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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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