A sweet bar cookie gets a fall makeover. Fall Magic Bars are a twist on the 7-ingredient American classic bar cookie, this time with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Delicious on their own or warmed with a scoop of ice cream on top.
We’re halfway through #CranberryWeek, one of my favorite foodie weeks of the year. If you’ve been following along with me for a while, you probably remember me saying that cranberries ring in late fall for me. I skip pumpkin season and go straight for these tart fruits. Thanksgiving never has a pumpkin pie (unless someone else brings it) but instead, a cranberry pear tart.
This is the second recipe that I’m sharing with you this week (if you missed my quinoa with turkey, Brussels sprouts and cranberries on Monday, be sure to click the link and check it out!), and this is my only dessert. If you’re wanting extra sweets or just more cranberry recipes that I’m bring to you this week, you can search #CranberryWeek on social media. This year we have over 20 bloggers bring you delicious cranberry recipes to brighten up your fall. In addition, today’s recipes can be found at the bottom of this post, and as an added bonus, I’ll even give you a few of my favorites from previous years:
- Cranberry Moscow Mules
- Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
- Cranberry Orange Brie Bites
- Cranberry Orange Bread
- Cranberry Orange Relish
- Cranberry Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark
Today’s recipe has been one that I’ve been thinking about for two years now. (There are just so many recipes to try, and not enough time to make them all!) I grew up loving classic Magic Bars (aka Seven Layer Cookies). The graham cracker crust was topped with sweetened coconut flakes, a mix of chocolate and butterscotch chips, chopped pecans, and sweetened condensed milk. My mom used to whip up a batch, and like most other sweets in my house, they didn’t last long.
I’ve taken that classic recipe and created a fall version, with dried cranberries and white chocolate, which pair so well together. These cookies are delicious at room temperature, but even better when they’re warm from the oven or microwaved for a few seconds. Then they become ooey gooey sweet goodness. Nobody will judge if you top a warm sugar-laden cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, I promise.
Fall Magic Bars
A sweet bar cookie gets a fall makeover. Fall Magic Bars are a twist on the 7-ingredient American classic bar cookie, this time with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Delicious on their own or warmed with a scoop of ice cream on top.
Ingredients
- 2 c. graham crackers crumbs from about 14 graham crackers
- 1 stick butter melted
- 1 c. sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 c. white chocolate chips
- 1 c. dried cranberries
- 1 c. chopped pecans
- 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, mixing until incorporated. Pour into a 9x13-inch pan. Using your fingers, press crust evenly across the bottom.
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Now create the layers by spreading coconut flakes, white chocolate chips, dried cranberries and chopped pecans evenly over graham cracker crust, ensuring that everything is evenly distributed.
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Drizzle bars with sweetened condensed milk.
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Bake for 20 minutes.
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Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before cutting bars into 20 pieces.
A Books n’ Cooks original recipe.
Today’s #CranberryWeek Recipes
See all the tasty cranberry recipes being shared today below and follow #cranberryweek on social media for more ideas all week long. And a big thanks to Caroline from Caroline’s Cooking for hosting this week-long event!
- Cranberry Apple Crisp from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Cranberry Apple Sangria from The Redhead Baker
- Cranberry Balsamic Sheet Pan Chicken with Brussels Sprouts from The Gingered Whisk
- Cranberry Breakfast Smoothie from Our Good Life
- Cranberry Chicken Noodle Soup from Palatable Pastime
- Cranberry Orange Muffins from Kate’s Recipe Box
- Creamy Cranberry Chicken Wild Rice Soup from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Fall Magic Bars from Books n’ Cooks
- Herbed Cranberry Chèvre Truffles from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Turkey Cranberry Bagels from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- White Chocolate Cranberry Popcorn from Family Around the Table
I remember Magic Bars from when I was just a child and my Mom would make them. Thanks for the fond food memories.
I haven’t made these in a couple of years but everyone loves them. I hope I can find time to squeeze a batch in this season.
They look so delicious!! I can’t wait to try them. I think I’ll bake and take so I’m not tempted to eat them all!
Ha ha, that’s definitely what I did!
I love magic bars and this combo is so perfect for fall!
Thanks Kate!
Wow! I love this version of the classic magic bar. I’m pretty sure I need to make them ASAP! I love the new look of your blog. It looks great!! Thanks so much for linking up at the Whimsical Wednesdays Link Party each week. I really appreciate you!
Thanks Michele – for both the nice words on the recipe as well as the cleaner blog look.
I’ve got to try these. I never have much luck with magic bars but I do love them!
I love magic bars and dried cranberries are a perfect addition. Now I want to try these asap!
I love your fall makeover of my favorite dessert! Adding the cranberries was brilliant!
Thanks Ellen! 🙂
I have never heard of magic bars (where have I been?)! These sound amazing. I love that you’ve been thinking about them for two years. I can totally relate.
Magic bars have been a favorite since my childhood! I love this version with white chocolate and cranberries. So perfect for the holidays!
These look so tasty, such a tasty combination of flavors!
These are my favorite cookies! I love the addition of the cranberrries
These look super yummy! I really enjoy white chocolate with cranberries.
I’d ike to use something besides graham cracker crumbs. Any ideas? I think I would rather have a shortbread type crust.
Hi Elle! I would probably make another crumb-like crust out of a cookie like a chocolate of vanilla wafer cookie. I’m not sure how it would work with a traditional shortbread crust. I would think it would be alright, but since it’s a bit more of a dough, I’m not sure. If you try it, please let me know how it goes!