Build-a-Bars

These gooey, layered bars topped with a little bit of everything are a nostalgic favorite for me. I’m sure we’ve all baked or at least eaten a version of these at some time. The traditional version goes by many names – Magic Bars, Hello Dollys, Double Delicious Cookie Bars. 7-Layer Bars.

I like the name Build-a-Bars because that’s exactly what you do. You build these bars from a variety of ingredients. The premise is simple. There’s a cookie crust, a whole slew of toppings, and usually a filling that consists solely of condensed milk. I’ve made many, many versions of those. They’re a wonderful go-to recipe when you need a quick dessert.

This version is a bit different, in that it foregoes the condensed milk for a cream-cheese based filling. And, we all know how I love cream cheese. This filling is decidedly less sweet than the condensed milk route. At Quinn’s urging, I decided to add a bit of peanut butter to the filling for a little extra flavor. That is completely optional, but I really liked that added hint of peanut butter.

I fished around in my baking pantry for a winning combination of ingredients for the filling. I used chocolate chips, peanuts, pretzels, Rice Krispies, and peanut butter chips. I also raided our Halloween candy stash and added some M&Ms. After all, October is the one month I feel totally justified in baking with candy.

While these bars are similar to the traditional version, the difference in the filling really comes through. It’s less sweet and a little tart. With so much going on in the filling and that topping, these little bars are very gooey and messy. And completely delicious.

The original recipe for these comes from The King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion. I’ve had it bookmarked for ages, and I’m so glad that I finally got around to making them. That cookbook is one of my favorites!

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Build-a-Bars

Yield: 24 2-inch bars

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Build-a-Bars start with a simple crust that's topped with a cream cheese filling and a your favorite toppings. A fun and delicious treat!

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Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs, regular, cinnamon, or chocolate
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50 g) packed brown sugar

For the filling:

• 4 to 5 cups total of your favorite ingredients, such as chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, cereal, coconut, etc.

For the topping:

• 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 1/2 tablespoons (31 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons (32 g) creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 5 ounces (150 ml) evaporated milk

Recommended Products

• OXO 9 x 13 Inch Baking Pan
• The King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion: The Essential Cookie Cookbook

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Instructions

 

To make the crust:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9" x 13" x 2" baking pan.
• Mix the cookie crumbs, butter, flour, and brown sugar until combined. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Bake 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

To make the filling:

• Stir together 4 to 5 cups of chosen filling ingredients.
• Sprinkle evenly over the cooled crust.

To make the topping:

• Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese, sugar, peanut butter, and salt until combined. Add the egg and mix until smooth.
• Add the evaporated milk and stir until smooth.
• Pour the topping evenly over the filling.
• Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the center is set. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

• Recipe adapted from King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion.

Author: Jennifer McHenry

Course: bars

Cuisine: American

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