Eagle Brand Magic Cookie Bars, often just called Magic Cookie Bars, are a delightful treat that has enchanted dessert lovers for generations. Its origins trace back to the sweetened condensed milk popularized by the Eagle Brand company, which shared a recipe for these bars on its label in the 1960s. They have since become a classic American dessert, cherished for their rich layers, including a crumbly graham cracker crust, sweet chocolate chips, nutty flakes, and the creamy condensed milk that holds it all together. This casserole version is an easy-to-make and crowd-pleasing sweet perfect for potlucks, holidays, or as a nostalgic treat to enjoy any day of the week.
Magic Cookie Bars can be served as a stand-alone dessert or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They are rich and sweet enough on their own, making additional sides or accompaniments generally unnecessary. However, if you're serving them at a larger gathering, they complement a dessert table featuring lighter options, like fruit salad or sorbet, to balance the indulgence. You can also pair the bars with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk to balance their sweetness.
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Eagle Brand Magic Cookie Bars in Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming, coat a 13x9-inch baking casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter with the graham cracker crumbs until well mixed. Then, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, creating an even layer that will serve as your crust.
3. Pour the Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk evenly over the graham cracker crust. Make sure it covers the crust entirely for proper binding of the bars.
4. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the condensed milk layer, followed by a layer of flaked coconut, and then top with the chopped nuts. Press down firmly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to help secure the layers.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. The edges will be bubbly and golden, with the center set but still slightly soft.
6. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang if you've used it.
7. Slice into squares or bars of your desired size. The Magic Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert option.
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Indulge in these magic layers of sweetness and enjoy the classic taste that has made Eagle Brand Magic Cookie Bars a beloved dessert for decades.