Decadent Seven Layer Chocolate Brownie Bars
Indulge in these mouthwatering Decadent Seven Layer Chocolate Brownie Bars that combine rich layers of flavor and texture into a single dessert. Each bite features a fudgy Ghirardelli brownie base topped with layers of luscious coconut, creamy butterscotch, velvety semi-sweet chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans, all drizzled with sweetened condensed milk for that extra touch of sweetness. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply a delightful treat to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Ghirardelli double chocolate brownie mix
1 box (20 ounces) (none)
Shredded coconut
1 cup (none)
Butterscotch chips
1 cup (none)
Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup (none)
Chopped pecans
1 cup (chopped)
Sweetened condensed milk
1 1/4 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottom of a 13x9x2 inch baking pan with melted butter to prevent sticking.
2
Evenly sprinkle the Ghirardelli brownie mix over the melted butter, ensuring a uniform layer across the base.
3
Generously layer the shredded coconut on top of the brownie mix, followed by the butterscotch chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and chopped pecans to create a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
4
Gently drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top of the layered ingredients, ensuring an even distribution.
5
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges start to bubble and the center sets.
6
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Seven Layer Chocolate Brownie Bars?
These bars are a rich dessert featuring a Ghirardelli brownie base topped with layers of coconut, butterscotch, chocolate chips, and pecans, held together with sweetened condensed milk.
What temperature should I set my oven to for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the bars.
What size baking pan is required?
A 13x9x2 inch baking pan is the recommended size for this recipe.
How much butter is needed and how should it be prepared?
You will need 1/2 cup of butter, and it should be melted before being added to the bottom of the pan.
Do I need to prepare the Ghirardelli brownie mix according to its box instructions?
No, you simply sprinkle the dry brownie mix directly over the melted butter in the pan.
What type of brownie mix is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for one 20-ounce box of Ghirardelli double chocolate brownie mix.
How much shredded coconut is used in the layers?
The recipe requires 1 cup of shredded coconut to be layered on top of the brownie mix.
What kind of chocolate chips are best for this recipe?
Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended for a velvety texture and rich flavor.
Are there any nuts in these brownie bars?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of chopped pecans for a crunchy texture.
How much sweetened condensed milk is drizzled over the top?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of sweetened condensed milk to bind the layers together.
What are the specific layers in order?
The layers consist of melted butter, brownie mix, shredded coconut, butterscotch chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and sweetened condensed milk.
How long should the bars bake in the oven?
Bake the bars for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges bubble and the center is set.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges should be bubbling and the center should appear set when they are ready to be removed from the oven.
Is it necessary to cool the brownies before cutting them?
Yes, it is essential to let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to ensure they set properly and cut cleanly.
Can I substitute pecans with another type of nut?
While pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with walnuts or omit them if you have a nut allergy.
Can I use different flavored chips?
Yes, while butterscotch and semi-sweet are called for, you could experiment with white chocolate or peanut butter chips.
How should I store these brownie bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a firmer texture.
Are these bars suitable for potlucks?
Yes, they are perfect for parties and potlucks because they are easy to transport and very indulgent.
Do I need to grease the pan?
The recipe suggests using the melted butter at the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 7 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I use a different brand of brownie mix?
Yes, though Ghirardelli is recommended for its quality, any 20-ounce fudge brownie mix will work.
Is the coconut sweetened or unsweetened?
The recipe calls for shredded coconut; typically, sweetened shredded coconut is used for these types of magic bars.
What is the primary flavor profile of these bars?
The profile is chocolate-heavy with secondary notes of butterscotch, toasted coconut, and buttery pecans.
Do I need to whisk the sweetened condensed milk?
No, you just need to drizzle it evenly over the top layer of ingredients.
Is the brownie base fudgy or cakey?
By using the dry mix directly with the butter and milk, the base becomes incredibly fudgy.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you would need to use two 13x9 pans rather than a deeper pan to ensure even baking.
How many brownie bars does this recipe make?
In a 13x9 pan, you can typically cut these into 24 standard-sized squares.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can attempt a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free chocolate brownie mix.
What makes these 'seven layers'?
The seven layers are butter, brownie mix, coconut, butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, pecans, and condensed milk.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, these bars freeze very well if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.