Magic Bars (Hello Dolly Bars)

User Reviews

4.8

60 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    25 mins

  • Total Time

    40 mins

  • Servings

    20 squares

  • Calories

    273 kcal

  • Course

    Dessert

  • Cuisine

    American

Magic Bars (Hello Dolly Bars)

Magic Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with layers of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans, all bound together with sweetened condensed milk and optionally topped with a sprinkle of sea salt. These bars bake until set and golden on the edges, creating a rich and chewy dessert with contrasting textures from the crunchy nuts and soft coconut. Their versatility in toppings makes them a practical choice for changing flavors based on what you have at hand.

Description

Magic Bars (also known as Hello Dolly Bars) start with a pressed graham cracker crust made from melted butter and crumbs, forming a sturdy base for the toppings. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans is generously drizzled with sweetened condensed milk, which caramelizes during baking to hold the ingredients together in a dense, moist bar. Baking at 350°F until the edges slightly brown ensures a set yet chewy texture.

This dessert offers a layered texture experience: a crisp, buttery crust supporting the rich, gooey top adorned with toasted coconut and crunchy nuts. The optional sea salt on top adds a subtle contrast to the overall sweetness. The bars are cooled completely before cutting to maintain their structure, making them easy to portion and serve.

These bars can be stored at room temperature and are convenient as make-ahead treats or for gatherings. The recipe allows flexibility with mix-ins, letting you substitute or add different chips and nuts to personalize the flavors without altering the basic method.

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Ingredients

Servings

For the Crust:

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

For the Toppings:

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, stir melted butter together with graham cracker crumbs until moist. Press evenly into the bottom of 9x13 pan using the bottom of a measuring cup.
  3. Top crust with chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut and pecans. Drizzle the top with sweetened condensed milk as evenly as possible. If it doesn't spread evenly, use the back of a spoon or butter knife to spread. Sprinkle the top with sea salt, if desired.
  4. Bake 25 minutes or until bars have set and edges have browned slightly. Cool completely, then cut into 20 even bars. Store and serve at room temperature.

Notes

  • Customize the bars by swapping or adding different chips like white chocolate or peanut butter for varied flavors.
  • Try nuts other than pecans, such as walnuts or almonds, to change the texture and taste.
  • Incorporate extras like chopped Oreos or mini marshmallows to create unique variations.
  • Store bars at room temperature to keep their texture intact; avoid refrigeration which may harden the bars.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 273kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 31g (10%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 5g (25%) Trans Fat 0.2g (10%) Cholesterol 20mg (7%) Sodium 265mg (11%) Potassium 173mg (4%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 25g (50%) Vitamin A 211IU (4%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 73mg (7%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 20squares

Amount Per Serving

Calories 273 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 273kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 31g 10%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Trans Fat 0.2g 10%
Cholesterol 20mg 7%
Sodium 265mg 11%
Potassium 173mg 4%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 25g 50%
Vitamin A 211IU 4%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 73mg 7%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.8

60 reviews
Excellent

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