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–+ servings
Magic Bars
Magic Bars are a beloved retro treat made famous during the mid-20th century when sweetened condensed milk became a pantry staple. This layered dessert combines a buttery cornflake crust with chocolate chips, flaked coconut, and chopped walnuts, all brought together by a rich layer of Eagle Brand milk. Simple to assemble and delightfully sweet and chewy, these bars are a nostalgic favorite that blend textures and flavors in every bite. They're perfect for potlucks, holiday trays, or anytime you crave an easy dessert with big flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars
Calories 264 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ cups Corn Flakes (crushed)
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 stick margarine (melted (½ cup))
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels
  • 1½ cups flaked coconut
  • 1 cup walnuts (chopped )
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (Eagle Brand)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Pan

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Grease a 9x13-inch cake pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Crust

  • In a bowl, combine crushed corn flakes, sugar, and melted margarine.
  • Mix until well blended, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 3: Layer the Toppings

  • Sprinkle chocolate morsels evenly over the crust.
  • Add flaked coconut and then chopped walnuts in layers.

Step 4: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk

  • Pour the Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire pan.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

  • Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until lightly golden and bubbly.
  • Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Tips

  • Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.
  • Add a pinch of salt to the crust to enhance sweetness.
  • Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or leave nuts out entirely.
  • Add butterscotch chips or white chocolate chips for extra layers.
  • Press the cornflake crust firmly to prevent crumbling.
  • Chill before slicing for cleaner bars.
  • Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top after baking.
  • Mix coconut and nuts lightly before sprinkling for even distribution.
  • For a chewier bar, slightly underbake by 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add a layer of crushed graham crackers mixed with the cornflakes for a hybrid crust.

Nutrition

Calories: 264kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 5gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 55mgPotassium: 236mgFiber: 3gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 122IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 87mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chocolate coconut bars, condensed milk bars, easy dessert, magic bars, retro baking, sweet treat, vintage recipe
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