Looking for a dessert that will impress your friends and family? Look no further than these delightful Milky Way Magic Bars! They are not just a feast for the eyes with their rich layers of chocolate, butterscotch, and chewy coconut, but they also offer a delightful crunch thanks to the graham cracker crust and walnuts. Perfect for any event or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth at home, these bars are as easy to prepare as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

The tantalizing blend of flavors is what truly makes these Milky Way Magic Bars a dessert lover’s dream come true. Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery graham cracker crust topped with layers of gooey sweetened condensed milk and bits of Milky Way candy. Easy to whip up and baked to golden perfection, they are ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply your next dessert craving. Each bite offers a unique balance of sweetness and texture that’s sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped Milky Way bars
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the crust: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the graham cracker crumbs. Once mixed, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to create a solid crust.
2. Layer the ingredients: Over the crust, evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk. Take your time as you sprinkle the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, chopped Milky Way bars, and walnuts over the top, ensuring an even distribution.
3. Bake: Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the center appears set.
4. Cool and serve: After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. This cooling step is crucial for the bars to hold their shape when cut.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: These bars are delightful served at room temperature or slightly chilled. They make a wonderful addition to dessert spreads and are guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering.
• Storage: To keep your magic bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer-lasting indulgence, consider refrigerating them or freezing them for up to 2 months.

Helpful Notes

• For a fun twist, feel free to experiment with different candy bars or replace butterscotch chips with white chocolate or peanut butter chips.
• Ensure the bars cool completely before slicing them; this helps them hold together nicely for serving.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the Milky Way bars?
   Definitely! You can use other favorite candy bars such as Snickers or Twix to mix things up a bit.
2. Can I make these bars nut-free?
   Absolutely! If you’d like to keep them nut-free, simply omit the walnuts or switch them for more chocolate chips or coconut.
3. How do I prevent the bars from becoming too sweet?
   Consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet to help balance the sweetness, or slightly reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk.
4. Can I use homemade graham cracker crumbs?
   Yes, homemade graham cracker crumbs are a fantastic option and can add an even more delightful flavor to your crust!
5. What’s the best way to store these bars for the long term?
   For long-term storage, freeze them in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Just thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!