Name: Seven Layers of Heaven
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted; 1 cup graham cracker crumbs; 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1 cup peanut butter chips; 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (see Note); 1 cup chopped walnuts

Seven Layers of Heaven

64 Comments

SERVES: 16

COOK TIME: 30 Min

Are you looking for a seven-layer dessert recipe? Look no further, because our seven layer cookie recipe is the God-send you've been waiting for! This appropriately named dessert is rich, flaky, and sweet. Cut our Seven Layers of Heaven into bars for an easy and heavenly anytime snack or dessert. We know this is a saintly seven-layer flavor combination that friends and family will find deliciously tempting.

What You'll Need

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup peanut butter chips
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (see Note)
1 cup chopped walnuts

What to Do

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Pour melted butter evenly over bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan. Spread graham cracker crumbs evenly over butter. Layer with coconut then chocolate chips followed by peanut butter chips. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over top and sprinkle with walnuts.
Bake 30 to 40 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool then cut into bars.

Notes

Be sure to use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk.
Seven Layers of Heaven made our reader favorites list for 2010! Check out all the top 20 recipes of 2010.
If you're looking for even more of our favorite layered desserts, don't forget to check out our collection, Layered Desserts: Top 30 Layered Cakes, Trifles, Pies, and More.
Fun Fact!
- Did you know that the tallest cake in history stood at 108 feet and 3 inches high? It was made in Jakarta, Indonesia for a Christmas celebration. Now that's a lot of layers in one dessert!

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owgdho 3477103

Jun 28, 2020

where do you get raspberry chips. I have never seen them in the grocery stores.

thechopette 096705 8

May 01, 2020

We have been making this for over 70 years in my family. We have always called it "A Cup of Everything" because it took just a cup of most of the ingredients. We make it in an 8x8 or 9x9 pan. We use semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips and white chocolate chips. We do not add nuts to it. After it has properly cooled, we cut it into 1x1 squares because it is so rich, that's all you need.

polarmom

Mar 12, 2020

Are pecans an acceptable substitution for the walnuts in this recipe? Not a huge walnut fan!

karenm26 4844859

Oct 30, 2019

I have making these for a long time, but I use chocolate graham crackers crumbs. I like them much better with the chocolate and peanut butter chips than with butterscotch chips.

rac7431 2877525

Mar 16, 2019

I have been making these bars for over thirty years. You can add anything you like to this recipe. I LOVE raspberry chips but no one else does. You don't have to replace coconut with anything else if you don't want to. I also make mine in a 9 by 13 pan. These are a Christmas staple cookie and I freeze what's left. When my son and his girlfriend come to visit they stand in front of my freezer in the garage with the door open and devour the bars.

karenm26 4844859

Oct 30, 2019

I made these for a fall wedding and used reeses pieces for the peanut butter and it gave them a little color. They looked really nice, so for Christmas I used the Christmas M M's and regular peanut butter chips. They look so pretty with a little bit of color. Raspberry chips would be pretty for Christmas too, I love raspberry and chocolate.

msdeb21

Apr 25, 2017

I am so happy to find this recipe. I made something like this thirty years ago but had misplaced the recipe. I love layer bars because every serving looks spectacular and tastes even better. This will be amazing, with peanut butter and chocolate chips! A lot of recipes like this contain pecans instead of walnuts. I really like walnuts, so that makes this even better.

cindyhelms 6755138

Mar 28, 2017

I really want to try these but can I leave the coconut out and use something else?

Test Kitchen Team

Mar 29, 2017

Hi there! Yes, you can leave out the coconut and replace it with raisins or craisins. :) Enjoy!

rac7431 2877525

Mar 16, 2019

If you don't want coconut you don't have to replace with it with anything else. I even use butterscotch chips with mine. Love raspberry ones too but no one else does. I also have been making mine in a 9/13 pan forever.

RachelAnne

Feb 10, 2017

I have a recipe similar to this that I make every year, but I love that this version has walnuts and coconuts. Can't wait to try this way!

Crafter 1187924

Jan 22, 2016

remarkably similar to Eagle Brands Magic Cookie Bars save for the addition of peanut butter chips...serious sugar high too )

conchgirl 2084638

Jan 22, 2016

What would cause my graham crust to be crumbly.

Test Kitchen Team

Jan 22, 2016

Hello! - The crust would be too crumbly if it is too dry. We recommend increasing the butter by 1 tablespoon if you're experiencing a crumbly crust.

fthu4605 3519601

Sep 30, 2015

LOL! Reading this recipe and sitting right next to it on the screen is an ad with...... She's rather plump and working on a rowing machine. I immediately came down here to comment, something I have never done. Bet these are awesome bars, but seeing her right next to them, made me laugh and skip rest of the recipe. I do not look too good, but a little improvement over the ad lady. These bars might get me closer to looking like I shouldn't. Believe me I have made something like these and they were beyond "GOOD".

theringalings

Apr 27, 2016

And 8 months later she's still a rowing. LOL

momscats 6683265

Dec 31, 2014

What a waste of money. Way to much butter for a recipe this size. The edges were burnt and the chips in the center not melted. Took one taste and dumped it all in the trash and I did follow the recipe.

billydbarrett 1693 925

Dec 23, 2014

These are great!!!

someone

Dec 20, 2014

I look forward to making this recipe but I do have one question can I exchange peanut butter for peanut butter chips and if I can what are the conversion amounts? Thank you for the recipes and thank you for making eating an enjoyable experience.

Test Kitchen Team

Dec 22, 2014

We do not recommend substituting the peanut butter chips with peanut butter, since the chips set up after melting and help make these gooey and delicious. If you decide to try it anyway, please let us know how your bars turn out! Enjoy!

someone

Dec 24, 2014

Thank you for the reply. I will substitute with white chocolate chips and hope for the best!

Elaine

Dec 20, 2014

These are the best bars ever. I have been making for over 30 years. I use a 9 x 13 pan and use butterscotch chips instead of peanut butter.

roynbarbi 9975190

Dec 21, 2014

Thanks, whirly...I just was thinking about using butterscotch chips instead...don't have pnb chips...then read your post! Think I will make this instead of pecan pie for Christmas. Yum

scdjones 6132662

Aug 04, 2014

Sugar, sugar, sugar, with a slightly chemical flavor (the milk). I have been baking for 62 years, having baked every known type of cake, cookie, bar, tart, pie, etc., and this is the worst-tasting bar I have ever made. I used top-quality ingredients, followed the recipe exactly (not exactly rocket science) and found this bar to be gooey, icky sweet with no redeeming flavors standing out. Well, actually, the butter graham cracker crust was okay. I should have been suspicious when I saw sweetened condensed milk as an ingredient, but I fell for the reviews and tried it anyway. I tried crumbling a piece over ice cream and it ruined the ice cream. I had to throw it out. This recipe proves that there are no real shortcuts in fine baking.

tevans9090 9311771

Aug 19, 2014

Do not understand you complaint I make these every Christmas using butterscotch chip instead of peanut butter and pecans instead of walnut. Biggest hit with everyone, they are gone fast. You must have missed something. Five stars without a doubt!

Moppel

Dec 20, 2014

I haven't made those yet, but just looking at the ingredients and the picture, I can tell it's going to be very very sweet. Why make something that's obviously going to be sweet if you don't like really sweet stuff? Plus, if you don't like sweetened condensed milk? When I see a recipe with ingredients I don't like, or an end result I know I won't like, I move on, no matter what the reviews say. We all have different tastes. Why make something I know I won't like? And then complain?

VPETERSEN 5302804

Dec 21, 2014

Maybe you are too old to be baking or were you having a bad day when you wrote this? These bars are wonderful!!

jovonneb1

Dec 22, 2014

thanks for the review! I am always looking for honest reviews. I tend to doubt people's palate in general, especially if their 'kids loved it'. People are nice on this site until you disagree with them about a recipe, jeez.

cardscrapper 10870 85

Jun 23, 2014

My last comment I mentioned adding peanut butter chips, which I just now realized are already in the recipe above. I actually add butterscotch chips!!! I also use the whole bag of each! I also find that I prefer pecans to walnuts.

cardscrapper 10870 85

Jun 23, 2014

bpaine71 8158881

Feb 07, 2014

I have made these for years but they were called magic bars...they cure the sweet tooth but are delicious!!

jamiecooper1956 05 16387

Feb 06, 2014

I have made these for years. I use a 13 x 9 pan as opposed to an 8 inch pan because the smaller pan makes it more dense and the snacks don't "melt" together as well, therefore, more crumbling as you are trying to eat them. Then you have a big mess all over your shirt. Spreading this out in a larger pan makes for thinner layers and they melt together better, therefore, not as much crumbling, but they are so rich, you still get a mouthful of wonderful flavor with each bite. I put the condensed milk on last, to "seal" the nuts to the top of the cookies. If anyone who has made these has a suggestion on how to cut down on the crumbling, I would appreciate it. I don't want to lose a single bite of these delicious cookies!!!!

jamiecooper1956 05 16387

Feb 06, 2014

I have always used the entire bag of chocolate morsels and butterscotch morsels, not just a cup. I noticed that the bags used to be 12 ounces when I became an adult and started baking (I have saved the original recipes from the bag). Now they are 11 ounces, but of course we aren't supposed to notice that. They are still delicious and I encourage anyone to attempt this delightful snack.

Hell_on_wheelz

Feb 06, 2014

Also been making these for years. When I want to cheat? I use 2 pre-made graham cracker crusts and spit the filling ingrediants between them. Cookie time is about the same (medium oven - until the chips are melty and the top changes color from raw to cooked).

samgale121 2569367

Feb 06, 2014

I have made thes bars several times & they disappear each time. I put the nuts on tip then pur the condensed milak over all & they're fine

samgale121 2569367

Feb 06, 2014

I use a 9x13 & have been fine with it

Gloworm

Jan 26, 2014

I made these for my sons all the time as they were growing up! They never lasted long in our house!

sunshine 39

Dec 18, 2013

I made these this morning exactly as written and they came out lousy. Crust just about all satyed in pan and they are really flimsy when I pick them up. May try again in a 9x13 pan as some have done and use their changes. Will difinately not make as written again.

busjocky 7033955

Dec 18, 2013

These were Hello Dolly cookies. Made with Vanilla Wafers crumbs instead of graham cracker crumbs and butterscotch chips instead of peanut butter chips. Also topped with pecans instead of walnuts. I'm not saying my way is better and have made them both ways but its a different way to try. Love both ways.

Fausey2 3842488

Dec 16, 2013

I have also made these bar cookies in a 9x13 pan for many years . Known as Magic cookie bars. I first saw recipe on Eagle brand condensed milk.

jlowlaing

Dec 16, 2013

When and where do you add the nuts???

markportman2001 65 33993

Dec 16, 2013

Actually these are called Hello Dolly's. A recipe my mother started making when I was young!!!

meatandtaters

Nov 20, 2013

I'm not really het up over graham crackers so I'm going to use iced oatmeal cookies or Honey bunches of Oats.

ctilton5 2514126

Oct 20, 2013

Actually I have been making these for years in a 9x13" pan. However I use butterscotch chips instead of peanut butter. Melt a stick of butter in pan, lay graham crackers out flat over the butter and add rest of ingredients (probably using a little more than a cup of each) but use the one can of milk. They are wonderful.

kbclaytoons 288259 7

Oct 20, 2013

I agree with ctilton5 I've been making these for over 35 years - in 9x13 with choc chips - we call them Magic Cookie Bars. They're wonderful.

cherylmorrissette 1419490

Oct 20, 2013

My Mother was famous for these. They taste so good and bring back so many Happy memories

NoNoNannette

Oct 04, 2013

Can I leave out the coconut and if do what can use instead

nwhite

Oct 12, 2013

NoNoNannette It will be just fine without coconut - sometimes if I don't have it, I make without and no big deal, actually, no one even notices. Go for it gal! NWhite

haygirl

Sep 15, 2013

Corn flake crumbs instead of graham cracker crumbs is a great substitution. I've made them like that for years and we called them Sin Bars.

jlw931 1596009

Aug 08, 2013

Make these every year as part of my Christmas cookie tradition. One year, as I was preparing to make them, I discovered that I had no graham crackers. I used vanilla wafers instead and have been using them now instead of the crackers.

nwhite

Aug 03, 2013

Have made these for years, called "7 layers Plus", use 9 x 13 pan, cut down on coconut (not a lot of coconut lovers in family) and use choc chips, peanut butter chips and butterscotch chips. Mix the grahams and butter and press in bottom of pan, add chips one layer at a time, then sprinkle a little coconut, drizzle the milk and add the nuts, bake at 325 for 30 min - wow, favorite for all. NWhite

Chef 1012652

Jul 19, 2013

What does Mr. Food's kitchen think about 9x13 pan instead of 8in sq. as in recipe??

Test Kitchen Team

Jul 22, 2013

We would recommend sticking with an 8 inch square because this recipe was designed for an 8 x 8 and you would have to use more ingredients to fill a 9 x 13.

charanngene 018806 6

Jul 11, 2013

these are delish. Make sure you only make them when having company. Otherwise, you'll wind up eating them all yourself!

ctilton5 2514126

Jul 09, 2013

Been making these for years...called "dream bars" or Hello Dolly" bars. Have no idea where the names came from but my grandmother introduced them to me.

lindablock 4360322

Jul 09, 2013

I've been making these for many, many years. We called them "magic cookie bars". I do them in a 9 by 13 pan and bake them at 350 degrees until brown for 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool before you cut into bars.

waldrondsw 2557531

Jun 01, 2013

very good co worker have asked me to make these serval times. :)

butterfly55 456874 8

May 05, 2013

I have made these for many years except I use butterscotch chips. Either are good. I also melt the butter in a pan and then mix the graham crackers in with the butter and then spread it on the bottom of the baking pan. The hold together better. I use a 9x12 glass dish and bake them 25 - 28 minutes. All of our kids get a batch when they are going on a trip plus all of our grandchildren had a batch when they were home and left to go back to college. Now that they are finished and live out of town, I still send them some. Always have some in the freezer to serve or give away. They are by far a favorite for my family & friends.

beaderchick

May 03, 2013

These are delish -- I've made them before (I know them as Stir-Me-Nots), but still so good.

Shery

Feb 13, 2013

I am making these for a friend who is flying down tomorrow for a visit. It will be a nice surprise on Valentine's Day for him and my husband. I am also making a pork roast in the crock pot on high for at least 5 hours. It will be sprinkled with onion soup mix. Should be a tasty valentine's day in Florida.

066dearie11 514432 9

Jan 18, 2013

GREAT SNACK AFTER SCHOOL, ONE HAS TO MAKE DOUBLE BATCH WHEN YOU HAVE FRIENDS OVER.

ev18100 1221033

Feb 18, 2012

tried these over holidays and eveyone went wild. loved them alot.i also used butterscotch chips also thanks for a yummy dessert.

Lonna

Sep 02, 2011

I made several changes to use what I had on hand. Instead of graham crackers I crushed up ice cream waffle bowls. I didn't have pbutter chips so I used mint. Since I didn't have walnuts, I used chopped pecans. Believe it or not, this tasted really good! I can see many variations will still taste good. Thanks for sharing.

NJGARDENLADY

Nov 12, 2010

Have been making these for many years. Great decadence for the holidays (to have or to give!). Sometimes use butterscoth chips. Very easy, no mess and quick.