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Classic Magic Bars Recipe


  • Author: Victor
  • Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling time)
  • Yield: 12-16 bars 1x

Description

Classic Magic Bars are a delicious layered dessert featuring a rich graham cracker crust, gooey sweetened condensed milk, and a delightful combination of chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped walnuts. Baked to a perfect golden brown and cooled to set, these bars offer a scrumptious treat perfect 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)

Topping and Binder

  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang on the sides for easy lifting after baking.
  2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and optional granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly and press the mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid crust base.
  3. Add Layers: Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the crust, followed by the shredded sweetened coconut, and then the chopped walnuts on top.
  4. Pour Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layers, making sure it coats everything. This milk is the key binder that holds all layers together.
  5. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the coconut topping is lightly toasted. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly.
  6. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the 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 thoroughly chilled and firm to ensure clean slices.
  7. Cut and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan onto a cutting board. Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for the neatest slices.

Notes

  • Extended cooling in the pan or refrigeration is essential for the sweetened condensed milk to fully set, ensuring clean and intact slices.
  • You can substitute walnuts with pecans if desired.
  • The granulated sugar in the crust is optional depending on your preferred sweetness level.
  • For equally sized bars, mark the surface with the knife gently before the bars fully cool.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: magic bars, magic cookie bars, graham cracker crust, layered dessert, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, coconut, walnuts, easy dessert, no-fuss treats