Description
Raspberry magic cookie bars are a decadent dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust, layers of raspberry jam, sweetened condensed milk, coconut, macadamia nuts, white chocolate chips, and a hint of lemon zest. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a homemade treat. Easily made gluten-free, nut-free, or vegan.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
– 1½ boxes shortbread cookies (10 oz each)
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (substitute plant-based butter for vegan diets)
For the Layers:
– 1 cup seedless raspberry jam
– 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz; substitute sugar-free alternatives if needed)
– ¾ cup chopped macadamia nuts (substitute almonds, pecans, or omit for nut-free diets)
– 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
– ¾ cup white chocolate chips (substitute dairy-free chips for vegan diets)
– Zest from 1 large lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Grind shortbread cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or blender. Combine with melted butter and press firmly into the prepared pan. Freeze for 15 minutes to set.
- Dollop raspberry jam over the crust and spread evenly with a knife.
- Sprinkle coconut, white chocolate chips, and chopped macadamia nuts over the jam layer, reserving a small amount of each for topping.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top and sprinkle the reserved ingredients. Zest the lemon over the entire surface.
- Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool completely in the pan, then chill before slicing.
Notes
– Use high-quality raspberry jam for maximum flavor. Substitute plant-based ingredients for vegan diets.
– Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week. Place a layer of parchment paper between layers. Freeze slices for longer storage; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Avoid microwaving if possible.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Layered Treats
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: ~300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg