The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
If you love classic magic bars but want a festive twist, these Chewy Cranberry Chocolate Magic Bars are perfect. Bursting with sweet chocolate, tart cranberries, and a buttery, chewy texture, these bars are ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy treat anytime.
With layers of graham cracker crust, melted chocolate, chewy dried cranberries, shredded coconut, and a luscious condensed milk binding everything together, these bars are pure indulgence. And the best part? They’re easy to make, no mixer required!
Why You’ll Love These Bars
- Chewy and rich: Sweet, tart, and chewy with every bite.
- Festive flavor: Cranberries give a pop of color and tartness.
- Easy to make: Just layer ingredients and bake.
- Perfect for gifting: Cut into squares and wrap for friends or family.
- Customizable: Add nuts, white chocolate chips, or drizzle chocolate on top.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional: pecans or walnuts)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 5 minutes to set the crust. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Layer chocolate and cranberries: Sprinkle chocolate chips, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts evenly over the crust.
- Add condensed milk: Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and drizzle vanilla extract.
- Bake: Bake 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. Avoid overbaking to keep bars chewy.
- Cool completely: Let bars cool to room temperature in the pan, then chill in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours for easier slicing.
- Cut and serve: Lift bars from the pan using parchment overhang and cut into squares. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Tips for the Perfect Chewy Bars
- Even layering: Layer chocolate chips, cranberries, and coconut evenly for consistent flavor in each bite.
- Chill before slicing: Refrigerate bars before cutting to get clean edges.
- Nuts optional: Pecans or walnuts add crunch; leave out for nut-free version.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for 7 days.
Variations
- White chocolate cranberry bars: Swap semisweet chocolate for white chocolate chips.
- Orange zest twist: Add 1 tsp orange zest for a citrusy holiday flavor.
- Tropical bars: Replace cranberries with dried cherries or chopped dried pineapple.
- Drizzle topping: Melt chocolate or caramel to drizzle over the top for extra flair.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
- Perfect for holiday dessert tables or gifting in festive boxes.
- Pair with ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Fun Facts & Cultural Context
Magic bars, also known as “7-layer bars,” date back to the mid-20th century and are famous for their simplicity and delicious layers. The “magic” comes from the condensed milk that binds all the layers during baking. Adding cranberries gives a seasonal twist that’s especially popular during fall and winter holidays.
Storing & Freezing
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Lasts up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before slicing.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overbake: Slightly underbaked bars stay chewy and soft.
- Use parchment: Makes removing the bars from the pan effortless.
- Layer height: Press the crust firmly to avoid cracking when slicing.
With this recipe, Chewy Cranberry Chocolate Magic Bars will become a go-to holiday treat—rich, chewy, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
Chewy Cranberry Chocolate Magic Bars
Layered magic bars with graham cracker crust, chocolate, dried cranberries, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake 5 minutes.
- Layer chocolate chips, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts evenly over crust.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top. Add vanilla extract and pinch of salt.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool to room temperature, then chill 1–2 hours for easier slicing.
- Lift out using parchment overhang and cut into squares. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
Avoid overbaking for chewy bars; store in airtight container.
