Ritz Seven Layer Bars Recipe

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Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 1 1/2 cups buttery cracker crumbs (such as Ritz crackers)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 7 fluid ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 3/4 cup shredded coconut

Directions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your delicious bars:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350F (175C). Grease an 8x8-inch pan to prepare for the ingredients.
2. Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine the cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir well to combine, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased pan.
3. Layer the toppings: Evenly spread the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chopped walnuts on top of the cracker mixture.
4. Add the condensed milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layers of chips and walnuts.
5. Top with coconut: Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the entire mixture for a finishing touch.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the bars turn golden brown.
7. Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This ensures they set properly and are easy to cut.

Cook's Note

For extra coconut flavor, try using sweetened condensed coconut milk in place of regular sweetened condensed milk.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	265
Total Fat	16g (21%)
Saturated Fat	9g (43%)
Cholesterol	18mg (6%)
Sodium	134mg (6%)
Total Carbohydrate	29g (10%)
Dietary Fiber	1g (5%)
Total Sugars	23g
Protein	4g (7%)
Vitamin C	1mg (1%)
Calcium	84mg (6%)
Iron	1mg (4%)
Potassium	163mg (3%)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Consult your doctor or dietitian if you're following a medically restrictive diet.

Ritz Seven Layer Bars are a mouth-watering dessert that combines the crunchiness of Ritz crackers with the richness of chocolate, butterscotch chips, coconut, and walnuts. This delightful dessert is known for its effortless preparation and unique flavor profile, which offers the perfect balance of salty and sweet. The use of buttery Ritz crackers instead of traditional graham crackers sets this recipe apart, making it a favorite in homes across the United States. Lets dive into the history, regional variations, and fascinating facts about this scrumptious treat.

History and Origins of Ritz Seven Layer Bars

Ritz Seven Layer Bars belong to the family of layered bar cookies, which have been a staple in American kitchens for decades. These types of desserts, often made in a pan and cut into squares, have become synonymous with gatherings and holidays. The original concept of seven-layer bars comes from the popular "magic bars" that first appeared in American cookbooks in the 1960s. While these bars typically feature layers of graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, and coconut, the Ritz version took a creative leap by incorporating buttery Ritz crackers, which introduced a salty twist to the traditional recipe. This small but impactful change elevated the flavor, making it both salty and sweeta perfect combination for dessert lovers.

Regional Variations of Ritz Seven Layer Bars

Though Ritz Seven Layer Bars are predominantly an American dessert, variations of this treat can be found in different regions of the country. In the South, for example, its common to add extra layers of pecans or even caramel to enhance the richness of the bars. On the West Coast, coconut is often swapped for other tropical ingredients like macadamia nuts. Additionally, some versions use flavored chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or peanut butter, to cater to various tastes. Despite these variations, the use of Ritz crackers as the base layer remains a hallmark of this recipe.

How Ritz Seven Layer Bars Differ from Similar Desserts

At first glance, Ritz Seven Layer Bars may seem similar to other popular layered desserts like Magic Bars or Hello Dollies. However, the key differentiator lies in the use of Ritz crackers as the foundation. While traditional recipes use graham cracker crumbs or a shortbread crust, Ritz crackers provide an irresistible salty contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate, butterscotch chips, and sweetened condensed milk. This salty-sweet combination makes Ritz Seven Layer Bars stand out from the rest, offering a savory depth of flavor that other layered desserts often lack.

Where Are Ritz Seven Layer Bars Typically Served?

Ritz Seven Layer Bars are versatile enough to be served on a variety of occasions. They are a popular choice for holiday gatherings, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas, due to their rich flavor and ease of preparation. These bars are also a hit at family reunions, bake sales, and potlucks, where they are often cut into bite-sized squares for easy sharing. Their festive appearance, with colorful layers of chocolate and coconut, makes them a favorite at celebrations, and theyre perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth after a hearty meal.

Interesting Facts About Ritz Seven Layer Bars

• The use of Ritz crackers in dessert bars was a revolutionary idea, as they introduced a savory note that complements the sweetness of the other ingredients. This unique twist helped the dessert gain popularity in the 1980s and beyond.
• These bars are incredibly customizable. Home bakers often tweak the ingredients to suit their preferences, adding ingredients like dried fruits, pretzels, or even peanut butter chips to create a personalized version.
• Ritz Seven Layer Bars are often made in advance because they need to cool completely before being cut into squares, making them an ideal treat to prepare ahead of time for gatherings.
• Many people enjoy the challenge of trying to make their version of the perfect Ritz Seven Layer Bar, with some experimenting by adding a pinch of sea salt on top for added flavor contrast.

Ritz Seven Layer Bars offer an irresistible combination of salty and sweet, making them a favorite dessert for any occasion. Whether you stick with the traditional recipe or add your own spin to it, these bars are sure to become a beloved treat in your household!

FAQ about Ritz Seven Layer Bars Recipe

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