Chocolate Butterscotch Bars are a classic mid-century dessert bar that became especially popular during the 1960s and 1970s when easy layered sweets made with packaged baking ingredients were staples at potlucks, bake sales, and family gatherings. This recipe combines a buttery graham cracker crust with rich layers of semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch morsels, pecans, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk for a chewy, gooey texture that’s both crunchy and creamy. The contrast between the toasted coconut, nutty pecans, and melted chocolate creates an irresistible dessert bar that feels nostalgic and comforting. These bars are beloved because they’re simple to prepare, feed a crowd easily, and deliver bakery-style flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup butter (melted)
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate morsels
- 6 oz butterscotch morsels
- 1 ¼ cups pecans (chopped )
- 1 ¼ cups flaked coconut
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.
- Mix until crumbs are evenly coated.
Step 3: Press Into Pan
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Step 4: Add Chocolate and Butterscotch
- Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate morsels evenly over the crust.
- Add the butterscotch morsels in an even layer.
Step 5: Add Nuts and Coconut
- Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the chips.
- Top with flaked coconut.
Step 6: Add Condensed Milk
- Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire pan.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips
- Toast the pecans before baking for deeper flavor.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top for sweet-and-salty contrast.
- Substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Add mini marshmallows for a gooey variation.
- Chill bars before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled bars for extra decadence.
- Use graham cracker sheets crushed fresh for better texture.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 4gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 115mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 260IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 1.2mg
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