Magic Bars (Hello Dolly Bars) Recipe

Introduction

Magic Bars, also known as Hello Dolly Bars, are a delightful layered dessert combining a buttery graham cracker crust with chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, and nuts, all topped with sweetened condensed milk. They’re simple to make and perfect for any occasion that calls for a sweet treat.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup salted butter (melted)
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup pecans (chopped)
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with graham cracker crumbs until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans evenly over the crust.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layered toppings. If needed, use the back of a spoon or butter knife to spread it gently.
5. Step 5: Optionally, sprinkle sea salt over the top to enhance the flavors.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the bars are set and the edges are slightly browned. Let cool completely before cutting into 20 even bars.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and add extra coconut or chocolate chips instead.
• Using parchment paper for lining the pan makes it easy to lift the bars out once cooled.
• Try using white chocolate chips instead of butterscotch for a sweeter variation.
• Refrigerate the bars before cutting if you prefer cleaner slices.

Storage

Store Magic Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week, which helps them stay firmer. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature or warm slightly for a softer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter. If you do, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Can these bars be frozen?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Magic Bars (Hello Dolly Bars) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 112 reviews

Magic Bars, also known as Hello Dolly Bars, are a delightful layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a delicious mix of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and pecans, all held together by sweetened condensed milk. Baked to perfection, these bars have a gooey, rich texture and a sweet, nutty flavor perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 20 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1/2 cup salted butter (melted)
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

Topping

• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup pecans (chopped)
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
2. Make Graham Cracker Crust: In a small bowl, combine the melted salted butter with the graham cracker crumbs until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9×13 pan using the bottom of a measuring cup to create a compact crust layer.
3. Layer Goodies: Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans over the graham cracker crust. Then, drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top—if it’s difficult to spread, use the back of a spoon or a butter knife to help distribute it. Optionally, sprinkle sea salt on top to enhance the flavors.
4. Bake, Cool and Slice: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the bars are set and the edges have a light golden-brown color. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into 20 even bars. Store at room temperature and serve.

Notes

• For best results, make sure to cool the bars completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
• You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
• The sea salt is optional but adds a nice balance to the sweetness.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Using parchment paper helps remove the bars easily without sticking.

Keywords: Magic Bars, Hello Dolly Bars, layered bars, chocolate chip bars, butterscotch bars, easy dessert, graham cracker crust