Desserts > Cookies > Bar Cookies > Magic Bars Recipe

Salted Caramel Magic Bars

Elevate your classic magic bars with a salted caramel twist! These Salted Caramel Magic Bars feature a graham cracker crust, layers of chocolate chips, pecans, coconut, and a generous drizzle of homemade salted caramel, all baked to gooey perfection over a sweetened condensed milk base. The sweet and salty combination is simply divine.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25-30 minutes
Servings
24 bars
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups Graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup Melted butter
  • 14 oz can Sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup Pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup Shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup Heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 tablespoons Butter

Prepare the Graham Cracker Base

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press evenly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Make the Salted Caramel

In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula. Once sugar is melted and amber in color (this happens quickly!), remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream. Be very careful as it will bubble vigorously. Add butter and salt and stir until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

Layer the Ingredients

Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust. Sprinkle chocolate chips, pecans, and shredded coconut evenly over the sweetened condensed milk. Drizzle the prepared salted caramel evenly over the top of the coconut layer.

Bake the Bars

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The caramel may bubble a bit, that's okay.

Cool and Cut

Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the caramel to set properly before slicing.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated per 100g)

Calories: Approximately 480-530 kcal
Fat: 28-33g
Saturated Fat: 18-23g
Cholesterol: 40-50mg
Sodium: 150-200mg
Carbohydrates: 55-65g
Sugar: 45-55g
Protein: 6-8g
Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition

These bars are rich in sugar and fat, especially with the added caramel. Enjoy them as an occasional treat. To reduce the sugar content, consider using a sugar substitute in the caramel, but be aware that it might affect the texture. Use good quality dark chocolate to increase antioxidants and lower the amount of sugar overall.

FAQ

  • Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

    Yes, you can substitute the homemade caramel with a good quality store-bought salted caramel sauce to save time. Make sure it's thick enough to drizzle and not too runny.
  • How do I store the magic bars?

    Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The caramel may become slightly firmer when refrigerated.
  • Can I add other ingredients?

    Feel free to customize the bars with other ingredients like pretzels, M&Ms, or different types of nuts. Just be sure to adjust baking time if needed.