Description

Classic Magic Bars are a delicious layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with chocolate chips, shredded sweetened coconut, chopped walnuts, and a generous layer of sweetened condensed milk that binds everything together when baked to perfection. This easy-to-make bar dessert offers a perfect combination of crunchy, gooey, and sweet flavors that are beloved for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

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

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 an overhang on the sides to enable easy lifting of the finished bars.
Make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and optional granulated sugar together until combined. Press this mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid crust base.
Add the toppings: Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the crust layer, followed by an even layer of shredded coconut, and then the chopped walnuts on top.
Pour the binder: Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layered toppings. This acts as the magic binder that holds the bars together once baked.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the coconut is lightly toasted. The center should be set but may still appear slightly jiggly.
Cool thoroughly: Remove from the oven and allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. For best results, refrigerate for 1-2 hours until fully chilled and firm to ensure clean cutting and no crumbles.
Cut and serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.

Notes

Extended cooling in the pan is essential for the sweetened condensed milk to fully set, producing clean, intact slices that hold together well.
If desired, substitute walnuts with pecans for a different nut flavor.
The granulated sugar in the crust is optional; omitting it will make the bars slightly less sweet.
Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts to ensure clean slices.

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

Keywords: Magic Bars, Magic Cookie Bars, Dessert Bars, Graham Cracker Crust, Coconut, Walnuts, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Easy Dessert