Seven Layer Bars Recipe

Gluten-free graham cracker crumbs: These crumbs form the base of the bars, providing a crunchy and flavorful crust.

Butter: Melted butter helps bind the graham cracker crumbs together to form the crust.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These add a rich, chocolatey layer to the bars.

Butterscotch chips: These chips add a sweet, caramel-like flavor to the bars.

Shredded coconut: Adds a chewy texture and a hint of tropical flavor.

Chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient binds all the layers together and adds sweetness.

When pressing the gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and melted butter mixture into the baking dish, use the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat-bottomed glass to ensure an even and compact crust. This will help the seven layer bars hold together better when you cut them into pieces.

• gluten-free graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with gluten-free oat flour: Provides a similar texture and binding quality while maintaining a gluten-free profile.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Offers a dairy-free alternative with a slightly different but complementary flavor.

• semi-sweet chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips are often naturally gluten-free and provide a richer flavor.

• butterscotch chips - Substitute with caramel chips: Caramel chips offer a similar sweetness and texture, and are often gluten-free.

• shredded coconut - Substitute with shredded almonds: Provides a similar texture and nutty flavor while adding a bit of crunch.

• chopped nuts - Substitute with pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds offer a nut-free alternative with a similar crunch and nutritional profile.

• sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut condensed milk: A dairy-free alternative that maintains the sweetness and consistency needed for the recipe.

• To keep your Seven Layer Bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to a week.

• If you prefer to keep them longer, refrigerate the bars. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will last up to two weeks in the fridge.

• For even longer storage, you can freeze the Seven Layer Bars. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

• When you're ready to enjoy a frozen bar, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to overheat.

• To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid refreezing the bars once they have been thawed.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the Seven Layer Bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through. This method helps maintain the crunchy crust and the gooey layers.

• Microwave Method: Place a Seven Layer Bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check the temperature and heat in additional 10-second intervals if needed. Be cautious not to overheat, as the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips can melt too much and make the bar overly gooey.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the Seven Layer Bars on a small baking tray. Heat for about 5-10 minutes, checking frequently to avoid over-browning. This method is great for a quick reheat while keeping the crust crisp.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the Seven Layer Bars in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly. This method can give a slightly crispy edge while keeping the inside gooey.

• Stovetop Method: If you prefer a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the Seven Layer Bars in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. This method is unconventional but can work in a pinch, especially if you want to avoid using an oven or microwave.

• Oven: Used to bake the seven layer bars at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and melted butter to form the crust mixture.

• Baking dish: The container where the crust and layers are assembled and baked.

• Spatula: Useful for pressing the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients like graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts.

• Can opener: Needed to open the can of sweetened condensed milk.

• Knife: Used for chopping the nuts if they are not pre-chopped.

• Cooling rack: Allows the bars to cool completely before cutting.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the nuts.

• Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the baking dish for easier removal of the bars.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This will streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-chopped nuts: Save time by buying pre-chopped nuts instead of chopping them yourself.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish. This makes cleanup quicker and easier.

Melt butter in microwave: Melt the butter in the microwave instead of on the stove to save a few minutes.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven before you begin assembling the layers to ensure it's ready when you are.