Save to Pins 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 first made these bars for a family potluck, and they disappeared from the dessert table faster than anything else. The blend of chocolate, caramel, and coconut made everyone come back for seconds & thirds!
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.
- Add layers:
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by butterscotch chips, then coconut, and finally the chopped nuts.
- Pour 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 salted caramel:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir until dissolved, then stop stirring and cook until the 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.
- Drizzle and cut:
- Drizzle the cooled caramel over the bars. Let set, then lift bars from the pan and cut into squares.
Save to Pins Whenever my kids help drizzle the caramel, the kitchen fills with laughter and sticky fingers. These bars are now a staple at holiday gatherings in our house, and every bite feels like a celebration.
Required Tools
9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, saucepan, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter, condensed milk, heavy cream), tree nuts (walnuts/pecans), and gluten (unless using gluten-free crackers). Contains coconut. May contain soy (in chips). Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 285, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 33 g, Protein: 3 g
Save to Pins Let your imagination run wild with extra toppings or drizzles. These bars keep well for several days & taste even better the next day.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of nuts work best in these bars?
Walnuts or pecans are ideal, offering a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweet layers. Almonds can also be used as a substitute for a different taste.
- → Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs in the crust, the bars can cater to gluten sensitivities without altering the flavor significantly.
- → How is the salted caramel drizzle prepared?
The drizzle is crafted by melting sugar with water until amber-colored, then adding butter, heavy cream, and sea salt while whisking to create a smooth, rich caramel topping.
- → What baking dish size is recommended?
A 9x9-inch baking pan is recommended to ensure the layers cook evenly and the bars hold their shape when sliced.
- → How can I add extra crunch to the bars?
Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top before serving adds a delightful crunch and enhances the caramel’s flavor.