Mega Magic Bars

My lovely friend Jennifer introduced me to this cute little cafe in Cambridge called Petsi Pies.  We meet there when we need a midday escape from work, when we want to scheme about how women will take over the C-Suite during our lifetime, or to discuss a variety of intriguing sociological theories.   

We also go there to indulge in the many delectable treats they have:  perfect panini, lemon scones, homemade soups, and of course their house specialty – pie.  I have another favorite treat from Petsi – their magic bars.  They basically took the traditional magic bar and put it on steroids.  They are probably 3 inches high.  Chock full of all the traditional ingredients, somehow this bar is elevated to a new level (literally).    

I’ve been thinking to myself, why can’t I make these?  The standard magic bar is delicious, don’t get me wrong.  But there is something amazing about biting into a giant chunk of sweetened condensed milk/coconut/chocolate chip/graham cracker crust heaven.  What’s better is you only have to love two ingredients in this recipe:  sweetened condensed milk and graham cracker crust.  Who doesn't like either of those?  The other ingredients can be switched up and swapped out as you see fit.  Use more or less of whatever you like – white chocolate chips, dried fruit, different nuts, whatever you’re in the mood for.  

With that said, let’s take the standard magic bar recipe and beef it up. 

With 3 cups of graham cracker crumbs and 2 sticks of melted butter. 

Hey, no one said this was a diet blog.

Just go with it.

 And so we begin this story with 3 cups of graham cracker crumbs. 

 

 Humble and unassuming, sure.  Until we add some melted butter. 

 

And all of the sudden, we have the most delicious foundation a dessert will ever see.

 

 Press the mixture down into your pan as much as you can – this will keep it from being super crumbly.

And now the fun begins!  Time to layer on the deliciousness.

See how thick they are?  That's what we're looking for.  A mountain of magic, I tell you.  

These will take about 40 minutes.  They should just be turning golden brown on top.  I would tell you to wait until they’re cool but I highly recommend taking a big spoon, scooping some of the molten hot bars into a bowl, and plopping a scoop of ice cream on top.  Yes, I just went there. 

Once these are completely cool, cut into squares.  Try one.  You will instantly see what I mean when I say these will transport you to another place.

Mega Magic Bars

Adapted from EAGLE Brand

3 cups Graham Cracker crumbs

2 sticks unsalted butter, melted

2 14 oz. cans sweetened condensed milk

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup butterscotch morsels

1 bag flaked coconut (2 2/3cups)

1 ½ cup chopped nuts

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Liberally coat a 13 x 9-inch glass baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.

Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter in small bowl.  Press into bottom of prepared pan.  Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture.  Layer evenly with chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. Press down firmly with fork.

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until lightly browned. Loosen from sides of pan while still warm; cool on wire rack completely.  Cut into bars.

For a special treat - right when the bars come out of the oven you can scoop some out and serve over ice cream.  Divine!  Let the rest of the bars cool completely before cutting and serving.