Description
Indulge in these decadent, layered magic bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich fudge-like cocoa base, and a delightful mix of bittersweet chocolate, crunchy toasted nuts, chewy dried cranberries, and coconut. This simple, assembly-style recipe creates bakery-quality dessert squares that are perfectly balanced, satisfyingly sweet, and elegantly presented. Ideal for home bakers looking for an easy, sophisticated treat to share during busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
3/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup hazelnuts or almonds, toasted and chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper to create a sling.
In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a compact base.
Whisk the sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder together until completely smooth.
Evenly pour the cocoa-milk mixture over the graham cracker base.
Layer the hazelnuts, dried cranberries, and half of the chocolate chips over the condensed milk layer.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips and coconut over the top.
Allow to cool completely before using the parchment sling to remove the bars from the pan for clean slicing.
Notes
Ensure the butter is fully melted to guarantee the crust holds together. Toasting the nuts beforehand is recommended to intensify their flavor. The parchment paper sling is essential for lifting the bars out cleanly for professional-looking slices.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
