Seven Layer Bars (also known as Magic Bars and Coconut Dream Bars) are a sweet lover’s dream. The buttery graham cracker base is sprinkled with layers and layers of chocolate, coconut, nuts, and marshmallows. The finishing drizzle of Vegan Sweetened Condensed Milk really makes this dessert taste just as delicious as the classic. You can usually find these vintage cookie bars at bake sales, around the holidays, or for sale in coffee shops. The original recipe, which you’ve probably seen on the back of any sweetened condensed milk can, is made with dairy. All of us sugar-loving vegans have been missing out until now! I think you’re really going to have a lot of fun with these cookie bars. Make sure you grab one at the party because they never last long!
What are the 7 layers?
Sweets, sweets, and more sweets! The magic bars have a graham cracker crust and plenty of sweets on top to bring all of the seven layers together. This is what I used: Feel free to customize this recipe any way you like. Maybe you’d prefer 4 layer bars or 10 layer bars! It’s a really fun recipe to play with.
How to make vegan 7 layer bars
Find the complete recipe with measurements below. Mix the melted vegan butter and graham cracker crumbs together in a bowl. Pour them into your prepared baking pan and press into an even layer. Sprinkle the chocolate chips, marshmallows, pecans, and shredded coconut evenly over the crust. Finish by pouring the vegan sweetened condensed milk all over the layers. Use a spatula or spoon to make sure it’s evenly distributed. Bake until the marshmallows look toasted and the edges turn golden brown. Let them cool in the pan before lifting them out and letting them cool completely. When ready, cut them into 24 small squares and enjoy with plenty of napkins!
Tips and substitutions
Customize the layers – Add even more or swap the layers for anything you like! Dried cranberries or blueberries, chopped walnuts, peanut butter, vegan white chocolate chips, chopped peanut butter cups, or chopped pretzel pieces would all be delicious.Gluten free – The seven layer bars can be made without graham crackers if you’re gluten free. Just replace them with crushed gluten free golden oreos or gluten free gingersnap cookies.Vegan butter – Coconut oil can be used if you don’t have vegan butter at home. Condensed milk – If you don’t want to make vegan condensed milk, a can of full fat coconut milk will work as a substitute.Don’t skip the parchment paper! These bars put the “goo” in gooey and will be quite messy when lifted out of the pan to cut. The parchment paper will make removing the bars really easy while keeping the mess to a minimum.
Storing and freezing magic bars
Store the leftover magic bars in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 week. The bars also freeze well in a sealed container or bag for 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
Hungry for more vegan cookie bars?
Smores Cookie BarsChocolate Chip Cookie BarsVegan Pecan BarsChocolate Peanut Butter Bars
