Classic Magic Bar Dessert Recipe

Introduction

Classic Magic Bars are a beloved layered dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, gooey sweetened condensed milk, and a delightful mix of chocolate, coconut, and nuts. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet snack anytime.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, for crust)
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and optional sugar until well combined. Press this firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by an even layer of shredded coconut, and then the chopped walnuts.
4. Step 4: Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring it coats everything to bind the layers.
5. Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the coconut is lightly toasted. The center should be set but may still jiggle slightly.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. For best results, refrigerate 1-2 hours to let the sweetened condensed milk fully set and bind the layers.
7. Step 7: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between slices for the cleanest cuts.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or substitute with additional chocolate chips or dried fruit.
• Use pecans instead of walnuts for a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Press the crust firmly to avoid crumbly bars when cutting.
• Allowing the bars to chill fully is key to clean slices that hold together nicely.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly at room temperature before serving if desired, but they are delicious chilled. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before slicing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats or rolled oats instead of graham cracker crumbs?

Graham cracker crumbs provide a sweet, crunchy base essential to Magic Bars. While oats can be used in some recipes, they won’t replicate the same texture or flavor here.

Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk?

Yes, sweetened condensed milk acts as the magic binder that holds the layers together and adds rich sweetness. Replacing it will change the texture and integrity of the bars significantly.

Classic Magic Bar Dessert Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 517 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling time)
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x

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Description

Classic Magic Bars are a delicious layered dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, melted butter, and optional sugar, topped with semi-sweet chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, and sweetened condensed milk. Baked to a golden brown and cooled for perfect slicing, these bars combine rich flavors and textures for a timeless treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional)

Toppings

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

Binder

• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the sides for easy lifting later.
2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and optional sugar. Mix until well combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust base.
3. Layer toppings: Evenly sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the crust. Next, add a layer of shredded coconut, followed by the chopped walnuts on top.
4. Add sweetened condensed milk: Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layered ingredients. Ensure the milk coats all layers thoroughly as it serves as the binding agent.
5. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for golden brown edges and lightly toasted coconut topping. The center should look set but may still jiggle slightly when moved.
6. Cool completely: Remove the bars from the oven. Do not cut immediately. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. For best results, refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the condensed milk to fully set and bind the layers.
7. Slice and serve: Once cooled and firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into squares using a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.

Notes

• Extended cooling time in the pan is key to preventing crumbles and ensuring clean, intact slices by allowing the sweetened condensed milk to fully set.
• You can substitute walnuts with pecans if preferred.
• The optional sugar in the crust can be omitted for a less sweet base.
• Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to achieve the cleanest bars.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: magic bars, dessert bars, graham cracker crust, chocolate coconut walnut bars, layered bars, sweetened condensed milk dessert