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 magic cookie bars. This easy keto recipe is also low carb, gluten-free, grain-free, sugar-free, and Trim Healthy Mama friendly.
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 a delicious keto friendly recipe that fits my needs.
When I serve this magic cookie bar recipe or my single serve cookie 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 many of them as a keto dessert 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. And no matter if they call them hello dollies, seven layer bars, or something else entirely!
How To Make Magic Cookie Bars
These keto low carb magic cookie bars are easy to make. Promise! You mix up the crust, press it into a pan, make the sweetened condensed milk recipe, layer toppings, and then bake.
First Step: 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.
Second Step: Make the sugar free sweetened condensed milk by bringing the heavy cream, butter, and sweetener to a gentle boil. Stir frequently, so it doesn't burn. The low carb condensed milk will be a light golden brown color and will thicken up enough to coat a spoon when it's done.
Third Step: 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.
Fourth Step: 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
Feel free to be unique to your own tastes when you make these keto 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!
- White Chocolate Chips - with sugar-free white chocolate chips now available they are a great choice!
In a hurry? Skip the crust and make my Five Minute Magic Cookies!
How Long Do Magic Bars Last?
These keto magic bars will last around 5 days if they are correctly stored. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. I typically store all the baked goods from my keto recipes in the fridge to make them last longer.
Can You Freeze Cookie Bars?
Yes, you can freeze this cookie bars recipe 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 low carb desserts that are sure to please you or a crowd.
- Keto Crepes Gluten-Free
- Mascarpone Cheesecake
- White Chocolate Peanut Butter Blondies
- Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
Love this recipe? Try my new Caramel Magic Cookie Bars and my White Chocolate Cranberry Seven Layer Bars!
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Magic Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Crust:
- ¼ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup coconut flour
- ¼ cup ground golden flax (or additional almond flour)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 egg white
Sweetened Condensed Milk:
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup Joy Filled Eats Sweetener (or see alternatives in recipe notes)
- 1 egg yolk
Toppings:
- ½ cup unsweetened flaked coconut
- ½ cup sugar free chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (or other nut of choice)
Instructions
- Combine crust ingredients and press into the bottom of a 8×8 baking dish. Prick holes in the crust with a fork. This helps the topping not separate. 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
Nutrition
Originally Published December 15, 2015. Revised and Republished October 23, 2019.
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!!
Ann says
Hi Taryn, if you don't mind xylitol, I've been making sweetened condensed milk with 1 can Trader Joes organic evaporated milk plus 3/4 cup xylitol ( erythritol does not work). Simmer at a low rolling boil for 10-15 min, cool down( I usually place my pan in cold water. Tastes great! Blessings Ann
Shelly says
I’m making this soon! Can I use THM baking mix for the crust with butter? If so how much? And can I use confectioners swerve? thanks!
Taryn says
Yes, use a little less baking blend. And yes, but you will need more swerve. It isn't as sweet. 1.5 to 2 times as much.
Shelly says
So, how much baking blend total would you suggest? And yes, I noticed that Swerve isn't too sweet. Used 1 tablespoon in a choc mug cake and couldn't even taste it! I am also using shredded unsweetened coconut and almonds (toasted a little), I am also omitting the egg it sounds gross (Sorry) hope it comes out good!
Taryn says
The egg helps the topping firm up but it can be omitted. I would use 1 tablespoon less when using baking blend. If you use the finely shredded coconut you will need to make extra condensed milk or the bars will be dry. The finely shredded coconut absorbs moisture much more than the flakes.
Kay Condor says
I’m in Australia,and I would love to make this recipe,but I don’t know how much sweetener,or what substitutes to use that are available here.
I have Natvia,but not sure how much to use.Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you Kay Condor
Taryn says
Hi Kay, I'm not familiar with Natvia. The sweetener I use is twice as sweet as sugar. Do you know how Natvia compares to sugar?
Kay Condor says
Thanks for getting back to me.
Natvia is 1teaspoon=1 teaspoon of sugar.
It is a erythritol,and Steviol blend.
Probably would have to double your quantity
Do you think.
Pam says
I would make these again, the top was really good - BUT I would omit the flax seed and just use almond and coconut flour with butter. All I could taste is the flax for some reason it overpowered the whole recipe. I cut off the bottom and just ate the top.
Taryn says
Hi Pam, did you use regular flax or the golden flax? I find the flavor of the golden flax to be milder.
JJ says
I was wondering if flax was necessary since I don’t eat it. In your opinion would it hold up by just omitting it or would more coconut/almond flour need to fill its place?
Taryn says
Use more almond flour
Carrie says
Thanks so much for this keeper of a recipe! My very picky husband and kids like it a bunch! I added flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds to amp up the fiber bit since they don't do coconut.
Tina Sanford says
I made these but made the crust from puréed pecan/almonds and butter and a bit of Swerve. I added in a tiny bit of almond flour to help with the consistency.
Your homemade condensed milk is awesome.
They are absolutely amazing and do not taste low carb or sugar free. Thank you for the recipe.
Shelley says
I just found you website and want to make these ASAP. What exactly is 1/2 cup THM gentle sweet (or my copycat)?
Can I use Swerve sweetener instead?
I have all the other ingredients, so if I can use the Swerve, then I am good to go tomorrow!
Taryn says
The Trim Healthy Mama sweetener and my blend are a combo of xylitol, erythritol, and stevia. Swerve should work but you will need more. Swerve measures 1:1 for sugar but my sweetener measures 2:1.
Crissy Rudnik says
Could you use just almond flour instead of a blend?
Taryn says
I think just almond flour would work but I haven't tried it.
Tara says
I tested these on my kids this weekend. They were a hit! Thanks so much for sharing!
Jen says
These are fantastic! I overcooked the condensed milk, I think, because it seized up but it was STILL good. The hardest part of THM for me is breakfast and sweets. But I have now found my favorite THM snack! Gonna try more of your recipes. I have a bunch pinned and waiting. Thanks!