Delicious 7 Layer Bars with Chocolate, Butterscotch, and Pecans Recipe
Whenever I want to whip up something nostalgic yet irresistibly delicious, I reach for my Delicious 7 Layer Bars with Chocolate, Butterscotch, and Pecans Recipe. It’s a fantastic treat that brings together the perfect balance of gooey sweetness, rich chocolate, buttery butterscotch, and crunchy pecans all layered over a crumbly graham cracker base. Honestly, these bars are like a warm hug in dessert form — they’re great for potlucks, holiday parties, or just an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of coffee.
What makes this Delicious 7 Layer Bars with Chocolate, Butterscotch, and Pecans Recipe stand out for me is how simple it is to assemble yet turns out so impressive. You don’t have to be a baking pro to pull these off, and the bonus? They require just one pan and no complicated frosting. Let me share all my tips so your bars come out perfect every single time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Delicious 7 Layer Bars with Chocolate, Butterscotch, and Pecans Recipe complement each other beautifully, creating layers of flavor and texture that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, these pantry staples are easy to find, so no last-minute ingredient runs are needed.
- Graham cracker crumbs: This forms a buttery, crisp base—buy plain or lightly sweetened crumbs for the best foundation.
- Salted butter: Melts into the graham cracker crumbs to give that rich, moist crust you want.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Acts as the glue that holds all the layers together and adds incredible sweetness.
- Butterscotch chips: Their creamy, caramel-like flavor adds a lovely twist beyond just chocolate.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For that classic chocolate richness balancing the butterscotch.
- Flaked coconut: Adds a chewy texture and tropical hint, but you can omit if you’re not a fan.
- Chopped pecans: Provides crunch and a nutty aroma that really rounds out the bars.
Variations
I love how versatile this Delicious 7 Layer Bars with Chocolate, Butterscotch, and Pecans Recipe is—you can really tailor it to your crowd or personal preferences. Here are a few ways I’ve switched it up over the years that might inspire you.
- No coconut version: If you’re not a fan of coconut or serving someone with allergies, just leave it out or swap with extra pecans or chocolate chips. I tried this once for a friend, and it still came out fantastic.
- Use walnuts instead of pecans: When I ran out of pecans, walnuts were my go-to, adding a slightly different but still delicious nutty crunch.
- Dark chocolate chips: For a deeper chocolate flavor, try swapping semi-sweet for dark chocolate chips. It balances beautifully with the butterscotch.
- Mini chips: I like using mini chips for both the chocolate and butterscotch to get even layering and a better melt throughout.
How to Make Delicious 7 Layer Bars with Chocolate, Butterscotch, and Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Press the Graham Cracker Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted salted butter until the mixture looks evenly moistened and starts to clump together like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Using your hands or the back of a spoon works well here. This step is crucial for a sturdy, tasty crust—press too lightly, and your bars might fall apart.
Step 2: Layer the Magic
Once your crust is ready, pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker base. This sticky layer will hold all your toppings together, so try to spread it gently with a spatula without mixing into the crust. Next, sprinkle the butterscotch chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, flaked coconut, and chopped pecans evenly over the top in that order to ensure each bar has a bit of everything in every bite.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Gooey
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to turn a light golden brown, and the condensed milk layer should be bubbling slightly. If you like your bars chewier, keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake. Once out of the oven, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting—this helps them set nicely and hold their shape.
How to Serve Delicious 7 Layer Bars with Chocolate, Butterscotch, and Pecans Recipe

Garnishes
I usually keep garnishes simple because these bars have so much flavor already. But if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll lightly dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle a thin bit of melted chocolate. Toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top right after baking add an extra layer of toasted goodness that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
For the perfect pairing, I often serve these bars with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream. If it’s an afternoon coffee break, a hot cup of your favorite brew is all you really need—they complement the richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
One of my favorite ways to impress guests is to cut these bars into bite-size squares and serve them on a decorative platter with small picks. For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged them on tiered cake stands with festive decorations around. It turns a simple dessert into a centerpiece that invites everyone to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Delicious 7 Layer Bars with Chocolate, Butterscotch, and Pecans Recipe tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep beautifully for up to 4 days, and I find their chewy texture actually improves after sitting a day or two. Just be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight and heat to avoid melting.
Freezing
If I make these bars in bulk, I like to freeze portions wrapped individually in plastic wrap and sealed in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours—no soggy crusts, I promise.
Reheating
To warm them up, I pop the bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, which brings out that melty, gooey goodness without drying them out. Sometimes, I just enjoy them straight from the fridge for a firmer, candy-like bite—both ways are wonderful depending on your mood.
FAQs
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Can I use unsalted butter in this recipe?
Yes! If you use unsalted butter, I suggest adding a pinch of salt to the graham cracker mixture to balance the sweetness. Salt really enhances the flavors in this bar, so don’t skip it altogether.
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Is it necessary to use sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is essential in this recipe because it acts as the binding agent and provides that luscious sweetness. There’s no exact substitute that yields the same texture and flavor, so I recommend sticking with it for the best results.
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Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with a gluten-free graham cracker or cookie crumb alternative. Just make sure the other ingredients like chocolate chips are also gluten-free to keep it safe.
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How long do these bars last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these bars will stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option.
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Can I add other nuts besides pecans?
Definitely! Walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts work beautifully—just keep the chopped size similar so they cook evenly and complement the texture.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious 7 Layer Bars with Chocolate, Butterscotch, and Pecans Recipe has been a go-to in my kitchen for years because it’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely delicious. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—don’t forget that little personal spin or the perfect chill time. Give it a try next time you need a quick homemade treat that looks like you spent hours, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your family too!
Print
Delicious 7 Layer Bars with Chocolate, Butterscotch, and Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic 7 Layer Bars recipe is a delightful no-bake treat featuring a crisp graham cracker crust layered with rich butterscotch chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans all bound together with sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave a sweet, crunchy, and chewy dessert bar.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
Layers
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1⅓ cup flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted salted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan to form the crust layer.
- Add Layers: Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust. Then, evenly sprinkle the butterscotch chips over the condensed milk layer, followed by the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Top with Coconut and Pecans: Evenly distribute the flaked coconut over the chocolate chips, and then sprinkle the chopped pecans on top.
- Bake the Bars: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- You can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if desired.
Keywords: 7 Layer Bars, Magic Bars, Dessert Bars, Easy Desserts, No Chill Bars, Butterscotch Bars, Coconut Bars, Nutty Bars, Sweet Bars
