Pin this A decadent, chewy dessert bar layered with chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, nuts, and a luscious salted caramel drizzle — a truly magical treat perfect for any sweet tooth.
I remember sharing these bars at our family picnic, watching everyone reach for another piece — the salted caramel on top made them irresistible.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: 1 1/2 cups (180 g)
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115 g), melted
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup (180 g)
- Butterscotch chips: 1 cup (180 g)
- Sweetened shredded coconut: 1 cup (120 g)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Sweetened condensed milk: 1 cup (300 ml)
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Water: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
- Unsalted butter (for caramel): 2 tbsp (30 g)
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Flaky sea salt: 1/2 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the crust:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined. Press firmly into the pan to form an even crust.
- Layer toppings:
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by butterscotch chips, then coconut, and finally the chopped nuts.
- Add condensed milk:
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layers.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until edges are golden and the center is set. Cool completely in the pan.
- Make caramel drizzle:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir until dissolved, then stop stirring and cook until mixture turns a deep amber color (4–5 minutes). Remove from heat, whisk in butter, then slowly add heavy cream while whisking. Stir in sea salt. Let cool slightly.
- Finish and serve:
- Drizzle the cooled caramel over the bars. Let set, then lift bars from the pan and cut into squares.
Pin this These bars became a celebrated favorite after my children helped drizzle extra caramel on top, turning dessert into a joyful kitchen tradition.
Required Tools
You'll need a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, a saucepan, whisk, measuring cups, spoons, and parchment paper.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy, tree nuts, coconut, and gluten (unless using gluten-free crackers). May contain soy. Always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Each serving: Calories: 285, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 33 g, Protein: 3 g.
Pin this Whip up these bars for any special occasion—their texture and rich layers always wow a crowd.
Recipe FAQs
- → What nuts can I use in the bars?
Walnuts or pecans work great, and you can substitute almonds for a different flavor and texture.
- → Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust to accommodate gluten intolerance.
- → How do I prepare the salted caramel drizzle?
Cook sugar and water until amber, remove from heat, whisk in butter, then slowly add cream and sea salt. Let cool before drizzling.
- → What is the best way to prevent the bars from sticking?
Line the baking pan with parchment paper with an overhang to easily lift the bars once cooled.
- → Can I adjust the nut quantity or type?
Yes, feel free to add more or less nuts or try different varieties to customize the texture and flavor.