7 Layer Bars {w/Recipe}

Last night, Dele and I went to a leadership meeting for church - this time, it was conducted in the home of one of our friends. We all gathered in, talked, ate, laughed, and then the Senior Pastor of the large church that we are a branch of, took the floor and spent some time sharing from his heart. It was a nice night!

A few days before, I was asked if I could bring a dessert. I was tossing up a few different ideas, but in the end, I kept it simple and made these delicious 7 layer bars {also known as magic cookie bars}....

After you follow the recipe and make them once, you could make them anytime thereafter practically with your eyes closed - they are that easy to make.

The 7 layers consist of:

1. Graham cracker crust
2. Chopped walnuts
3. Semi-sweet chocolate chips
4. White chocolate chips
5. Butterscotch chips
6. Shredded coconut
7. Sweetened condensed milk

So really, mine were 6 layer bars since I didn't use white chocolate chips.

Be forewarned: Just like potato chips, you won't be able to eat just one ; ) They are SO yummy!!!!

Seven-Layer Bars

Yield: 18 bars

1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter

9 graham crackers (5 ounces), crushed

1 cup finely chopped walnuts

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

½ cup white chocolate chips

½ cup butterscotch chips

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1. Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Line the pan with two overlapping pieces of foil or parchment paper, leaving overhang to act as handles for lifting the bars out of the pan. Spray with non-stick spray.

2. Spread the coconut on a baking sheet and bake until the outer flakes just begin to brown, about 4 minutes. (Keep a close eye on it – coconut can go from slightly browned to burnt in a matter of seconds.) Set aside.

3. Melt the butter and combine with graham cracker crumbs in a small bowl. Toss with your fingers until the butter is evenly distributed. Press the crumbs evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan.

4. In order, sprinkle the walnuts, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and coconut over the graham crumbs. Pour the condensed milk evenly over the entire dish.

5. Bake until the top is golden brown, about 25 minutes. Cool in the pan on a wire rack to room temperature, about 2 hours.

6. Remove the bars fromthe pan using the foil or parchment handles and transfer to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife or bench cutter, cut into 2 by 3-inch bars.

(Adapted from Baking Illustrated)