Name: Dreamy Magical Bars Made Skinny and So Easy
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup reduced-fat butter; 1¼ cup graham cracker crumbs; ½ cup flaked coconut (sweetened); 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 (14 oz) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk; ½ cup chopped walnuts

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Many of you know these outrageously delicious bars as Magic Bars or Hello Dolly’s. I’m calling them, “Magical Bars” because they are just that! In fact, they’re probably the best bars ever created, even this skinny version is pretty amazing. Super rich and decadent and just six ingredients layered right in the pan. They’re a whole lot skinnier because I’m using reduced-fat butter, fat-free sweetened condensed milk, and a lot less chocolate, nuts, and coconut. Each delectable bar has 133 calories, 6 grams of fat. These freeze great too!

Why You'll Love My Dreamy Magical Bars Made Skinny and So Easy

You'll love my Dreamy Magical Bars because they offer the irresistible combination of a decadent dessert experience without the guilt or the hassle. These bars feature a buttery, crumbly base, a rich and gooey middle layer made with condensed milk and chocolate chips, and a sweet, crunchy topping. What makes them "skinny" is the clever use of lighter ingredients, like reduced-fat butter and portion control techniques. The "so easy" aspect comes from their simple preparation, requiring minimal mixing and baking time. This makes them perfect for busy individuals, novice bakers, or anyone craving a quick and satisfying treat that won't derail their healthy eating goals.

Ingredients For My Dreamy Magical Bars Made Skinny and So Easy

Let's explore the role of each ingredient in my Dreamy Magical Bars, focusing on their contribution to the final product's taste, texture, and overall nutritional profile:

Reduced-Fat Butter: This ingredient is essential for creating a rich and flavorful base for the bars. It contributes to the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes the crust so appealing. By opting for reduced-fat butter, you can significantly lower the overall fat and calorie content of the dessert compared to using regular butter. This allows for a slightly lighter indulgence without completely sacrificing the desired richness. It's important to note that while reduced-fat butter has less fat, it may contain slightly more water, which can sometimes affect baking results.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the structural foundation of the bars, creating a sweet and subtly honeyed base. They provide a satisfyingly crumbly texture that contrasts beautifully with the gooey filling. Depending on the type of graham crackers used (whole wheat versus regular), they can also contribute a small amount of dietary fiber. This fiber can aid in digestion and promote a feeling of fullness. The crumbs create a sturdy base that holds the other ingredients together, ensuring the bars maintain their shape.
Flaked Coconut (Sweetened): The addition of sweetened flaked coconut brings a delightful tropical note to these magical bars. It provides a pleasant chewy texture that complements the crumbly base and gooey filling. While coconut does contain natural fats, it also offers some fiber. It's important to be aware that the "sweetened" aspect of the coconut means it contributes to the overall sugar content of the dessert. The coconut adds a touch of sweetness and a distinct flavor profile that elevates the bars beyond a simple chocolate dessert.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are a classic dessert staple, and they play a vital role in these bars by providing the beloved chocolatey flavor. The semi-sweet variety offers a balanced profile, not too bitter and not overly sweet, making it a versatile choice. The chocolate chips melt during baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the bars, adding to their irresistible texture. The visual appeal of the melted chocolate also enhances the overall presentation of the dessert.
Fat-Free Sweetened Condensed Milk: This key ingredient is responsible for the signature rich, gooey, and sweet middle layer that defines these bars. It creates a smooth and creamy texture that binds the other ingredients together and provides a significant portion of the sweetness. By using the fat-free version, you can dramatically reduce the fat content of the bars without sacrificing the desired sweetness and texture. This makes it a smart choice for those looking to enjoy a decadent treat with a lighter nutritional profile.
Chopped Walnuts: The addition of chopped walnuts provides a delightful textural contrast with a satisfying crunch. They also contribute a subtle nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients. Walnuts are a good source of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. They also provide some protein and fiber, adding to the nutritional value of the bars. The walnuts not only enhance the taste and texture but also contribute to the visual appeal of the finished dessert.

How to Make Dreamy Magical Bars Made Skinny and So Easy

Let's break down the process of making my Dreamy Magical Bars with a detailed explanation of each step for perfect results:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan (Setting the Stage)

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature for even baking. Next, get your 13x9 inch baking pan ready. Thoroughly coat all sides of the pan with cooking spray that has flour in it. This is really important to stop the bars from sticking and makes them easy to remove later. If you don't have this special cooking spray, you can do the same thing by first coating the pan with regular cooking spray and then lightly sprinkling the bottom and sides with a little flour. This makes a non-stick surface.

Step 2: Melting the Butter (Creating the Buttery Base)

Once the pan is ready, put the reduced-fat butter right into the pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven for just a minute or two, until the butter is completely melted. Watch it carefully so it doesn't burn. This step creates a delicious, buttery base for the bars.

Step 3: Creating the Graham Cracker Crust (The First Layer)

After the butter has melted, take the pan out of the oven. Now, evenly sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the melted butter. Gently press the crumbs down with your fingers or the back of a spoon to make a firm and even layer. It's important not to mix the crumbs with the butter at this point. This layering is what gives the bars their nice texture.

Step 4: Layering the Coconut and Chocolate (Adding Flavor and Texture)

Next, evenly sprinkle the flaked coconut over the graham cracker crumb layer. This adds a tropical taste and a nice chewy texture. After the coconut, evenly sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the coconut layer. This spreads the chocolate flavor throughout the bars.

Step 5: Drizzling the Sweetened Condensed Milk (The Gooey Center)

Now comes the step that makes the bars gooey: drizzling the sweetened condensed milk. To make this easier and make sure it goes on evenly, you can warm the can of sweetened condensed milk a little. Put the unopened can in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes. This will make the milk runnier and easier to drizzle. Then, carefully open the can and drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the chocolate chips.

Step 6: Adding the Nuts (The Final Touch)

Lastly, sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the sweetened condensed milk. This adds a nice crunch, a nutty taste, and some healthy fats to the bars.

Step 7: Baking to Golden Perfection (Cooking the Bars)

Put the prepared pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on the bars during the last few minutes of baking so they don't burn.

Step 8: Cutting and Cooling (The Final Step)

Once the bars are baked, take the pan out of the oven. It's really important to cut the bars while they are still a little warm, but not too hot. If you let them cool completely, they become very hard to cut neatly. Cut the bars into 24 even squares. Let the bars cool completely before serving or storing them.

By following these detailed instructions, you’ll be able to make delicious and easy “Dreamy Magical Bars Made Skinny.”

Helpful Tips About this Recipe

Makes 24 bars

Food Facts
Sweetened condensed milk is what binds all of the ingredients together in these Magical Bars. It’s normally made from a mixture of whole milk and sugar that has about 60% of its water removed. Its consistency is thick and sticky like honey and is very sweet tasting. I’m using a fat-free version made with nonfat milk.

Shopping Tip
You’ll find graham cracker crumbs in a box in the baking section of most supermarkets.

WW Freestyle SmartPoints 6-Blue
WW SmartPoints 6-Green

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 skinny magical bar
133 cal, 5.7g fat, 2.2g sat. fat, 3mg chol, 3g protein, 19g carbs, 1g fiber, 61mg sodium, 16g sugar