Magic Bars (Hello Dolly Bars)
User Reviews
4.8
Magic Bars (Hello Dolly Bars)
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.
Ingredients
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
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 DetailsNutrition 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.