Welcome to the wonderfully easy world of Hello Dolly Bars! This classic dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust topped with layers of chocolate chips, nuts, coconut, and a luscious drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. Also known as Magic Bars or Seven-Layer Bars, this hello dolly recipe is incredibly simple to make and delivers an irresistible gooey, hands-off sweet treat every time. Prepare for a seriously delicious, hands-off dessert that disappears fast!
The use of sweetened condensed milk as the “magic” ingredient in these bars became widely popular in the mid-1960s with Borden’s recipe. Learn more about the history of Magic Cookie Bars.
Why You’ll Love This Hello Dolly Recipe
This classic hello dolly recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for many fantastic reasons. It’s perfect for busy parents and beginners alike.
- Effortlessly Easy: You need minimal prep and no complex techniques. Just layer and bake!
- Highly Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry.
- Irresistibly Gooey: Each bite offers a satisfying mix of crunchy, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth textures.
- Crowd- pleasing Dessert: These bars are a hit at potlucks, parties, or simply as a comforting family treat.
- Time-Saving: With only 10 minutes of active prep, you can have a fantastic dessert ready for the oven quickly.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your batch of irresistible Hello Dolly Bars. The magic happens with just a few pantry staples!
- 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups (about a 13 1/2 ounce box) graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups (about 12 ounces) dark or semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups (about 8 ounces) pecans, roughly chopped
- 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut flake
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
Notes & Substitutions
Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your hello dolly recipe. If you only have salted butter, reduce any added salt in other recipes or be aware the bars might be slightly saltier. For the crust, feel free to use vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even crushed shortbread cookies if you don’t have graham crackers. You can easily swap dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate, white chocolate, or butterscotch chips to vary the flavor. If pecans aren’t your favorite, try walnuts, almonds, or cashews instead. Always choose sweetened shredded coconut for the classic gooey texture in this amazing hello dolly recipe. Unsweetened coconut will result in a drier bar.
According to Wikipedia, the graham cracker has a rich history, with early references dating back to Herman Melville’s 1852 novel. Discover more about the origins of graham crackers.
Equipment
You won’t need much special equipment to whip up this hello dolly recipe.
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (optional, but highly recommended)
- Spatula or spoon for pressing crust
Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your delicious Hello Dolly Bars. This hello dolly recipe comes together in no time!
Step 1: Prep Oven & Crust
Adjust your oven rack to the middle position. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the 16 tablespoons of completely melted unsalted butter with 3 cups of graham cracker crumbs. Stir until the crumbs are thoroughly moistened and combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your 9×13-inch baking dish. Ensure the crust is firm and covers the entire base.
Step 2: Layer Fillings
Now it’s time to build those delicious layers. First, sprinkle 2 cups of dark or semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the pressed graham cracker crust. Next, scatter 2 cups of roughly chopped pecans over the chocolate chips. Finish this layering step by spreading 3 cups of sweetened shredded coconut flake over the nuts. Try to distribute each layer as uniformly as possible for even baking and flavor in every bite of your hello dolly recipe.
Step 3: Drizzle & Bake
Carefully pour the entire 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layered ingredients. Make sure the milk coats everything thoroughly, as this creates the signature gooey texture. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until any visible crust edges are golden brown and the coconut topping has begun to toast to a light golden hue. The center should look set and bubbly.
Step 4: Cool & Chill
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let the Hello Dolly Bars cool completely at room temperature. This step is crucial for proper setting. After reaching room temperature, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling solidifies the condensed milk layer, making the bars much easier to cut cleanly and preventing a sticky mess. For best results, chill for 2 hours or more.
Step 5: Cut & Serve
Once thoroughly chilled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper lining, if you used it. Place the slab on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the cooled bars into your desired size. The provided recipe suggests 12 bars, but you can cut smaller squares for bite-sized treats. Serve and enjoy your amazing hello dolly recipe immediately. Leftovers are perfect stored in the fridge!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering this classic is simple with a few extra pointers for your hello dolly recipe.
- Achieve Perfect Layers: Distribute each layer of chocolate chips, nuts, and coconut evenly across the crust. Press the graham cracker crust down firmly and uniformly for a sturdy base.
- Prevent Sticking: Always line your baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This creates “handles” to easily lift the entire slab of bars out after cooling. You can also lightly grease the pan before adding the parchment.
- Customizing Flavor: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try different chocolate chip varieties like white chocolate or butterscotch. Mix in various nuts such as walnuts or almonds for a unique twist on this delightful hello dolly recipe.
- Cooling and Cutting: Emphasize letting the bars cool completely at room temperature, then chilling them thoroughly in the refrigerator. This step is non-negotiable for clean cuts. Use a sharp knife, warming it slightly under hot water and wiping it dry between cuts, for the neatest edges.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
These Hello Dolly Bars are wonderfully versatile and store well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful bars chilled straight from the refrigerator for a firmer bite, or at room temperature for a softer, chewier texture. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They make an ideal dessert for any gathering.
Storage Tips
Store your cooled Hello Dolly Bars in an airtight container. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them to maintain their freshness and firm texture, where they will last for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your hello dolly recipe! Add in other fun ingredients like chopped candy bars, mini marshmallows, or dried cranberries for a festive touch. For a salty-sweet crunch, sprinkle crushed pretzels over the crust before adding other layers. A few drops of vanilla or almond extract added to the melted butter can also enhance the overall flavor profile.
Nutrition
Hello Dolly Bars are a rich, indulgent treat. While exact values vary based on ingredients and specific brands, here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving for this hello dolly recipe.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-500 kcal |
| Total Fat | 30-35 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15-20 g |
| Cholesterol | 30-40 mg |
| Sodium | 150-200 mg |
| Total Carbs | 40-45 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2-3 g |
| Total Sugars | 30-35 g |
| Protein | 4-5 g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and may vary. Please consult a professional for precise dietary advice.
FAQ
Got questions about this classic hello dolly recipe? We have answers!
What are Hello Dolly Bars also known as? These delightful treats are widely recognized by other names like Magic Bars, due to how easily they come together, and Seven-Layer Bars, referring to their distinct layers. No matter what you call them, they’re always a hit.
Can I make Hello Dolly Bars ahead of time? Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare them a day or two before serving, as they actually firm up and taste even better after a night in the fridge.
How do I prevent my bars from being too soft? The key to firm bars is proper chilling. Ensure your Hello Dolly Bars cool completely at room temperature, then chill them in the refrigerator for at least one to two hours before cutting. This helps the condensed milk set fully.
Can Hello Dolly Bars be frozen? Yes, they freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Why are my Hello Dolly Bars greasy? Excessive greasiness often comes from not pressing the crust firmly enough or using too much butter in the crust. Ensure your graham cracker crumbs are fully combined with the butter and pressed down well.
Conclusion
This hello dolly recipe truly lives up to its legendary status as a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious dessert. From its buttery graham cracker crust to the irresistible gooey layers of chocolate, nuts, and coconut, it’s a treat that consistently delivers smiles. Perfect for busy parents and beginners, these bars are simple to customize and always impress. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these magical bars and share the joy!
