Unveiling the Magic of Scrumptious Cookie Bars

These bars, known by various names such as Magic Bars or 7-Layer Bars, hold a special place in our hearts, often earning the affectionate moniker of “garbage bars” due to the delightful chaos of emptied pantry ingredients. Rooted in a cherished recipe from my Mother-in-Law’s church cookbook, these bars have stood the test of time, bringing joy for many, many years!

Magic Cookie Bars or 7 Layer Bars?

While traditionally recognized as Magic Bars or 7-Layer Bars, we playfully refer to them as “garbage bars” because of the pantry raid that typically precedes their creation. Originating from my Mother-in-Law’s church cookbook, these bars boast a rich history that spans generations.

Variations for Magic Bars

1. Chocolate Chip Cookie Magic Bars: Substitute chocolate chip cookie dough for the graham cracker crust.
2. Lemon Magic Bars: Opt for a lemon cookie crust and infuse lemon zest into the coconut filling.
3. Peanut Butter Magic Bars: Embrace a peanut butter cookie crust and add chopped peanuts to the coconut filling.
4. Caramel Magic Bars: Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars before baking.
5. Mint Magic Bars: Use mint chocolate cookies for the crust and include peppermint extract in the coconut filling.
6. Berry Magic Bars: Spread your favorite berry jam over the crust before adding the coconut filling.

Feel free to experiment with other variations based on your preferences!

Storing, Freezing, and Thawing Instructions for Magic Bars

Storing:

1. Allow the bars to cool completely before storing.
2. Place the bars in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Freezing:

1. Allow the bars to cool completely before freezing.
2. Cut into individual servings for easier thawing.
3. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
4. Place the wrapped bars in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
5. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring proper labeling and dating.

Thawing:

1. Remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for several hours.
2. For a quick thaw, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave on the defrost setting for 1-2 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (about 170 g) graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) melted butter
• 1 can (15 ounces or about 425 g) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup peanut butter chips
• ½ cup milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet
• ½ cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup butterscotch chips
• 1 cup coconut flakes or sweetened shredded coconut (up to 170 g)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (about 175°C).
2. Melt butter and sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over a 9×13-inch pan. Pour butter over the crumbs, flatten with a fork, ensuring even incorporation.
3. Evenly distribute two cups of morsels over the graham cracker crust.
4. Pour condensed milk over the morsels.
5. Cover with coconut flakes (or shredded coconut).
6. Bake for 25 minutes until the edges brown, and the center does not jiggle.

Notes:

You can customize the morsels according to what you have available or your personal preferences.