Seven Layer Bars Recipe

Graham cracker crumbs: Crushed graham crackers that form the base of the bars, providing a sweet and slightly crunchy crust.

Butter: Melted to combine with the graham cracker crumbs, adding richness and helping to bind the crust.

Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds a chewy texture and a hint of tropical sweetness to the bars.

Chocolate chips: Provide a rich, chocolaty layer that melts into the bars as they bake.

Butterscotch chips: Add a sweet, caramel-like flavor that complements the chocolate and coconut.

Chopped nuts: Offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor; you can use any type of nuts you prefer.

Sweetened condensed milk: Poured over the top to bind all the layers together and add a creamy sweetness.

When pressing the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter mixture into the baking dish, use the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even and compact crust. This helps create a sturdy base for the layers and prevents them from crumbling when you cut the bars.

• graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with crushed digestive biscuits: Digestive biscuits have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can provide a similar fat content and moisture, though the flavor may be slightly different.

• sweetened shredded coconut - Substitute with unsweetened shredded coconut: If you prefer less sweetness, you can use unsweetened coconut and add a bit of sugar to taste.

• chocolate chips - Substitute with carob chips: Carob chips are a caffeine-free alternative with a similar texture and sweetness.

• butterscotch chips - Substitute with white chocolate chips: White chocolate chips can provide a similar creamy texture and sweetness, though the flavor will differ.

• chopped nuts - Substitute with seeds (such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds): Seeds can offer a similar crunch and nutritional benefits, making them a good nut-free option.

• sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut condensed milk: Coconut condensed milk is a dairy-free alternative that provides a similar sweetness and consistency.

• Allow the seven layer bars to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This ensures they set properly and maintain their structure.

• Once cooled, cut the bars into desired portions. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, wiping the blade between slices to prevent sticking.

• For short-term storage, place the bars in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• For longer storage, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap. This helps maintain freshness and prevents freezer burn.

• Place the individually wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of storage time.

• Freeze the bars for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

• For a quicker thaw, microwave the bars on a low setting for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

• To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid refreezing the bars once they have been thawed.

• oven method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the seven layer bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the bars loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the chocolate chips begin to soften.
  5. Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying.

• microwave method:

  1. Place a few seven layer bars on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the bars with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
  4. Check the bars and continue to heat in 10-second intervals if needed, until they are warmed through.

• toaster oven method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the seven layer bars on a toaster oven tray lined with parchment paper.
  3. Heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the butterscotch chips begin to melt.
  4. Let them cool slightly before serving.

• air fryer method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the seven layer bars in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are not overcooking.
  4. Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying.

• stovetop method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over low heat.
  2. Add the seven layer bars to the skillet, ensuring they are in a single layer.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping the bars halfway through to ensure even warming.
  5. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly before serving.

• Oven: Used to bake the seven layer bars at the specified temperature.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.

• 9x13 inch baking dish: The dish in which the layers are assembled and baked.

• Spatula: Useful for pressing the graham cracker mixture into the baking dish and spreading layers evenly.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chopped nuts.

• Can opener: Needed to open the can of sweetened condensed milk.

• Knife: Used to chop the nuts if they are not pre-chopped.

• Cooling rack: Allows the bars to cool completely before cutting.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the nuts.

• Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the baking dish for easier removal of the bars.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This will streamline the process and reduce prep time.

Use pre-crushed graham crackers: Purchase pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs to save time on crushing them yourself.

Opt for pre-chopped nuts: Buy pre-chopped nuts to eliminate the need for chopping, making the process quicker.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy removal and less cleanup.

Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave instead of on the stove to save time.