Gluten-Free Seven-Layer Bars Recipe — Chewy Chocolate Coconut Bars

Gluten-Free 7-Layer Bars — a gluten-free take on the classic, with a buttery graham-cracker crust layered with chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, nuts, and sweetened condensed milk. Simple to prepare, irresistible to share, and perfect for gatherings.

7-layer bars stacked on a cooling rack

If you want a gooey, decadent gluten-free dessert, these Gluten-Free 7-Layer Bars deliver. Also known as Hello Dollies or Magic Cookie Bars, they combine a crisp, buttery crust with melty chips, coconut, nuts, and sweetened condensed milk for a perfectly chewy finish.

The layers are straightforward and satisfying: a gluten-free graham cracker crust, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, sweetened flaked coconut, chopped nuts, and sweetened condensed milk poured over the top so everything bakes together into an ooey-gooey treat.

This version requires only one swap — gluten-free graham crackers — and otherwise follows the classic method. The recipe fills a 9×13-inch pan, making it ideal for potlucks, parties, or baking for a crowd.

They’re easy to assemble and bake in under 30 minutes. Once cooled and sliced, they store well and travel nicely, which makes them a favorite to share with neighbors or friends.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

  • Chewy, gooey texture with crisp edges
  • Quick and simple to make
  • Makes a full 9×13 pan—great for gatherings
  • A delightful balance of sweet and crunchy flavors

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather the following simple ingredients to make these 7-layer magic bars.

7-layer bar ingredients on a countertop
  • Gluten-free graham cracker crumbs: 7–8 ounces (about 210 g) crushed into fine crumbs. Any brand of gluten-free graham crackers will work.
  • Salted butter: 4 tablespoons (56 g), melted — used to bind the crust.
  • Chocolate chips: 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet works best, but milk or dark chips are fine.
  • Butterscotch chips: 1 cup (170 g). Use a gluten-free brand; some butterscotch morsels contain gluten.
  • Sweetened flaked coconut: 1 cup (100 g) for chew and sweetness.
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts: 1/2 cup (65 g) for a crunchy, slightly salty contrast.
  • Sweetened condensed milk: 14 ounces (395 g) poured over the layered toppings to bind and create the gooey texture.

How to Make this Recipe

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
Graham cracker crumbs and butter in a bowl
  • Combine the gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a medium bowl, stirring until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
Graham cracker crumbs and butter pressed into a pan
  • Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
Baked 7-layer bars topped with chocolate chips
  • Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust, then the butterscotch chips.
nuts and coconut on top of the 7-layer bars
  • Add the sweetened flaked coconut and the chopped nuts in an even layer.
Condensed milk poured over the 7-layer bars
  • Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top and use a rubber spatula to spread it so all layers are covered.
Baked 7-layer bars in a pan
  • Bake 25–30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
  • Cool completely before slicing into bars so they hold together. Serve and enjoy.
7-layer bars cut up on a cooling rack

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months; thaw before serving.

7-layer bars on a cooling rack with bite taken out

Expert Tips & Tricks

  • Confirm that butterscotch chips are labeled gluten-free; some brands contain gluten or are processed on shared equipment.
  • Any gluten-free graham cracker brand will work — press the crust firmly so it holds together after baking.
  • For a variation, try a gluten-free Oreo crust instead of the graham crumb crust, but be sure the Oreo-style cookies are gluten-free.

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I hope you enjoy this recipe! If you make these Gluten-Free 7-Layer Bars, leave a comment or rating—I’d love to hear how they turned out.

7-layer bars stacked on a cooling rack

Gluten-Free 7-Layer Bars

Author Erin Collins
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Servings 24 servings
Gluten-Free 7-Layer Bars — buttery gluten-free crust layered with chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, nuts, and sweetened condensed milk for a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients

  • 7-8 ounces gluten-free graham crackers (210 g), crushed into fine crumbs
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter (56 g), melted
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (170 g)
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips (170 g)
  • 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut (100 g)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (65 g)
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (395 g)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray or parchment.
  • Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined.
  • Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
  • Layer chocolate chips, then butterscotch chips, coconut, and nuts evenly over the crust. Pour the condensed milk on top and spread so everything is covered.
  • Bake 25–30 minutes until edges are golden and the center is set.
  • Cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!

Notes

Make it nut-free: omit the nuts.

Recipe notes

  • Use gluten-free butterscotch chips and gluten-free graham crackers to keep the bars gluten-free.
  • Press the crust firmly so the bars hold together when sliced.
  • Try a gluten-free Oreo crust for a fun variation, ensuring the Oreo-style cookies are gluten-free.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g