Decadent 7 Layer Dream Bars
Indulge in the gooey goodness of these Decadent 7 Layer Dream Bars! A delightful combination of textures, these bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with luscious layers of semi-sweet chocolate chips, rich butterscotch chips, crunchy pecans, and sweet shredded coconut. Finished with a drizzle of creamy sweetened condensed milk, these bars create a sublime dessert experience that's both chewy and crisp. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a sweet treat, they are quick and easy to make—without the extra mess of a mixing bowl. Experience the joy of baking with these irresistible bars that will quickly become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
graham cracker crumbs
1 cup (No preparation needed)
semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup (No preparation needed)
butterscotch chips
1 cup (No preparation needed)
pecans
1 cup (Coarsely chopped)
shredded coconut
1 cup (No preparation needed)
sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 ounce) can (No preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a 9x12-inch baking pan, pour in the melted unsalted butter, ensuring it coats the bottom evenly.
3
Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the melted butter, pressing down firmly to form a compact crust.
4
Layer the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by the butterscotch chips, pecans, and shredded coconut, adding each layer in that order for the best texture and flavor distribution.
5
Finally, pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of the layered ingredients, ensuring everything is coated.
6
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling beautifully.
7
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares or rectangles for serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent 7 Layer Dream Bars?
They are a rich and gooey dessert bar featuring a graham cracker crust topped with chocolate, butterscotch, pecans, and coconut, held together with sweetened condensed milk.
What are the specific seven layers in this recipe?
The layers consist of melted unsalted butter, graham cracker crumbs, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and sweetened condensed milk.
What oven temperature is needed for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long do the bars need to bake?
The bars should bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
Do I need a mixing bowl to make these bars?
No, this recipe is designed to be made directly in the baking pan, minimizing clean-up.
What size baking pan should I use?
A 9x12-inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the crust for the 7 layer bars?
Pour melted butter into the pan and sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over it, pressing down firmly to form a compact base.
What type of butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, salted butter can be used, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile of the sweet crust.
What kind of chocolate chips are recommended?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are used to provide a rich balance to the sweet layers.
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or even almonds if you prefer a different crunch.
Is the coconut used in this recipe shredded?
Yes, one cup of shredded coconut is used as one of the primary layers.
What is the role of the sweetened condensed milk?
It acts as a binder that melts into the layers during baking, creating a gooey, sweet texture.
How much sweetened condensed milk is required?
One 12-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk is needed for this recipe.
Should the condensed milk be poured over all other ingredients?
Yes, pour the entire can evenly over the top of the layered ingredients to ensure everything is coated.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the top layer of coconut is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Why is it important to cool the bars before cutting?
Cooling allows the bars to set and firm up, making it much easier to cut them into clean squares or rectangles.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely, walnuts are a very common and delicious substitute for pecans in 7 layer bars.
How should I store these dessert bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Are these bars suitable for holiday baking?
Yes, they are a classic holiday treat because they are easy to transport and very popular at gatherings.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
What is the texture of these dream bars?
They offer a sublime combination of textures: a buttery crisp crust, gooey chocolate and butterscotch, and crunchy nuts and coconut.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, dark chocolate chips work well if you prefer a less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor.
What happens if I skip the butterscotch chips?
The bars will still be delicious, though they will lose the specific '7 layer' profile and that rich butterscotch flavor.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Ensure the butter coats the bottom of the pan evenly, or you can line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
Can I freeze these bars for later?
Yes, these bars freeze very well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag.
How should the pecans be prepared?
The pecans should be coarsely chopped before layering them into the pan.
Is it normal for the top to bubble during baking?
Yes, the sweetened condensed milk will bubble as it caramelizes and binds the other ingredients together.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but you would need two separate pans or a much larger industrial baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
What makes this a 'Dream Bar'?
The name comes from the irresistible, indulgent combination of sweet flavors and the ease of preparation.