Whether you call them magic bars or seven-layer (or sometimes five-layer) cookies, you probably know these treats. Chunky bits—like chocolate chips, nuts, and coconut—get layered over sticky condensed milk and a crisp cookie crust. The bars are perfect for potlucks because they're portable and super-easy to make. The problem is (for me!) that they're always way too sweet. In this version, you'll find a potato-chip crust, unsweetened coconut flakes, and salted smoked almonds. The bars are just as chewy, crunchy, and appealing as the usual but taste less sugary.
Ingredients
Makes one 9x13" pan of bars
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9x13" baking pan, preferably metal, and line with parchment paper so it overhangs by a couple of inches on the long sides of the pan.
Step 2
In a food processor, pulse the potato chips with the flour until they resemble coarse bread crumbs. Pour in the 4 tablespoons butter and pulse until the chips are evenly moistened and finely chopped. Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan.
Step 3
Bake for about 15 minutes, until the crust is dry and very lightly browned. Let cool.
Step 4
Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the crust and tip the pan so it forms an even layer. Scatter the chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts on top and use a fork or the back of a spoon to press the ingredients into the sticky condensed milk.
Step 5
Bake for about 25 minutes, until the coconut is toasted and the condensed milk is lightly browned at the edges. Transfer to a rack and let cool.
Step 6
When the bar is cool, use the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan. Cut into any size squares you desire and serve.
The bars can be served right from the pan, if desired. They can be wrapped in foil and held at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be cut into bars, individually wrapped in plastic, and frozen. They make for a chewy sweet treat right from the freezer.
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Reviews (7)
Back to TopI had high hopes for these sweet and salty bars. Sadly, I have to agree with the other reviewers. The potato chip crust just tasted weird. I suspect that there is some type of chemical reaction that happens when you bake the chips into the crust. I remade them with a pretzel crust and topped them with chopped vanilla caramels, chocolate, sweetened coconut and salted cashews, macadamia nuts and almonds. Pretty magic indeed!! http://www.saltandserenity.com/2016/08/sweet-and-salty-magic-bars/
saltandserenity
Ottawa
8/22/2016
I had high hopes for these sweet and salty bars. Sadly, I have to agree with the other reviewers. The potato chip crust just tasted weird. I suspect that there is some type of chemical reaction that happens when you bake the chips into the crust. I remade them with a pretzel crust and topped them with chopped vanilla caramels, chocolate, sweetened coconut and salted cashews, macadamia nuts and almonds. Pretty magic indeed!! http://www.saltandserenity.com/2016/08/sweet-and-salty-magic-bars/
saltandserenity
Ottawa
8/22/2016
If you like traditional seven layer bars, you will like these. My husband loved them and my coworkers devoured the plate I brought to work. I am toying with idea of adding butterscotch chips next time, but the recipe is pretty tasty as written.
Anonymous
ArahdhdhdArlington, VA
8/15/2016
These are indeed chewy and crunchy and rich, but somehow kind of lackluster. It's just okay. I think I'd like them to be MORE salty... I might use the potato chip crust idea in the future, but I probably won't make this recipe again.
Anonymous
Charleston, SC
8/10/2016
I saw this recipe come through in the email this morning and couldn't resist trying out this unique twist on magic bars. As I expected, it is indeed rich. A 2 ½" square is leaving me feeling rather bloated. The potato chip/butter crust is pretty greasy, but even with all those intensely salty and sweet ingredients, it ended up tasting kind of bland! I think the saltiness and sweetness might have cancelled each other out somehow. Weird.
Anonymous
Palo Alto, CA
8/4/2016
Recipe specifically calls these a "treat." No one is advocating a steady diet of them. Please "review" recipes that you have actually tried. I haven't tried the recipe yet either but felt impelled to respond. I would LIKE to try the recipe and I was looking for actual feedback about it. Instead I saw this.
Anonymous
8/3/2016
Are you serious...adding a bunch of salt to counteract all the sugar we shouldn't be feeding our kids in the first place?!?! ( and, no, I didn't make this recipe)
babe22
8/3/2016
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