Ritz Cracker Seven Layer Bars: A Sweet and Salty Symphony

These Ritz Cracker Seven Layer Bars are a delightful twist on the classic magic bars, also known as Hello Dolly bars. The salty, buttery crunch of Ritz crackers perfectly complements the sweet layers of chocolate, coconut, nuts, and butterscotch, creating an irresistible treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Sweet and Salty Perfection:** The combination of sweet and salty flavors is a winning combination that will keep you coming back for more.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to swap out the nuts, chocolate chips, or other ingredients to create your own unique version.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** These bars are always a hit at parties and gatherings.
* **No-Fuss Dessert:** Requires no mixer and minimal dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Ritz Crackers:** The star of the show! The salty, buttery crackers provide a unique and delicious base.
* **Sweetened Condensed Milk:** This acts as the glue that holds everything together and adds a rich sweetness.
* **Melted Butter:** Adds richness and helps to bind the cracker crumbs together.
* **Chocolate Chips:** I prefer semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate.
* **Butterscotch Chips:** These add a warm, caramel-like flavor that complements the chocolate and coconut.
* **Shredded Coconut:** Adds a chewy texture and a tropical flavor.
* **Chopped Nuts:** I typically use chopped walnuts or pecans, but you can use any nuts you like.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch baking pan:** The standard size for these bars.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measuring.
* **Mixing bowl:** For combining the cracker crumbs and melted butter.
* **Parchment paper (optional):** For easy removal of the bars.

Step-by-Step Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Crust**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easier removal of the bars. This is highly recommended.
3. In a large bowl, crush the Ritz crackers. You can use a food processor for this step, but I find it just as easy to crush them by hand. You want to achieve fine crumbs. The easiest way to crush them by hand is to place the crackers in a large ziplock bag and use a rolling pin to crush them.
4. Add the melted butter to the crushed crackers and mix well until all the crumbs are moistened. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
5. Press the cracker crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to firmly press the mixture down.

**Step 2: Layer the Goodness**

1. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cracker crust. Make sure to cover the entire crust.
2. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the sweetened condensed milk.
3. Sprinkle the butterscotch chips evenly over the chocolate chips.
4. Sprinkle the shredded coconut evenly over the butterscotch chips.
5. Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the coconut.

**Step 3: Bake to Perfection**

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The top should be nicely browned, and the sweetened condensed milk should be bubbling slightly.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is important, as the bars need time to set up properly. Cooling them completely will prevent them from falling apart.
3. If you lined the pan with parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan using the overhang. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips for Success

* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking will make the bars dry and crumbly. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
* **Let them cool completely:** This is crucial for the bars to set up properly and prevent them from falling apart.
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your bars.
* **Press the crust firmly:** A firmly pressed crust will help to prevent the bars from crumbling.
* **Customize to your liking:** Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, nuts, and other toppings.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Different Chocolate Chips:** Use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips.
* **Different Nuts:** Use pecans, almonds, macadamia nuts, or any other nuts you like.
* **Add Dried Fruit:** Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates for extra flavor and texture.
* **Peanut Butter:** Swirl in some peanut butter before baking for a peanut butter twist.
* **Pretzel Crust:** Substitute the Ritz cracker crust with a crushed pretzel crust for an even saltier base.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before baking for an extra decadent treat.
* **M&Ms:** Add M&Ms for a colorful and fun twist.
* **Marshmallows:** Sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top during the last few minutes of baking for a gooey marshmallow layer.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate chips for a mocha flavor.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cracker crumb mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Serve them chilled:** Chilling the bars will make them easier to cut and will also help to firm them up.
* **Serve with a scoop of ice cream:** These bars are delicious with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
* **Serve with a glass of milk:** A classic combination that’s always a winner.
* **Package them up for gifts:** These bars make a thoughtful and delicious gift.

## Storage Instructions

* **Store at room temperature:** Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Store in the refrigerator:** Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming sticky.
* **Freeze:** Freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* *Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
* Calories: Approximately 250-300 per bar
* Fat: 15-20 grams
* Saturated Fat: 8-12 grams
* Cholesterol: 20-30 milligrams
* Sodium: 100-150 milligrams
* Carbohydrates: 25-35 grams
* Sugar: 20-25 grams
* Protein: 2-3 grams

## Printable Recipe Card

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use a different type of cracker?**
A: While Ritz crackers are the star of this recipe, you could experiment with other buttery crackers like Keebler Club crackers. However, the salty-sweet combination might be less pronounced.

**Q: Can I use unsalted butter?**
A: Yes, you can use unsalted butter. However, the saltiness of the Ritz crackers is part of what makes this recipe so delicious. If you use unsalted butter, you may want to add a pinch of salt to the cracker crumb mixture.

**Q: My bars are too sticky. What did I do wrong?**
A: This is usually caused by not letting the bars cool completely. Make sure to let them cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. You can also try refrigerating them for a few hours to help them firm up.

**Q: Can I halve the recipe?**
A: Yes, you can halve the recipe. Use an 8×8 inch baking pan.

**Q: Can I add a layer of caramel?**
A: Absolutely! Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before baking for an extra decadent treat.

**Q: My crust is too dry. What did I do wrong?**
A: Make sure you are using enough melted butter to moisten the cracker crumbs. The mixture should resemble wet sand. If your crust is still too dry, you can add a tablespoon or two more of melted butter.

**Q: How do I prevent the coconut from burning?**
A: If you find that the coconut is browning too quickly, you can tent the pan with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.

**Q: Are these bars gluten-free?**
A: No, Ritz crackers contain gluten. To make these bars gluten-free, you would need to find a gluten-free buttery cracker substitute.

**Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?**
A: Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

## Conclusion

Ritz Cracker Seven Layer Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their sweet and salty flavor and customizable ingredients, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and get baking! Enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. They are so easy to prepare, you’ll be making them all the time. Don’t be surprised if these treats disappear quickly, so you might want to make a double batch! These seven layer bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bringing smiles and satisfaction with every bite.

Enjoy baking and bon appétit!