By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On January 15, 2023
You will not be able to 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.
Gluten-Free Seven Layer Bars
These are basically my spin off of gluten-free seven 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 end up devouring the whole batch -- and hating me.
Not only are the decadent and rich, they are 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, pot luck or gathering people ask me to make these gluten-free seven layer bars.
I don't know what they started calling these types of bars gluten-free magic bars but I can only guess it's because how incredibly decadent they are.
The crust in these gluten-free seven 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 it gives off a cookie-like texture and taste. The delicious and crunchy crust in these gluten-free seven layer bars serves as a fantastic foundation for the gooey center and crunchy nutty top.
How to make gluten-free seven layer bars
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Position the oven rack in center of oven.
- In a medium mixing bowl combine flour, quick oats, and brown sugar.
- Stir in the melted butter until it's evenly incorporated.
- Sprinkle crust mixture evenly over the bottom of a 8"X8" baking pan. Using your hands, press the mixture down until is firm.
- Sprinkle the coconut evenly over the crust.
- Spread chocolate chips evenly over the top of the coconut.
- Using a spoon, drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top, covering as much of the chocolate chips and coconut as possible.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top starts to brown.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely before cutting into bars.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
I'm not going to lie, these gluten-free magic bars are not healthy, and they 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.
You can make up big batches of these gluten-free seven layer bars and freeze them for up to six months.
They make great home-made holiday gifts, birthday party treats, and graduation dessert bars - and can be enjoyed any time of the year.
How can I make gluten-free seven layer bars dairy-free?
Mix it up by sprinkling other types of chopped nuts on top, or use white chocolate chips in place of milk chocolate chips.
You can also make these 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 she had to eat them with a spoon.
Working 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.
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.
If you make these super yummy Chocolate Coconut Sweeties, a.k.a gluten-free seven layer bars, please stop back by and let me know what you thought!
Gluten-Free Seven Layer Bars
You will not be able to resist the ooey-gooey chocolate, caramel like topping, and cookie crust in these Gluten-Free Seven Layer Bars.
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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Position the oven rack in center of oven.
- In a medium mixing bowl combine flour, quick oats, and brown sugar.
- Stir in the melted butter until it's evenly incorporated.
- Sprinkle crust mixture evenly over the bottom of a 8"X8" baking pan. Using your hands, press the mixture down until is firm.
- Sprinkle the coconut evenly over the crust.
- Spread chocolate chips evenly over the top of the coconut.
- Using a spoon, drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top, covering as much of the chocolate chips and coconut as possible.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top starts to brown.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely before cutting into bars.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 211Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 47mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 2gSugar: 16gProtein: 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.
Sonya
These are amazing! Got to make ‘em again!
chrystal
So glad you like them Sonya. Thank you for stopping by to let me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Debbue
Can I use regular oats?
chrystal
If you don't have quick oats, just pulse them in a food processor or blender for 5-10 seconds. You'll want them to be smaller for the crust.
Hope that helps,
Chrystal
Susan Davis
I'm alarmed that one serving is 7250 calories and 401g of fat. Is that for the whole batch or one piece?
chrystal
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the catch. My recipe card had a glitch. It's fixed now.
Best,
Chrystal
Kristal
What is your favorite gluten free flour blend?
chrystal
Lately I've been using Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 or my homemade blend.
Best,
Chrystal
Ashley Sylve
Is it 24 carbs per serving or is the whole pan 24 carbs?
chrystal
It's 20 g. carbs per serving, 2 grams of fiber, so 18 net carbs. Yes, they are high in carbs. This is an indulgent treat 🙂
Best,
Chrystal
Kine M. Berg
Hi, thanks for this recipe! They're amazing!
How long do they stay good? I put mine in the fridge... And why are the chocolate chips in the photos not melted? Did you sprinkle extra on top?
chrystal
Hi Kine,
Funny, I just made these last night for my daughters birthday. You can leave them at room temperature for 3 days or so, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them. Yes, I sprinkled a few extra on top.
Best,
Chrystal
Kine
Thanks for the fast reply. I'm really enjoying them although I have to say I put too much condensed milk on them (more than in the recipe) and if I eat to much, like more than one piece, I get nauceous .
Extra chocolate sprinkles is a good idea, I'll try that next time.
In danger of messing with your recipe, I sprinkled a little sea salt on top which gave it a salty caramel taste. Really good!
gina
How many does this recipe make
chrystal
I cut them into 24 squares, but you can cut them into more or less if needed.
Best,
Chrystal
NANCY
The best GF 7-layer bars! And I've tried many...I opted for DF and substituted the milk with a can of coconut cream or coconut milk reduced over heat.
chrystal
Hi Nancy,
I'm glad you like these bars. Thank you for sharing what you used to make them dairy-free.
Best,
Chrystal
Nicole
I have a question about the coconut. Is it supposed to be sweetened coconut flakes?
chrystal
You can use either. My kids like the sweetened so I tend to use sweetened.
Best,
Chrystal