These classic Five Layer Bars are built right in the baking pan: melted butter, a cocoa graham cracker crumb layer, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and a choice of fruit or marshmallows with nuts on top.
They bake until lightly browned, then stand for several hours so the layers set and slice into tidy bars. Makes about 36.
Helpful Tips
- Use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk.
- Press the topping gently into the condensed milk before baking.
- Allow the full 6 to 8 hours of standing time before cutting.
THE RECIPE
Five Layer Bars
Prep15 min
Bake25–30 min
TotalAbout 45 min, plus standing
YieldAbout 36 bars
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the butter in a 13 × 9 × 2-inch baking pan. Heat the pan in the oven until the butter melts, then remove it.
- Stir together the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa, and sugar. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the melted butter.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crumb mixture. Sprinkle with the chocolate chips and raisins, chopped dried apricots, or miniature marshmallows. Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top and press down firmly.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cover with foil and let stand at room temperature for 6 to 8 hours, then cut into about 36 bars.
Variation
Substitute 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips for the chocolate chips and follow the recipe as directed.
Storage
After the bars have cooled and stood at room temperature, keep them covered in the pan or transfer them to an airtight container.
Adapted from a cookbook page provided by the site owner; wording clarified for readability. Featured image: AI-generated food photography.