Seven Layer Bars Recipe

Graham cracker crumbs: These crumbs form the base crust of the bars, providing a sweet and slightly crunchy foundation.

Butter: Melted butter helps bind the graham cracker crumbs together to create a solid crust.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These add a rich, chocolatey layer to the bars.

Butterscotch chips: These chips provide a sweet, caramel-like flavor that complements the chocolate.

Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds a chewy texture and a hint of tropical sweetness.

Chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Sweetened condensed milk: This thick, sweet milk binds all the layers together and adds a creamy sweetness.

To ensure an even distribution of sweetened condensed milk, pour it in a slow, steady stream while moving the can back and forth over the entire surface of the bars. This helps to cover all the layers uniformly, preventing any dry spots and ensuring that each bite is perfectly gooey and delicious.

• graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with crushed digestive biscuits: Digestive biscuits have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative.

• graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with crushed vanilla wafers: Vanilla wafers provide a slightly different flavor but still offer the necessary crumbly texture.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a direct replacement for butter in most baking recipes.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and works well as a binding agent.

• semi-sweet chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips provide a richer, less sweet flavor.

• semi-sweet chocolate chips - Substitute with milk chocolate chips: Milk chocolate chips offer a sweeter, creamier taste.

• butterscotch chips - Substitute with caramel chips: Caramel chips provide a similar sweet, buttery flavor.

• butterscotch chips - Substitute with white chocolate chips: White chocolate chips offer a different sweetness but can still complement the other ingredients.

• sweetened shredded coconut - Substitute with unsweetened shredded coconut: Unsweetened shredded coconut can be used if you prefer less sweetness.

• sweetened shredded coconut - Substitute with chopped dried fruit: Chopped dried fruit adds a different texture and sweetness.

• chopped nuts - Substitute with seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds): Seeds provide a similar crunch and can be a good alternative for those with nut allergies.

• chopped nuts - Substitute with crushed pretzels: Crushed pretzels add a salty crunch that contrasts nicely with the sweet ingredients.

• sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with evaporated milk and sugar: Mix evaporated milk with sugar to mimic the sweetness and consistency of sweetened condensed milk.

• sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut milk and sugar: Coconut milk mixed with sugar can provide a dairy-free alternative with a similar sweetness and texture.

• Allow the seven layer bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to store or freeze them. This ensures they maintain their structure and flavor.

• For short-term storage, cut the bars into squares and place them in an airtight container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Store the container at room temperature if you plan to consume the bars within 3-4 days. Ensure the container is kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

• For longer storage, place the bars in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. Again, use parchment paper to separate layers and prevent sticking.

• To freeze the seven layer bars, first cut them into squares and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until they are firm.

• Once the bars are firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of freshness. The bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a quicker option, you can microwave them on a low setting for a few seconds.

• Always ensure the bars are stored in an airtight container to maintain their texture and flavor.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the seven layer bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the bars loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
  5. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before enjoying.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a seven layer bar on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
  4. Check the temperature and heat in additional 10-second intervals if needed.
  5. Let it sit for a minute before eating to avoid burning your mouth.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the seven layer bars on a toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover them with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Heat for about 10 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don’t overheat.
  5. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the seven layer bars in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway to ensure they are warming evenly.
  4. Remove and let them cool for a minute before enjoying.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over low heat.
  2. Add the seven layer bars to the skillet.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat.
  4. Heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming.
  5. Remove from the skillet and let them cool slightly before eating.

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) to bake the bars.

• Mixing bowl: Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.

• 9x13 inch baking pan: Form the crust and bake the bars in this pan.

• Measuring cups: Measure out the graham cracker crumbs, butter, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts.

• Spatula: Press the graham cracker mixture into the baking pan and spread the layers evenly.

• Can opener: Open the can of sweetened condensed milk.

• Knife: Cut the cooled bars into squares.

• Cooling rack: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and chop nuts, melt butter, and have all ingredients ready before starting.

Use parchment paper: Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

Layer efficiently: Arrange chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and nuts in bowls for quick layering.

Even pouring: Use a spatula to spread the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layers.

Cool quickly: Place the pan on a wire rack to cool faster before cutting into squares.