Hello Dolly Bars

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Hello Dolly Bars are a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe only requires a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Made with a graham cracker crust, a chocolate layer, and a coconut layer, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. These bars are so delicious and will be a hit with everyone who tries them!

Hello Dolly Bars

Hello Dolly Bars are a classic treat that is a favorite of just about everyone. The bars are made with layers of deliciousness that turn into a fabulous and incredible cookie bar. Various recipes include different layers of flavors, and this is simple without nuts. If you want the other options that include nuts, you may look for a 7-layer bar or magic bar recipe instead. The best part of this recipe? You don't need anything fancy to make them!

If you like these, then the chewy chocolate peanut butter oatmeal bars are another favorite treat you can whip up and share.

magic bars topped with strawberry slices

Ingredients

½ cup butter, melted (113g)
10 graham crackers
1 cup chocolate chips (170g)
1 cup desiccated coconut (95g)
15 oz sweetened condensed milk (450ml)

Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans or a mix of chocolate chips and butterscotch chips

baking dish of hello dolly bars on blue and white striped napkin

Handy Kitchen Tools

Note: These can be made in a 9"x9" or 10" baking dish if you prefer. Just remember the smaller pan will make thicker bars that will need to be cut into smaller squares to serve.

square white plate holding hello dolly bars

How to Make Hello Dolly Bars

Place a layer of parchment paper into a baking dish. I like to use a traditional 9"x13" pan for this recipe. To make it easier to lift out and cut later, I like to add the paper so it goes not just on the bottom, but up the sides and is a little loose on top. Then, preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C. Set the baking dish aside.

Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until they are crumbs. Add the melted butter and pulse until combined, or pour together in a bowl and stir until the crumbs are all wet.

Now, press this crumb mixture into the lined baking dish to create an even layer of crust.

graham cracker crumbs being pressed into bottom of baking dish

Next, you will pour the can of sweetened condensed milk over the crust and spread it out until it is smooth.

blue spatula spreading sweetened condensed milk

Then, sprinkle the top of this with chocolate chips. I suggest reserving ¼ cup to go on the very top. Also, if you want an additional layer, then use ½ cup to 1 cup of butterscotch chips at this point.

mini chocolate chips being poured over magic bars

Next, sprinkle with the coconut.

coconut being poured over top of layered candy bars

You can then top it with 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts if desired. If not, continue by topping with the reserved chocolate chips.

chocolate chips being spread over top of hello dolly bars

Now you bake the bars for 25 minutes, or until everything has melted together and the coconut is browned on top.

Once you remove it from the oven, make sure you let it stand for at least 15 minutes before slicing it to serve.

blue table beneath white plate holding dessert bars

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are They Called Hello Dolly Bars?

Hello Dolly Bars got its name from the 1964 Broadway musical, Hello, Dolly!. The main character in the musical is named Dolly Levi, and she is known for her love of food. In one scene, she even sings a song called “Put On Your Sunday Clothes” which mentions several different desserts, including Hello Dolly Bars. It’s thought that the musical’s popularity helped to make the dessert well-known.

Should 7 Layer Bars be Refrigerated?

No, these bars do not need to be refrigerated. Store them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. If you find that the weather or inside temperature is very warm, you can place them in the refrigerator, but it is necessary. When stored at room temperature, the bars will last for 5 to 7 days.

Can I Make Hello Dolly Bars without Sweetened Condensed Milk?

Yes, you can make Hello Dolly Bars without sweetened condensed milk. You can create your own version of homemade sweetened condensed milk by boiling together evaporated milk and sugar. You can also make a vegan version by combining coconut cream and sugar.

There are also a few recipes that call for using cream cheese in place of sweetened condensed milk. While this will result in a delicious bar, it will be more like a cheesecake than a cookie bar. This method would also require refrigeration after baking for safety.

magic bars on plate with cinnamon stick and orange slices

Tips for Storing Hello Dolly Bars

These cookie bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
If the temperature is particularly warm, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to allow the bars to come to room temperature before serving.

You can also freeze these cookie bars for up to 3 months. Place the Hello Dolly Bars in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container. If you want to be able to remove a cookie or two at a time, freeze the bars on a plate before placing them in the freezer bag. This prevents them from freezing together. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

When placing the cookie bars in the container, it is best if you can store them in a single layer. If you can not, be sure to place parchment paper or wax paper in between the layers of bars.

hand holding half eaten hello dolly bar above white plate

More Easy Dessert Recipes

If you want to add more tasty treats to your menu, there are tons of great recipes for bars, cookies, and cakes. Below are some of our favorite simple bar recipes that add flavor and decadence to your day. There are options for baked and no-bake desserts, plus a huge list of a variety of bars for you to go through and pick your favorites from! Make sure that you bookmark these, print out the recipes, or pin them to Pinterest to make soon.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 12

Hello Dolly Bars

Hello Dolly Bars are a great sweet treat ideal for making around the holidays. Layers of graham crackers, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk for super sweet goodness!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

½ cup butter, melted (113g)
10 graham crackers
1 cup chocolate chips (170g)
1 cup desiccated coconut (95g)
15 oz sweetened condensed milk (450ml)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C and line a 9"x12" baking dish with parchment paper then set it aside.
In a food processor or blender, pulse the graham crackers until they are small crumbs. Pour these into a mixing bowl and combine with the melted butter until a wet mixture forms. Press this into the bottom of the prepared baking dish so it is an even layer.
Next, pour the sweetened condensed milk over the crumbs and smooth it evenly.
Sprinkle this with chocolate chips, and if using butterscotch chips, those can be added at this point.
Then sprinkle with coconut to cover the top. If desired, add a few more chocolate chips on top, or some of the chopped pecans if wanted.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the coconut is toasted on top and browned. Let sit for 15 minutes before slicing to serve.