By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On May 15, 2023

You cannot resist the ooey-gooey chocolate, caramel-like topping, and cookie crust in these gluten-free 7 layer bars.

These are my version of a gluten-free monster bar, and they couldn't be easier to make.

I originally posted these in 2014 under the name gluten-free chocolate coconut sweeties. I've updated the photos, name, and post.

Indulge in more delicious gluten-free treats. Try these rich and fudgy gluten-free brownies, moist and flavorful gluten-free banana cake, chewy and buttery gluten-free blondies, comforting gluten-free apple crisp, and delicious gluten-free desserts. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without gluten.

With expert-led gluten-free courses covering everything from baking to main dishes, you will find something that piques your interest and helps you become a gluten-free master chef. Which of Udemy's gluten-free courses will you choose?

Gluten-Free 7 Layer Bars

These are basically my spin-off of gluten-free 7 layer bars, also known as gluten-free magic bars (or gluten-free monster bars), and they are extremely addicting.

It's best to share these Gluten-Free Bars so that you don't devour the whole batch -- and hate me. Not only are they decadent and rich, but they are also simple to make.

My school-aged children love to make them for their friends. I started making these gluten-free dessert bars about 15 years ago, and they remain a favorite.

Anytime I go to a party, potluck, or gathering, people ask me to make these gluten-free 7 layer bars.

I don't know why they started calling these types of bars gluten-free magic bars, but I can only guess it's because of how incredibly decadent they are. The crust in these gluten-free 7 layer bars recipe is really simple to make with only a few simple standard ingredients. I've used this crust in many other recipes.

It's sweet without being too sweet and gives off a cookie-like texture and taste. The delicious and crunchy crust in these gluten-free 7 layer bars is a fantastic foundation for the gooey center and crunchy nutty top.

Why You’re Going to Love These Gluten-Free 7 Layer Bars

Irresistible dessert - Indulge in a decadent and irresistible gluten-free dessert boasting a delightful cookie crust, sumptuous chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of nuts - all blended harmoniously in one delectable bar.

Simple to make - With a simple-to-follow recipe, these bars are easy to whip up, even for the most inexperienced bakers out there. Plus, they can be prepped ahead of time and conveniently stored in the freezer for future enjoyment.

Crowd pleaser - Bring a smile to the faces of all your loved ones with these crowd-pleasing bars, perfect for sharing with friends and family on special occasions. They make great homemade holiday gifts, birthday party treats, and graduation dessert bars - and can be enjoyed anytime.

Ingredients in Gluten-Free 7 Layer Bars

All-purpose gluten-free flour blend - Flour provides structure and texture as the base for the bars. You can use Bob's Red Mill Resealable Gluten-Free All-Purpose Baking Flour. Other recipes use gluten-free graham crackers as the base by using a rolling pin to crush it and then adding butter to form the base.

Gluten-free quick-cooking oats - Adds a chewy texture and helps to bind the ingredients together.

Brown sugar - Complements the chocolate chips with its sweetness and provides a caramel-like flavor to the bars.

Butter - Melted butter holds the ingredients together and adds richness to the bars.

Shredded coconut - Adds a sweet, tropical flavor to the bars and provides texture.

Gluten-free chocolate chips - Add richness and sweetness to the bars as a classic ingredient in 7 layer bars.

Sweetened condensed milk - Binds everything together and creates a creamy, caramel-like layer between the chocolate chips and coconut.

Pecans or walnuts - Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the bars and provide some nutritional value.

Equipment Needed for This Gluten-Free 7 Layer Bars

Medium mixing bowl - This will be used to combine the ingredients for the crust.

8"x8" baking pan - You will need this to bake the bars.

Spoon for drizzling the sweetened condensed milk - This will help you evenly distribute the sweetened condensed milk over the bars.

If you have any questions about making Gluten-Free 7 Layer Bars, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Make Gluten-Free 7 Layer Bars

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Position the oven rack in the center of the oven.
2. Combine flour, quick oats, and brown sugar in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Stir in the melted butter until it's evenly incorporated.
4. Sprinkle crust mixture evenly over the bottom of an 8"X8" baking pan. Using your hands, press the mixture down until is firm.
5. Sprinkle the coconut evenly over the crust.
6. Spread chocolate chips evenly over the top of the coconut.
7. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top using a spoon, covering as much of the chocolate chips and coconut as possible.
8. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the top.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top starts to brown.
10. Remove from the oven and cool completely before cutting into bars.
11. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

I won't lie these gluten-free magic bars are unhealthy and aren't paleo. This is one of those treats that you enjoy every once in a while. So please don't leave me a comment telling me how unhealthy they are. Just don't eat the whole pan, and you will be fine.

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free 7 Layer Bars

Measure flour correctly - When measuring gluten-free flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off.

Press crust in properly - Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create a firm crust.

Use a spoon - Use a spoon to drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top of the bars.

Cool the bars - Let them cool completely before cutting them into pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make gluten-free 7 layer bars dairy-free?

You can also make this dairy-free by using dairy-free sweetened condensed milk, dairy-free chocolate chips, and dairy-free butter.

But please, no matter what, don't try to sub the sweetened condensed milk for straight coconut cream. I had a reader do that once, and it wasn't pretty. She said they tasted fine but had to eat them with a spoon.

What Substitutions / Replacements in bullet point format Can I Make in This gluten-free 7 layer bars?

Nuts - Mix it up by sprinkling other chopped nuts on top. You can use almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts instead of pecans or walnuts.

Oats -  You can replace the gluten-free quick-cooking oats with rolled oats or gluten-free rice cereal.

Dairy-Free - View the suggestions above.

Chocolate chips - Use white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips. You can try peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips too.

How Do I Work with Gluten-Free Flours?

When working with or measuring gluten-free flour, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level. Do not scoop your measuring cup into the gluten-free flour.

The best method really is to weigh the gluten-free flour, but I don't have the ingredient weights for all my recipes yet.

Can I Freeze Gluten-Free 7 Layer Bars?

You can make up big batches of these gluten-free 7 layer bars and freeze them for up to six months.

This is a one-pan dessert that anyone can make, even the newest baker. My kids have made these for sleepovers before. The directions are simple to follow, and the ingredient inexpensive to procure.

These have always been a favorite in our house, and I hope they will be a favorite in yours.

Continue to Content

Yield: 24 bars

Gluten-Free 7 Layer Bars

Print

You cannot resist the ooey-gooey chocolate, caramel-like topping, and cookie crust in these Gluten-Free 7 Layer Bars.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour blend
• 1 cup gluten-free quick cooking oats
• ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup butter (1 stick), melted
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 2 cups gluten-free chocolate chips
• 1 ½ cup (12oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Position the oven rack in center of oven.
2. In a medium mixing bowl combine flour, quick oats, and brown sugar.
3. Stir in the melted butter until it's evenly incorporated.
4. Sprinkle crust mixture evenly over the bottom of a 8"X8" baking pan. Using your hands, press the mixture down until is firm.
5. Sprinkle the coconut evenly over the crust.
6. Spread chocolate chips evenly over the top of the coconut.
7. Using a spoon, drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top, covering as much of the chocolate chips and coconut as possible.
8. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the top.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top starts to brown.
10. Remove from the oven and cool completely before cutting into bars.
11. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

• Press crust in properly - Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create a firm crust.
• Cool the bars - Let them cool completely before cutting them into pieces.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.

• 
  GF Harvest Gluten Free Quick Oats, 20 Ounce
• 
  Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set, 1-Qt, 1.5-Qt ,and 2.5-Qt Glass Mixing Bowls, Dishwasher, Microwave and Freezer Safe
• 
  Pyrex 8" Square Baking Dish with Blue Plastic Lid

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 165Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 51mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 11gProtein: 2g

This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used a the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.

If you make these super yummy gluten-free 7 layer bars, please stop back by and let me know what you think!