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To make Coconut Caramel Magic Bars, gather these ingredients: - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips - 1 cup butterscotch chips - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of sea salt These ingredients create a sweet and rich flavor that everyone loves. You can swap some ingredients for variations or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas: - Graham cracker crumbs can be replaced with crushed cookies like Digestives or Oreos. - Unsweetened shredded coconut can be replaced with sweetened if you like more sweetness. - Unsalted butter can be substituted with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. - Sweetened condensed milk can be replaced with coconut cream for a vegan treat. - Chocolate chips can be dark chocolate or even white chocolate based on your preference. These swaps let you customize the bars to your taste. Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Here are my tips: - Choose fresh graham crackers for the best texture. - Use good-quality chocolate chips for rich flavor. - Fresh nuts add crunch and taste. If you can, toast them for extra flavor. - Look for organic or fair-trade coconut to support better farming practices. Great ingredients lead to great results in your Coconut Caramel Magic Bars! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven warms up, prepare your baking dish. Use a 9x13 inch dish and grease it lightly. You can also line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the bars later. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir until everything is combined well. The mixture should feel like wet sand. This is your crust. Next, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers. Ensure it is packed tightly and evenly. This will give you a sturdy base for your magic bars. In another bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth. This filling is creamy and sweet. Carefully pour this mixture over the crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Now, it’s time for the toppings! Sprinkle semisweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips over the filling. If you want nuts, add chopped pecans or walnuts on top. This adds a great crunch. Baking Coconut Caramel Magic Bars requires attention. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for golden edges and a set center. If you overbake, they can become dry. If they look too soft, give them a few more minutes. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on yours. To slice your bars neatly, let them cool completely. I recommend chilling them in the fridge for an hour. This makes cutting much easier. Use a sharp knife for clean edges. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts. This helps prevent sticking. You can cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the crust mix. For a nutty twist, use chopped pecans or walnuts. You can even toss in some dried fruit like cranberries or cherries. Get creative! Each addition can make these bars unique. Just remember to keep the balance of flavors in mind. Pro Tips Chill for Clean Cuts: Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing. This will help achieve cleaner, more uniform cuts. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to mix and match your favorite toppings! Consider adding dried fruits, different nuts, or even a layer of caramel for extra flavor. Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check for a golden brown edge and a set center to avoid overbaking. Store Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for longer freshness. {{image_4}} You can change the flavors in your Coconut Caramel Magic Bars easily. For the graham cracker crumbs, use vanilla wafers for a sweeter taste. Want a nutty flavor? Swap in almond flour instead. You can also try using different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate adds a rich taste, while white chocolate gives a sweet twist. If you want to make these bars vegan, use coconut oil instead of butter. Replace the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream and maple syrup for a sweet touch. For gluten-free bars, choose gluten-free graham crackers. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats. You can add special ingredients based on the season. In the fall, add pumpkin spice for a cozy flavor. In summer, fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries will brighten the bars. You can also sprinkle in some orange zest for a fresh burst of citrus. These small changes make your bars unique and fun! To keep your Coconut Caramel Magic Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This helps maintain their texture and flavor. Keep the container in a cool, dry place. They can last up to five days at room temperature. If you want to save some bars for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the bars into squares first. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-friendly bag. This keeps them fresh and prevents freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you prefer warm bars, reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent over-browning. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This will make the chocolate and butterscotch chips nice and gooey again. Enjoy them warm for a delightful treat! Yes, you can make Coconut Caramel Magic Bars ahead of time. These bars taste great after a day or two. Just store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and chewy. If you need a substitute for sweetened condensed milk, try coconut cream. Mix it with sugar to get the right sweetness. Another option is evaporated milk with sugar added. Both choices work well in this recipe. These bars can last about five days at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to stay fresh. If it’s very warm, store them in the fridge to prevent melting. Absolutely! You can use other nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts. You can also add dried fruits like cherries or cranberries. These changes give your bars a unique flavor and texture. We've covered a lot about making delicious Coconut Caramel Magic Bars. You learned about key ingredients and how to choose the best ones. We also went through easy steps for baking and tips to make them perfect. Don't forget the fun variations you can try out. Lastly, I shared smart ways to store your bars for later. Enjoy experimenting and making these treats your own! You’ll love how simple and tasty they can be.

Coconut Caramel Magic Bars

Delicious layered bars with a graham cracker crust, coconut, chocolate, and butterscotch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  • Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth.
  • Carefully pour the sweetened condensed milk mixture over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips over the condensed milk layer. If using nuts, scatter them on top.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center appears set.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
  • Lift the bars out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles.

Notes

For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle with melted chocolate or butterscotch.
Keyword butterscotch, chocolate, coconut, dessert, magic bars