Magic cookie bars really do taste like magic. When you sink your teeth into these incredible bars, you won’t believe that they are actually so much healthier than other versions. Coconut, chocolate chips, and walnuts are the star of the show in these keto cookie bars.
Magic Cookie Bars – Low Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, THM S
I’m sure you are well aware of the fact when you try to eat healthily, there are days when you feel like you have to give up stuff. At the end of the day you really aren’t giving up anything, but instead, you are giving yourself health instead! That’s way better than junk food, in my opinion. With that being said, I love that I can take a recipe that is typically incredibly unhealthy and turning it into something that fits my needs.
When I serve this magic cookie bar recipe to my friends and family, they don’t even realize they are gluten-free. It’s honestly hard to stick to only eating one, so sometimes I will indulge in a second one. As long as you don’t eat them every day it’s completely fine to have an extra treat here and there.
These keto magic cookie bars are perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or a quick and simple dessert option. No matter when you serve them, I am confident they are going to be a HUGE hit with everyone who tastes them.
How To Make Magic Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare the crust by adding the flour, flax, and melted butter to the bottom of a baking dish. Bake the crust until golden brown which is around 12 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Step 2: Make the sugar free condensed milk by bringing the heavy cream, butter, and sweetener to a gentle boil. Stir frequently, so it doesn’t burn. It will be a light golden brown color and will thicken up enough to coat a spoon when it’s done.
Step 3: Allow the sugar-free condensed milk time to cool then stir in the egg yolk. If you are in a hurry, you can also slowly pour the liquid over the egg yolk and whisking as fast as you can.
NOTE: Whisking the egg and condensed milk is vital because otherwise, you may end up with a scrambled egg in your magic cookie bars.
Step 4: Assemble the cookie bars by sprinkling coconut, chocolate chips, and walnuts on top of the crust. Slowly drizzle the condensed milk over the top, then back for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees. They will be golden brown and set when they are done. Chill in the refrigerator to prevent the crust from crumbling.
Magic Cookie Bars Variations
Go wild and crazy when you make these magic cookie bars! You can add in extra ingredients or leave them exactly as I have written. Either way, they are going to be rich and flavorful. Here are just a few ideas to try out.
- Cinnamon – Sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon in the crust for a spicy and fun flavor. So good!
- Almonds – Chop some almonds and use them instead of the walnuts if you want to. They enhance the flavor and are super yummy.
- Toasted Coconut – Instead of using coconut that hasn’t been toasted, try toasting some in a dry skillet. The coconut only takes a couple of minutes to toast, so keep a close eye on it. Then add them to the bars and enjoy!
- Pecans – Don’t you just love the flavor of pecans with chocolate? Add some in place of the walnuts for a nice surprise. Delicious!
How Long Do Magic Bars Last?
These magic cookie bars will last around 3 days if they are correctly stored. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. You will know if they have started going bad if they seem mushy or overly moist. Another way to tell that they have begun spoiling is if they are extremely dried out and fall apart. Of course, if you ever notice mold, then that’s an excellent indication that they aren’t safe to eat any longer.
Can You Freeze Cookie Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these cookie bars if you want to. It’s nice to make a double batch and have them ready for last-minute dessert ideas. Wrap them with plastic wrap and put them into an airtight container. On average, the magic cookie bars will last around 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply place in the fridge overnight then serve.
Another option is to give these cookie bars out to friends that lost a loved one, a new mom, or even a new neighbor that just moved in. They can eat them right away or freeze them for later and will be very appreciated.
Craving more keto desserts? Check out some of these tasty treats that are sure to please you or a crowd.
- Keto Crepes Gluten-Free
- Mascarpone Cheesecake
- White Chocolate Peanut Butter Blondies
- Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
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Ingredients
Crust:
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup ground golden flax (or additional almond flour)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Sweetened Condensed Milk:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup Trim Healthy Mama Gentle Sweet or my sweetener
- 1 egg yolk
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
- 1/2 cup sugar free chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or other nut of choice)
Instructions
- Combine crust ingredients and press into the bottom of a 8×8 baking dish. Bake at 350 for 12 min. or until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, make the sugar free condensed milk. Bring the heavy cream, 2 tablespoons butter, and sweetener to a gentle boil and cook stirring frequently until it is light golden brown and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from the heat. Either cool until room temperature before stirring in the egg yolk OR, if you are impatient like me, very slowly pour the liquid over the egg yolk while whisking like crazy. (No one wants scrambled yolk in their magic cookie bars).
- Now it is time to assemble. Sprinkle coconut, chocolate chips, and walnuts onto the crust. Drizzle condensed milk over the top. Bake at 350 for 20-25 min. until set and golden brown. Cool completely and chill in the fridge before serving or the crust can crumble.
Notes
To sub in Swerve use 1.5 to 2 times the amount of sweetener called for.
Nutrition
Originally Published December 15, 2015. Revised and Republished October 23, 2019.
Heather Pearson says
Can this be made with coconut cream rather than heavy cream?
Taryn says
Yes. I also use coconut cream in my cookie variation of this recipe: https://joyfilledeats.com/five-minute-magic-cookies/
cheryl says
how come the recipe doesn’t mention the milk?
Taryn says
It doesn’t use actual milk. You make homemade sweetened condensed milk using heavy cream. That is mentioned.
Gretchen says
Love love love this recipe! Do you think it can be baked in a aluminum pan? I normally use glass…
Taryn says
Yes. The type of pan shouldn’t matter.
Adrienne says
I made these for the first time this morning and they are crazy good! The crust crumbled for me so maybe I didn’t cool long enough? They sat on the stove cooling for an hour and then they have been in the fridge a little over an hour. Do I need to cool longer before the cutting the rest?
Regardless, these are AMAZING! Thank you!
Taryn says
I’d cool another hour or two. Next time it can also help to line your pan with parchment.
Adrienne says
Thanks! I put it back in the fridge a few more hours and it was fine! I just made my second batch tonight. Yum!
kathy says
I love your recipes-I pin allot of them to my gluten free/keto board thank you for the inspiration Kathy
Kelly Charbula says
How long does the making of the condensed milk take? Is there a time estimate?
Taryn says
About 15 minutes.
Lou says
Make these all the time. Come out great! Hubby loves them. Friends ask for the recipe! Making them again today😊
Catherine says
Golden flax. Is that golden flax seed or powder. I have not seen these. I have regular flax seeds.
Also. Doesn’t Lily’s choc chips have too many carbs for Keto?
Taryn says
Golden flax meal. It’s the seeds ground into a flour.
Lily’s chocolate chips are fine. They don’t have any added sugar. You can subtract the sugar alcohol and fiber to get the net carbs.
Sue says
Can I substitute monk fruit for the sweetener?
Taryn says
A monk fruit blend like Lakanto should work in this recipe. You may need more. I would try 1.5 times the amount listed.
Becca says
This is my new favorite THM dessert! Day #2 & it’s even better! Will be making this again and again! Can’t wait to try just making the topping as a cookie next! Thanks so much!
Lynn says
Magic cookie bars are something I’ve made ever since my daughter has been a little girl so when I saw this recipe and here I was super stoked because this is my first Christmas on keto… I did everything the way it said and it looked like it was going to turn out just fine But I really think sweetener needs to be put in that crust…And the condensed milk hardened up so it just wasn’t that tasty… I did pick up the crust and eat the top portion like candy.
Taryn says
Hi Lynn, I’m sorry these didn’t work out for you. You can definitely add sweetener to the crust if you prefer. Learning to bake keto desserts does have a learning curve. Getting used to the difference in taste from regular recipes takes time too. Did you substitute any ingredients when you made these? They are one of my most popular recipes and normally get very good reviews. If you didn’t like the crust you might prefer my Magic Cookies instead. They are just the topping portion.
Rachel says
I also picked up the top and ate it like crust, because the actual crust crumbled. Can you add xanthan gum to it, I wonder?
Brittany says
I was looking for a low carb dessert recipes and came across this cookie bar recipe! They look simple to make and very delicious! Thanks for posting this recipe! Looking forward to making these this weekend!
Anna says
This is one of the better low carb/keto dessert recipes that I’ve tried..and I’ve tried many. I used pecans instead of walnuts since that’s what I had. Thank you for the recipe!!
Kimberly says
What blend of sweetener could I buy at the store? I wanted to make this today, but only have Splenda on hand. Would this work?
Thanks.
Taryn says
I’m not sure if splenda should work. I’ve had readers use truvia before.
charissa says
This is my husbands favorite dessert, pre low carb, low sugar diet. When I saw this I made it right away and he was amazed at how good it was. thanks!!