Hello Dolly Bars Classic Layers (Printable)

A chewy, layered bar featuring graham crust, chocolate chips, nuts, coconut, and sweetened milk for a rich treat.

# What You Need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Layers

03 - 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
04 - 1 cup butterscotch chips (optional, can substitute with additional chocolate chips)
05 - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
06 - 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
07 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
02 - Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a medium bowl. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
03 - Sprinkle semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by butterscotch chips if using, then nuts, and finally shredded coconut.
04 - Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over all layers, ensuring thorough coverage.
05 - Bake for 23 to 27 minutes until edges turn golden and center is set.
06 - Allow to cool completely in the pan. Lift out using parchment paper and cut into 16 bars.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You dump everything in layers and the oven does the work, no mixing or fussing required.
  • The sweetened condensed milk melts into every crevice, binding everything into gooey, chewy perfection.
  • They taste like something from a bakery but use pantry staples you probably already have.
02 -
  • Do not skip pressing the crust firmly into the pan or it will fall apart when you cut the bars.
  • Pour the condensed milk slowly and evenly so every layer gets coated, otherwise you'll have dry spots.
  • Let them cool completely before cutting or you'll end up with a delicious mess instead of neat squares.
03 -
  • Toast the nuts for a few minutes before adding them to bring out their flavor and make them extra crunchy.
  • Use a plastic knife to cut the bars cleanly without dragging the toppings around.
  • If the edges brown too fast, tent the pan loosely with foil halfway through baking.
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