We all know and love magic layer bars, but did you know there are plenty of magic cookie bar variations out there? You can customize this super easy treat to suit any taste or occasion.
11 Magic Cookie Bar Variations You Need to Try
Updated on Oct. 01, 2024
Easy to Customize, Easy to Love
Whether you call them magic bars, magic cookie bars, seven-layer bars or Hello Dolly bars, these treats are a cinch to put together. You mix, layer and bake all in one pan and the options are limitless!
You can trade the nuts, chocolate and cookie crumbs for any flavor combo you like. And add fruit and other mix-ins too! Here are 11 ideas to get you started.
1/12
2/12
Magic Bars
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 bars
From the Recipe Creator:
These rich bar cookies will melt in your mouth! They’re ideal to have on hand for a snack. —Pauline Schrag, Theresa, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 279 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 138mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
3/12
Chocolate-Hazelnut Magic Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 bars
From the Recipe Creator:
This hazelnut bar recipe puts a Nutella spin on the classic magic bar! Drizzle melted Nutella spread on top for extra flair. —James Schend, Taste Recipes Deputy Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 305 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 138mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
4/12
Vegan Tropical Magic Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 bars
From the Recipe Creator:
These vegan magic bars are one of the easiest treats you can make. By using plant-based butter and condensed coconut milk, they are completely vegan-friendly. I also added some dried pineapple, mango and macadamia nuts to give them the tropical spin. —James Schend, Taste Recipes Deputy Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 323 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
5/12
Chewy Chocolate-Cherry Bars
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Colorful dried cherries and pistachios star in this take on seven-layer bars. To switch it up even more, try cinnamon or chocolate graham cracker crumbs instead of plain and substitute pecans or walnuts for the pistachios. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 164 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 77mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
6/12
Lemony Layer Bars
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my favorite cakes is a white chocolate cake with coconut lemon filling, dark chocolate frosting and almonds. This version of a seven-layer bar combines all those flavors into an easy-to-eat treat. Using soda cracker crumbs makes the bars a little different. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 245 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
7/12
Pomegranate Magic Bars
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Pomegranates make dessert festive and bright with a burst of juicy sweetness. These pomegranate bars are no exception. —Lisa Keys, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 176 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
8/12
Toffee Pecan Bars
Total Time
55 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Curl up with a hot cup of coffee and one of these treats. The golden topping and flaky crust give way to the heartwarming taste of old-fashioned pecan pie. —Dianna Croskey, Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 179 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
9/12
Pumpkin Delight Magic Bars
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother never wrote down her delightful recipes, so I created this recipe as a holiday tribute to her. They’re creamy, sweet and a little tart. Eat with a fork so you can scoop up all the delicious topping ingredients that might tumble off. —Lisa Glassman, Boynton Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 299 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
10/12
Not Your Mama’s Seven-Layer Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The addition of dulce de leche makes this a decadent new take on traditional seven-layer bars. You can cut this recipe in half and make it in an 8×8-in. pan. —Andrea Barlow, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 228 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
11/12
Magic Brownie Bars
Total Time
50 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a kid, one of my all-time favorite treats was magic cookie bars. This recipe combines all the same classic flavors in a magic brownie bar! —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 200 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 91mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
12/12
Chocolate Macaroon Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a nice Christmas treat that takes very little effort. The classic combination of chocolate and coconut is timeless.—Loraine Meyer, Bend, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 146 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 71mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
