These Classic Hello Dolly Bars are a timeless, crowd-pleasing dessert layered with chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, and pecans on a buttery graham cracker crust. They come together effortlessly and deliver rich, chewy, sweet perfection in every bite. Ideal for bake sales, potlucks, holidays, and everyday cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly easy to assemble with simple pantry staples.
- No mixing bowls required beyond the crust—just layer and bake.
- Perfectly balanced flavors with sweetness, crunch, and chewiness.
- Great for feeding a crowd and easy to slice into neat squares.
- Customizable with endless add-ins and substitutions.
- Stores well, freezes beautifully, and travels perfectly.
- A nostalgic classic that appeals to all ages.
- Ready in under 35 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Layers
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to make lifting the bars out easier after cooling.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Firmly press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring an even, compact layer. This forms the base that holds the bars together.
Step 3: Add the Layers
Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the crust. Follow with the butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans, distributing each layer evenly from corner to corner. Avoid pressing down; the layers should remain loose.
Step 4: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the entire surface, making sure it coats all the layers. Use a spatula to gently guide the milk into any dry spots. This ingredient binds everything together during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set. The top should appear lightly caramelized.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely. Once cooled, lift the slab out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into squares or bars of your preferred size.
Tips for Best Results
- Press the crust firmly to prevent crumbling when slicing.
- For neat layers, distribute each ingredient as evenly as possible.
- Make sure the condensed milk fully covers the top to avoid dry patches.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Toast the pecans lightly beforehand for deeper nutty flavor.
- Use heavy-duty parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- For thicker bars, use a smaller 9×9 pan and bake slightly longer.
Variations & Substitutions
- Nut-Free: Replace pecans with additional chocolate chips or crushed pretzels.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan butter, dairy-free sweetened condensed milk, and dairy-free chips.
- Flavor Twist: Add white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or caramel bits.
- Extra Crunch: Add crushed pretzels or crispy rice cereal to the layers.
- Holiday Version: Sprinkle festive colored candies on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style treat.
- Pack into lunchboxes or take to potlucks—they travel exceptionally well.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Cut into mini squares for party platters or dessert tables.
- Wrap individually for bake sales or gifts.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep chilled for up to 1 week; bars become firmer and chewier.
- Freezer: Freeze sliced bars in layers separated by parchment for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–12 seconds if you prefer a softer texture.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (1 bar, approx. 60g):
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 3g
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 130mg
- Potassium: 150mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 28g
- Vitamin A: 220 IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 90mg
- Iron: 1.2mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes. Walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts work well and provide different flavors and textures.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
You can cut down the butterscotch chips or replace some chocolate chips with chopped nuts or unsweetened coconut.
Why are my bars crumbly?
They may not have cooled fully before slicing, or the crust may not have been pressed firmly enough.
Do I have to use parchment paper?
Parchment is highly recommended for easy removal, but aluminum foil with nonstick spray also works.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Hello Dolly Bars keep well and often taste even better the next day as the layers set.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use two 9×13 pans or bake in a half-sheet pan for higher yield.