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Indulge in the ultimate treat with these irresistible Magic Cookie Bars! Packed with layers of coconut, chocolate, and nuts, these bars are a dream come true for any dessert lover. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
I remember the first time I made Magic Cookie Bars. It was for a family gathering, and everyone was skeptical about the combination of ingredients. But as soon as they took their first bite, they were hooked! The gooey sweetened condensed milk, the crunch of the nuts, and the richness of the chocolate all came together perfectly. It’s been a staple at our gatherings ever since.
Now, it’s your turn to create these magical treats. Let’s get started!
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 1 hour (including prep and baking)
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. If you’re making the homemade sweetened condensed milk, remember that it can take up to 2 hours to reduce, so plan accordingly. Also, lining your pan with aluminum foil will make it easier to remove the bars once they’re done.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter or non-dairy alternative (Earth Balance® Buttery Sticks, may use Soy Free) | 7 Tbs. |
| Gluten-free graham crackers, crushed | 1 1/2 cups |
| Flaked coconut | 1 cup |
| Purity protocol and Certified Gluten-Free Oats | 1/2 cup |
| Chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or a combination, dairy or non-dairy | 1 1/2 cups |
| Chopped pecans (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Sweetened condensed milk (or vegan/non-dairy recipe below) or Nature’s Charm Coconut Sweetened Condensed Milk | 14 oz |
| Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk (if not using storebought) | |
| Coconut milk | 22-24 oz. |
| Granulated cane sugar | 3/4 cup |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Homemade Vegan Sweetened Condensed Milk: Combine the coconut milk and sugar into a large saucepan, stirring over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved and the milk has thickened quite a bit. Stir periodically so that the milk doesn’t scald as it bubbles, and remove from the heat when the milk is thicker and has reduced to 14-16 ounces. This process may take 1-2 hours, so budget your recipe time accordingly. Once thickened and reduced, allow the mixture to cool somewhat before using in your recipe. Pour milk through a strainer into a large measuring cup and divide out 13-14 ounces for this recipe, storing any unused milk in a sealed container in the refrigerator for use in another recipe (use within a week).
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350° F (static); 325° F (convection). Line a 9×13 pan with aluminum foil to make the bars easier to remove.
- Melt the butter: Melt the butter and pour into the lined dish.
- Add crumbs: Pour the crumbs into the pan on top of the melted butter, but do not stir.
- Layer ingredients: Layer the remaining ingredients in the order outlined below: coconut, gluten-free oats, chocolate chips, nuts.
- Add sweetened condensed milk: After the first four ingredient layers are in, pour the sweetened condensed milk over the bars in a lattice pattern. Ultimately, the milk will fill in over the entire top and seep into and around the other ingredients to hold them together into a bar cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, just until the milk has turned a light brown color.
- Cool and refrigerate: Allow to cool, then refrigerate until solid before cutting bars.
- Store: Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer. Serve chilled or slightly warm topped by your favorite ice cream (I love So Delicious® Almond Milk Dairy Free, Vanilla flavor!).
Notes:
You must buy a box of Gluten-Free Graham Crackers (Brands like Schär, Pamela’s, or Kinnikinnick) and crush them yourself.
- Alternative: If you can’t find GF graham crackers, use crushed GF Vanilla Wafers or GF Animal Crackers.
Read the label.
- Safe: Hershey’s (usually labeled GF) and Guittard.
- Unsafe: Generic store brands often contain “Natural Flavors” derived from barley.
Stick to the name brand (Eagle Brand) or check ingredients for “Wheat.” It should just contain Milk and Sugar
Buy sealed bags from the baking aisle.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For the best results, make sure to let the Magic Cookie Bars cool completely before cutting into them. This will help them hold their shape and make them easier to serve. If you’re using homemade sweetened condensed milk, keep an eye on it as it reduces to prevent it from burning.
For more delicious recipes, check out this Gluten Free Lemon Bars Recipe.
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Magic Cookie Bars: Best Gluten-Free Treat
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Gluten-Free Magic Cookie Bars (also known as Seven Layer Bars) are truly the best treat. Starting with a buttery gluten-free graham cracker crust, they are piled high with layers of chocolate chips, butterscotch, coconut, and crunchy pecans, all bound together by caramelized sweetened condensed milk. They are gooey, rich, and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients
— The Crust —
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ cups gluten-free graham cracker crumbs (about 1 package of GF graham crackers, crushed)
— The Layers —
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (ensure gluten-free)
1 cup butterscotch chips (Check labels carefully! If GF butterscotch is hard to find, use white chocolate chips or extra dark chocolate)
1 ⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even base.
4. The Magic Step: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crumb crust. (Do not mix it in! Just pour it over the top).
5. Layer the Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded coconut evenly over the condensed milk.
6. Scatter the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips (or white chocolate chips) over the coconut.
7. Top with the chopped pecans or walnuts.
8. Press Down: Using a fork or the back of a spoon, gently press the toppings down into the condensed milk layer. This ensures the bars hold together once baked.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the coconut is lightly toasted.
10. Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This takes about 2 hours. Do not try to cut them while hot, or they will fall apart.
11. Slice: Once fully cooled and set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper handles and slice into squares.
Notes
Graham Cracker Crumb Tip: If you can’t find pre-made gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, buy GF graham crackers (like Pamela’s or Kinnikinnick) and pulse them in a food processor.
Butterscotch Warning: Many conventional butterscotch chips contain barley (gluten) or artificial flavorings with wheat. Always verify the label. White chocolate chips are a safer, easy substitute.
Storage: These bars store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week for a chewier texture.
Freezing: These are one of the best desserts to freeze! Cut them into squares and freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. They thaw in minutes.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 140
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 25
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use regular graham crackers instead of gluten-free?
- Yes, you can substitute regular graham crackers if you don’t need the recipe to be gluten-free.
- Can I omit the nuts?
- Absolutely! The nuts are optional, so feel free to leave them out if you prefer.
How long do Magic Cookie Bars last?
When stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, they can last up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
Dig In & Enjoy!
There you have it—your very own batch of Magic Cookie Bars! These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a sweet treat for yourself. The layers of flavors and textures are sure to delight everyone who tries them.
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