful addition to holiday gatherings, especially during the winter season.
- Storage Tips: When storing, make sure they are covered to maintain their freshness and flavor.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Seven Layer Bars are truly something special, combining rich flavors and textures in every bite. They bring joy and sweetness to any occasion, and once you try them, you’ll surely want to make them again and again. So, gather your ingredients and get ready for a delightful baking experience!

Seven Layer Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Line the pan with two overlapping pieces of foil or parchment paper, leaving the overhang to act as handles for lifting the bars out of the pan. Spray with non-stick spray.
- Combine the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs in a small bowl. Toss with your fingers until the butter is evenly distributed. Spread the crumbs evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan (this is not meant to be a crust, so you don't need to press it flat and there will be some small bare spots along the bottom, that's okay).
- In this order, sprinkle the pecans, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and coconut over the graham crumbs. Pour the condensed milk evenly over the entire dish.
- Bake until the top is golden brown, about 25 minutes. Cool in the pan on a wire rack to room temperature, about 2 hours.
- Remove the bars from the pan using the foil or parchment handles and transfer to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife or bench cutter, cut into 2 by 3-inch bars.
Notes
- Nutritional values: Nutritional values are based on one bar.


