Yum Yum Bars: How to Make the Best Ooey Gooey Bars Ever

Yum Yum Bars are the kind of dessert that instantly transports you back to those magical childhood moments when gooey hands and chocolate-streaked smiles were part of the fun. Imagine biting into a buttery, chewy bar with layers of sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and a rich, golden crust that almost melts in your mouth. That’s the joy these ooey gooey bars bring—every single bite is a celebration of texture, flavor, and indulgence.

I still remember the first time I made these bars. It was a rainy afternoon, and my daughter begged for something sweet and “melty.” We opened the pantry, pulled out what we had, and within an hour, we had a warm pan of golden, bubbling deliciousness cooling on the counter. Now, they’re a must-make for bake sales, holidays, and cozy weekends at home.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the absolute best Yum Yum Bars ever. We’ll dive into the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and even creative variations if you want to mix things up. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this guide will help you create a batch of these gooey, dreamy bars that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ready to bake your new favorite dessert? Let’s get into it!

Yum Yum Bars Ingredients: What You Need for Ooey Gooey Perfection

When it comes to baking Yum Yum Bars, it’s all about the balance of sweet, chewy, and crunchy layers that create a truly irresistible dessert. Whether you know them as gooey bars, magic cookie bars, or layered dessert bars, the beauty lies in their simplicity—and a pantry full of just the right goodies.

Pantry-Friendly Ingredients for the Best Yum Yum Bars

Let’s walk through the key ingredients you’ll need to create that deliciously gooey, buttery bite:

• Graham cracker crumbs – This classic base gives the bars their signature crunch. For a twist, try crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits.
• Butter (melted) – Brings moisture and rich flavor to the crust. Use unsalted butter for more control over the sweetness.
• Sweetened condensed milk – The secret to that luscious, sticky layer. It’s what transforms these bars into ooey gooey heaven.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Add just the right amount of deep chocolate flavor without making the bars too sweet.
• Butterscotch chips – Optional but amazing. These little morsels add a creamy, caramel-like note that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
• Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) – Bring in a toasty crunch that balances the soft and gooey layers.
• Shredded coconut – Gives the bars a chewy, tropical finish. Use sweetened coconut for a little extra indulgence.

Ingredient Tips from the Test Kitchen

• Crust tip: Press the graham cracker base firmly into the pan using the bottom of a measuring cup to get an even, compact layer.
• Mix it up: Want more texture? Add crushed pretzels, mini marshmallows, or even a swirl of peanut butter before baking.
• Nuts tip: Always toast your nuts lightly before using—they’ll bring out a deeper flavor and add toasty complexity to your bars.

Healthier & Budget-Conscious Options

• Lower sugar version: Use unsweetened coconut flakes and dark chocolate chips to reduce overall sweetness.
• Gluten-free twist: Sub gluten-free cookies or oats for the crust base.
• Dairy-free version: Try coconut condensed milk and plant-based butter for a completely dairy-free dessert bar.

With these Yum Yum Bars ingredients lined up, you’re already halfway to baking success. Now it’s time to bring them all together into something magical.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Gooey Goodness

Making Yum Yum Bars is surprisingly simple—but like any great dessert, a few key steps and tips can make all the difference between good and absolutely unforgettable. Follow this easy guide to bake a batch of ooey gooey bars that will have everyone swooning.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Before anything else, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides. This makes removing the bars later so much easier (and saves on cleanup!).

Step 2: Create the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup of melted butter

Mix until the crumbs are fully coated and resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form an even, compact layer. Use the back of a measuring cup or a spatula for the best results.

Pro Tip: Chill the crust for 10 minutes before baking to help it set firmly.

Step 3: Layer the Gooey Goodness

Now comes the fun part—layering all that sticky, sweet deliciousness.

• Drizzle 1 can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of butterscotch chips on top.
• Add 3/4 cup of chopped nuts for crunch.
• Finish with 1 cup of shredded coconut.

You can gently press everything down with a spatula to help the layers stick together during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is lightly toasted. The center should still be slightly soft—remember, it will firm up as it cools.

Watch Out: Overbaking can cause the bars to lose that soft, gooey texture. Take them out just as they start to brown.

Step 5: Cool, Chill, and Cut

Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this is crucial for clean slicing. Once they’ve cooled to room temperature, pop the pan in the fridge for an hour to firm up.

Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang, place them on a cutting board, and slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife.

Storage Tip: These bars keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Tips: Pro-Level Tricks for Perfect Ooey Gooey Bars Every Time

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how bakeries get their ooey gooey bars just right—golden on the edges, soft in the middle, and bursting with flavor—you’re in for a treat. Making Yum Yum Bars at home doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a few smart baking tricks and little-known tips that can take your dessert bars from good to utterly magical.

Cool Completely Before Cutting

One of the biggest rookie mistakes with magic cookie bars or layered dessert bars like these is cutting into them too early. Sure, they smell incredible straight out of the oven, but patience is key.

• Let them cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
• Then refrigerate for an additional 30–60 minutes before slicing.
• Use a hot knife (run it under hot water, then dry) to get perfectly clean cuts without pulling.

Use the Right Pan for Even Baking

A metal 9×13-inch pan is ideal for even heat distribution. Glass pans can take longer to bake and sometimes cause the crust to burn before the center is set.

If you only have a glass pan, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F and bake a few minutes longer.

Don’t Skip the Press-Down Step

After you’ve layered all your toppings—especially the chocolate chips, nuts, and coconut—gently press them into the condensed milk layer before baking. This simple step helps bind the layers together and ensures the toppings don’t fall off when slicing or serving.

Toast Your Nuts for Deeper Flavor

Toasting your walnuts or pecans before adding them makes a huge difference. Just a quick 5-minute toast in a dry skillet or oven intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a warm, savory note that balances the sweetness of the bars.

Avoid Overbaking

Yum Yum Bars should be soft and chewy—not dry or crumbly. Pull them out of the oven once the edges are golden and the center looks set but still soft. They will continue to cook a bit from residual heat.

Make It Your Signature Treat

Want to make your bars stand out? Add your own twist!

• A swirl of peanut butter or Nutella before baking.
• A layer of mini marshmallows or chopped dried fruit.
• Sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-salty finish.

Yum Yum Bars Variations: Creative Twists and Easy Substitutions

One of the best things about Yum Yum Bars—besides how ridiculously good they taste—is how incredibly flexible they are. Whether you’re dealing with dietary restrictions, pantry gaps, or just want to get a little creative in the kitchen, these ooey gooey dessert bars are easy to adapt. Here’s how you can make them your own without sacrificing that signature chewy, buttery magic.

Gluten-Free Yum Yum Bars

Making these dessert bars gluten-free is easier than you think:

• Swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham crackers or finely crushed gluten-free cookies.
• Be sure to check labels on chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.

Pro Tip: Use almond flour mixed with a little melted coconut oil and sugar for a nutty, gluten-free crust.

Dairy-Free & Vegan Options

Want to turn your ooey gooey bars into a dairy-free or vegan treat? No problem:

• Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk—it’s just as thick and sweet.
• Use plant-based butter or coconut oil in the crust.
• Choose dairy-free chocolate chips and skip the butterscotch chips (or find vegan versions).

This version keeps all the rich flavor and gooey texture but makes it suitable for plant-based diets.

Mix-and-Match Flavors

Don’t be afraid to mix it up with your toppings. These bars are like a blank canvas for your cravings:

• White chocolate chips + dried cranberries for a festive twist.
• Peanut butter chips + crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet combo.
• Mini marshmallows + caramel bits for s’mores-style magic.

Insider Tip: You can even make a half-and-half pan—two different flavor combos in one batch!

Healthier Twists

Okay, so Yum Yum Bars will never be totally healthy—but there are a few smart tweaks to make them a bit lighter:

• Use unsweetened shredded coconut to reduce sugar.
• Cut back on chocolate chips or swap with chopped dark chocolate for more antioxidants.
• Add a few tablespoons of flaxseed or chia seeds to the crust mix for added fiber.

Fruit-Forward Variations

Add brightness and a touch of tang by incorporating dried or fresh fruit:

• Layer in raspberries or blueberries before baking.
• Sprinkle in chopped dried apricots, cherries, or cranberries for chewy bursts of flavor.

These fruity touches make your Yum Yum Bars feel fresh and exciting—perfect for spring or summer gatherings!

Chocolate Biscuit-Inspired Version

Craving a no-bake variation? Try a Chocolate Biscuit Cake for a fun, rich alternative. It’s perfect when you want that chocolate fix without turning on the oven.

Lazy No-Bake Option

For a quicker spin, especially during hot months, check out this Lazy Cake Recipe. It’s no-bake, incredibly simple, and satisfies that chocolate craving with minimal effort.

Looking Beyond Pie for Holidays?

If you’re making a holiday dessert spread and want something different from the usual pies, try one of these Thanksgiving dessert alternatives. Yum Yum Bars fit right in with the lineup of unique, crowd-pleasing treats.

Other Fun Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or a nut flour crust.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan: Sub coconut condensed milk and plant-based butter.
• Mix & Match: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate, add dried fruit, or go salty-sweet with pretzels.
• Fruity Twist: Add fresh or dried berries to lighten the richness.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

How to Store Yum Yum Bars

Yum Yum Bars store beautifully, making them perfect for make-ahead treats or leftovers that still taste great the next day. Once fully cooled and sliced, place the bars in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days, but if your kitchen is warm, it’s better to refrigerate them.

For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. They’ll stay firm and chewy. Want to enjoy them later? Freeze for up to 3 months—just layer parchment paper between the bars and thaw at room temperature when ready to eat. They hold their texture and flavor like a dream.

Why Yum Yum Bars Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Box

There’s just something irresistible about Yum Yum Bars—the way the buttery graham crust holds up a gooey, golden layer of chocolate, nuts, coconut, and creamy condensed milk. They’re simple to make, yet rich and indulgent, making them the kind of dessert you’ll want to whip up again and again. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy weekend at home, these ooey gooey bars always deliver on flavor and fun.

What’s more, their flexibility means you can easily adjust them to suit your tastes or dietary needs. From gluten-free and vegan versions to flavor-packed twists like white chocolate and berries, there’s truly a Yum Yum Bar for everyone. They also pair perfectly with easy no-bake treats like this Lazy Cake or the indulgent Chocolate Biscuit Cake. And if you’re looking for fresh ideas that go beyond the usual holiday pies, check out these Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie—Yum Yum Bars fit right in!

So grab your favorite mix-ins, preheat the oven, and treat yourself to one of the easiest, most satisfying desserts you’ll ever bake. You’ll find yourself making these bars so often, they might just become your signature sweet.

👉 Want more delicious inspiration? I share new recipes daily on Pinterest—follow me there and join our growing community of food lovers!

Yum Yum Bars: How to Make the Best Ooey Gooey Bars Ever

Kathleen ron

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.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 220 kcal

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 9×13-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

Keyword Yum Yum Bars Recipe