Yum Yum Bars: How to Make the Best Ooey Gooey Bars Ever
These Yum Yum Bars are irresistibly gooey dessert bars made with a buttery graham cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts. Easy to customize and perfect for holidays, bake sales, or a cozy treat at home, they strike the perfect balance between chewy, crunchy, and melt-in-your-mouth magic.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips optional
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until fully combined and press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust.
- Layer the fillings: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust. Top with chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, chopped nuts, and coconut. Press down gently with a spatula.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and bubbling at the edges. Do not overbake.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Then refrigerate for 1 hour to set before slicing.
- Slice and serve: Lift out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into bars with a sharp knife.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, place parchment between layers and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Toasting the nuts before adding enhances their flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, use GF graham crackers.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut condensed milk and vegan butter.
Notes
Calories per serving (1 bar): Approx. 220–250 calories
Breakdown (per bar):
- Graham cracker crust: ~70 calories
- Butter: ~40 calories
- Sweetened condensed milk: ~60 calories
- Chocolate chips: ~30 calories
- Butterscotch chips: ~20 calories
- Nuts: ~20 calories
- Coconut: ~20 calories