Smores Seven Layer Bars Recipe

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. These S’mores Seven Layer Bars are literally the laziest, most delicious thing you’ll ever dump into a pan and call “baking.” Ten minutes of effort, one pan, zero campfire required, and you still get that gooey, chocolatey, marshmallowy hug you deserve. Let’s do this.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Because it’s basically idiot-proof. Even I didn’t mess it up—and I once set oatmeal on fire. Seven layers of pure happiness, no mixer, no fuss, no “chill the dough for 12 hours” nonsense. You just layer, bake, and try not to eat the whole pan while it’s still bubbling. It’s the dessert equivalent of winning the lottery without buying a ticket.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grab these and pretend you’re a pro baker for five seconds:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets, smashed like they owe you money)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (salted works too, we don’t judge)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate if you’re feeling extra happy)
• 1 cup butterscotch chips (trust me, this is the secret weapon)
• 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened, because unsweetened is for people who hate joy)
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (or skip if nuts aren’t your vibe)
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk (the magical glue)
• 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows (or big ones you tear apart like a savage)
• Extra handful of chocolate chips for the top (because restraint is overrated)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment or foil—do NOT skip this unless you enjoy chiseling dessert off metal for an hour.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press it firmly into the bottom of the pan like you mean it. This is your crust, treat it with respect.
3. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust. No need to be neat; we’re going for “rustic chaos.”
4. Add butterscotch chips next. Yes, it feels weird. Yes, it’s perfect.
5. Scatter the coconut like you’re making it snow in July.
6. Toss on the nuts (if using). Look at you being all fancy.
7. Drizzle the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over everything. Go slow—cover as much as possible without drowning it.
8. Bake 25 minutes. The edges will be golden and bubbly and you’ll question every life choice that led you to wait this long.
9. Pull it out, immediately scatter mini marshmallows and extra chocolate chips on top. The residual heat melts them just right.
10. Let cool (at least mostly) before cutting… or don’t. Hot gooey mess is a valid serving suggestion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the parchment paper: Congrats, you just made S’mores Concrete™.
• Under-baking because you’re impatient: You’ll end up with a tray of sadness soup.
• Using large marshmallows from the start: They turn into sad puffballs instead of perfect melty pockets.
• Cutting too soon: I believe in you, but physics doesn’t. Wait 30 minutes minimum or accept sticky fingers forever.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• Gluten-free? Use GF graham crackers. Tastes the same, nobody will know.
• No butterscotch chips? Extra chocolate chips or peanut butter chips work. (Peanut butter + s’mores = dangerously good.)
• Hate coconut? Leave it out or swap for crushed pretzels for salty-sweet vibes.
• Want it extra over-the-top? Add a layer of dulche de leche before the condensed milk. I won’t tell your jeans.
• Vegan? There are vegan condensed milk and marshmallows now—your move.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! They actually get better after a day (if they survive that long).

Do I really need the butterscotch chips?

Technically no, but why would you rob yourself of that caramel-y magic? Live a little.

Help, my bars are too gooey!

That’s not a problem, that’s a feature. Chill them in the fridge for cleaner cuts.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Technically yes, but why hurt your soul (and your taste buds) like that?

Will these work in a smaller pan for thicker bars?

8×8 works—bake 30-35 minutes and accept you’re a monster (the good kind).

My family inhaled them in 5 minutes—normal?

100% normal. Make a double batch next time and hide one pan in the garage like a responsible adult.

Final Thoughts

There you go—your new go-to “I’m basically a pastry chef” move that takes almost zero effort. These S’mores Seven Layer Bars are stupidly good, dangerously easy, and guaranteed to make people love you (or at least love your baking). Now quit reading and go make them. Your future self (with chocolate on their face) is already thanking you.