Description

Classic Magic Bars are a delightful layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with rich chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, and sweetened condensed milk that bakes into a perfect chewy, gooey treat. This no-fuss bar recipe combines crunchy and creamy textures, making it an irresistible sweet snack or dessert.

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 an overhang to easily lift the bars after baking.
Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and optional sugar. Press this mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid crust base.
Add chocolate chips: Evenly sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the crust.
Layer coconut: Sprinkle the shredded sweetened coconut evenly on top of the chocolate chips.
Add nuts: Top the coconut layer with the chopped walnuts or pecans.
Pour condensed milk: Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layers, ensuring it coats everything to act as the binder.
Bake: Bake the assembled bars for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the coconut is lightly toasted. The center will be set but slightly jiggly.
Cool completely: Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours or refrigerate for 1-2 hours until fully chilled and firm. This step is essential for the bars to set properly and hold together.
Cut and serve: Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the pan onto a cutting board. Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts for clean slices.

Notes

Extended cooling time is crucial to ensure the sweetened condensed milk fully sets, preventing crumbly bars.
For best results, use parchment paper with overhang to lift bars easily without breaking.
Walnuts can be substituted with pecans based on preference.
Optional sugar in the crust adds extra sweetness but can be omitted if desired.
Store bars in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 5 days.

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

Keywords: Magic Bars, Layered Dessert Bars, Graham Cracker Bars, Chocolate Coconut Bars, Sweetened Condensed Milk Bars, Easy Dessert Recipe, No-fuss Bars