Blog: Hello Dolly Dessert Bars

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Because my friend loves all things butterscotch, like I do, I know she’ll be pleasantly surprised to receive these bars for her birthday. Just like others desserts on my to-bake list, these have been there for awhile. I’ve wanted to make them badly, but I just couldn’t justify it. I needed a real reason; otherwise my husband and I would eat the whole batch.

Luckily, the perfect occasion arose because the craving was not going away.  Besides, I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions, especially ones that involve abstaining from dessert.

Growing up, my mom always surprised my brothers and I with treats that she kept in a large round tin. We knew that when the tin appeared on the kitchen counter, something really good was inside. Chocolate chip cookies, brownies, walnut squares, Rice Krispies treats and Hello Dolly bars were the regulars inside that tin.

Oh, did I love those Hello Dolly bars. Each layer alone is amazing but combining them all together and sinking my teeth into a bar is just heavenly. The last time I made them was almost 10 years ago for my husband’s birthday. It’s just been way too long.  

Smelling all the sweet flavors lingering in my house as they baked yesterday, I joyfully re-lived the feeling of opening the large round tin. The crunchy texture of the chocolate and butterscotch chips and walnuts with the chewiness of the coconut was a blissful bite… or two.

I am so happy (and relieved) to share these with my friend. Happy Birthday!

¼ c butter

1 c graham cracker crumbs

6 oz angel flake coconut

6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

6 oz butterscotch chips

1 c chopped walnuts

1 can sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven to 350. 

Depending on how thick you want the bars, line an 11x7 or 13x9 dish with parchment paper so the paper hangs over the sides. Melt butter in a bowl and mix in graham cracker crumbs. Spread mixture evenly in dish. Sprinkle walnuts, butterscotch chips, coconut and chocolate chips in layers. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the top. For a 13x9 dish, bake for 30 minutes, 11x7 for 35 minutes. Let cool. Lift the bars out of the dish and cut into squares.

Enjoy!