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