Hello Dolly Bars Classic Layers (Printable)

Luscious layers of graham crumbs, chocolate chips, coconut, and sweetened milk combined for a chewy delight.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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)
05 - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
06 - 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
07 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

# How to Prepare:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together in under an hour with zero fancy techniques or temperamental ingredients.
  • Every single layer delivers a different texture and flavor that somehow tastes even better together than apart.
  • Once you master the basic formula, you can swap in whatever chips or nuts you have hiding in your pantry.
02 -
  • Don't skip the cooling step no matter how much those warm bars call to you; they'll crumble and fall apart if you cut into them hot.
  • The sweetened condensed milk is doing heavy lifting here, so use the full can and don't attempt substitutions with cream or other liquids.
03 -
  • Press the graham cracker crust firmly enough that it holds together but not so hard that it becomes tough; think packing sand at the beach rather than pounding it into submission.
  • If your sweetened condensed milk is cold from the fridge, it distributes more evenly and gives you better control over pouring and coverage.
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