Are 7 layer bars vegan?

Traditional seven layer bars are not vegan. This version is vegan as written as long as you use vegan graham cracker crumbs or animal cracker crumbs, coconut or oat sweetened condensed milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.

How long do 7 layer bars last?

7 layer bars keep well. They can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 5 days but it's suggested to keep them chilled. Store them in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for 3-4 months. They're very yummy straight from the fridge or freezer!

Can I use a 9x9-inch pan?

This recipe was tested with success in a 9x13-inch pan and a 7.5x11.75-inch pan. You do not need to change the baking time for these pans. I did try them in a 9x9-inch pan as well, with a baking them for 35 minutes but they fell apart somewhat when I sliced them. I rushed the chilling on that batch though so I think you could use a 9x9-inch pan if you increase the baking time to 40 minutes and be sure to let them cool then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Just note they'll be extra gooey and may fall apart a bit!

Can I make my own graham cracker crumbs?

Yes! You can easily make your own cookie crumbs by placing graham crackers or animal crackers in a food processor or blender and processing into a fine crumb consistency. You'll need 305 g worth of cookies to make 2 cups of crumbs. I'm not sure exactly how many cookies that is so if you don't have a scale, you might have to process a handful of cookies, see how much you have an add a few more if needed until you have 2 cups of crumbs.

Are 7 layer bars gluten-free?

This magic bar recipe is not gluten-free as written but you can easily make them gluten-free by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.

7 Layer Cookies Bars

Name: 7 Layer Cookies Bars
Prep time: 3 h 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker or animal cracker crumbs (305 g); ½ cup vegan butter, melted (113 g); 1 cup chopped pecans (115 g); 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (98 g); 1 1/2 cups dark or regular chocolate chips or chocolate chunks (255 g); 14 oz can coconut or oat sweetened condensed milk (about 1 3/4 cups); flaky sea salt like Maldon, optional

Description

Ooey, gooey, decadent and addictive 7 layer cookies bars, also known as magic bars, with a cookie crust, pecans, coconut and chocolate chips. These are always a big hit!

Ingredients

2 cups graham cracker or animal cracker crumbs (305 g)
½ cup vegan butter, melted (113 g)
1 cup chopped pecans (115 g)
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (98 g)
1 1/2 cups dark or regular chocolate chips or chocolate chunks (255 g)
14 oz can coconut or oat sweetened condensed milk (about 1 3/4 cups)
flaky sea salt like Maldon, optional

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Instructions

Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 350F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long edges for easy removal. You can also make these bars in a 7½ x 11¾ glass baking dish. This does not impact the baking time.
Mix Crust Layer: To a medium bowl, add graham crumbs and melted butter (melt butter in a small sauce pan or briefly in the microwave). Stir together until combined. You can prepare your own cookie crumbs by blending graham crackers or animal crackers in a food processor or blender until you have a fine crumb consistency.
Form Crust: Transfer the crumb mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading out in an even layer. Using the back of a flat measuring cup, evenly and firmly press crumb down. You can also use your fingers or a wooden spoon to press the crust layer.
Layer Remaining Ingredients: Sprinkle pecans, coconut and chocolate chips over top, each in an even layer covering the entire pan. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over top, making sure it reaches all the edges and covers in an even layer. Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over top.
Bake Bars: Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 30-35 mins, until golden and bubbling.
Cool Bars: Let cool completely in the baking dish or least least until cool enough to transfer to the fridge. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight, before slicing. Chilling the bars before slicing will ensure they hold together perfectly.
Slice Bars: Use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Slice into 24 squares and serve.

Notes

Store in a sealed container at room temperature for one week or fridge for up to 10 days. Magic bars freeze well! Store in a sealed container for 3-4 months.

The amount of coconut, chocolate chips and pecans doesn’t have to be exact. I found 1.5 cups of chocolate chips to be quite a lot so feel free to use a bit less if you want. I’d suggest at least 1 cup.

I used one and a half 300 mL cans of President’s Choice sweetened coconut condensed milk. Some other brands come in 195 mL cans, in that case, use 2 cans. If you have a 14 oz can, use the whole can. Don’t worry to much, this doesn’t have to be a precise amount – close to 1.5-1.75 cups is good.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 265
Sugar: 23 g
Sodium: 145 mg
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 4 g

Keywords: 7 layer magic bars, 7 layer cookie bars