Best 9 California Dream Bars Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

California Dream Bars, also known as 7-Layer Bars, are an iconic treat that combines a variety of flavors and textures into one irresistible dessert. These bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a layer of creamy coconut filling, a layer of chopped nuts, a layer of semisweet chocolate chips, and a layer of butterscotch chips, all topped with a layer of sweetened condensed milk and a sprinkle of coconut flakes. With its combination of sweet, creamy, crunchy, and chewy textures, this classic dessert is a favorite among both children and adults. Whether you're looking for a special treat to serve at a party or a sweet snack to enjoy at home, California Dream Bars are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

DREAM BARS



Dream Bars image

Dream Bars come from Hillary Lawson of Plummer, Idaho. "These bar cookies are a family favorite and excellent travelers," explains Hillary. "Wonderfully moist and chewy, they're define winners with the men and kids."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 50m

Yield about 2-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 12

CRUST:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, cubed
FILLING
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine flour and brown sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Pat into a 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a bowl, beat eggs and brown sugar; stir in vanilla. Combine flour and salt; add to egg mixture. Fold in coconut and walnuts. Spread over baked crust. Return to oven and bake 20-25 minutes longer or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 123 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 21mg cholesterol, Sodium 81mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.

DREAM BARS



Dream Bars image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 1h25m

Yield 24 bars

Number Of Ingredients 11

Nonstick vegetable spray
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup coarsely chopped toasted pecans
6 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Steps:

  • Line a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with foil so that it covers the bottom and overhangs 2 sides by at least 1-inch. Tuck the overlap around the outside of the pan. Coat with nonstick vegetable spray.
  • Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
  • In a bowl, combine 1 cup of the flour, 1/2 cup of the brown sugar, and the pecans. Work in the butter, rubbing and pinching it between your fingertips, until the mixture looks mealy and lumpy. Lightly pat the streusel onto the bottom of the pan.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and the remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar until doubled in volume. Beat in the vanilla extract.
  • In another bowl, sift together the remaining 1/2 cup flour, baking powder, and salt, then beat into the egg mixture. Spread on top of the streusel.
  • Sprinkle on the coconut and the sweetened condensed milk. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the first tiny bubbles come up. Set on a rack to cool. Run a knife around the 2 unfoiled pan sides to loosen, then lift the whole cake out of the pan. Cut into 2-inch bars.

CHOCOLATE CHIP DREAM BARS



Chocolate Chip Dream Bars image

Made this for a fundraiser - they were a hit! From "The 250 Best Brownies, Bars & Squares" You can also add raisins for a healthier snack!

Provided by Redsie

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 35m

Yield 36 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/2 cup melted margarine
1 1/2 cups graham wafer crumbs
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • In a bowl, mix together margarine and graham wafer crumbs. Press evenly into a 13 by 9 inch lightly greased pan.
  • Pour condensed milk over base.
  • Working in layers, sprinkle evenly with chocolate chips, then coconut, then nuts. Using a spatula, press down firmly.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until top is golden.
  • Place pan on a rack to cool completely, then cut into bars.

CALIFORNIA DREAM BARS



California Dream Bars image

Dreamy bars with a rich brown sugar crust and a chewy coconut and walnut topping.

Provided by ADDO

Categories     American Cookies

Time 1h

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 13

½ cup brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup margarine, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup flaked coconut
¼ cup confectioners' sugar for dusting

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease an 8x8 inch square baking pan.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 cup flour. Stir in the melted margarine and vanilla until well blended. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  • Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Prepare the filling while the crust bakes. In a medium bowl, beat eggs until light and foamy. Blend together the brown sugar, flour, baking powder and salt; stir into the eggs. Mix in the walnuts and coconut. Pour over the crust and return to the oven.
  • Bake for 15 more minutes in the preheated oven, until set. When cool, cut into squares. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220.5 calories, Carbohydrate 25.5 g, Cholesterol 23.3 mg, Fat 12.4 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 139.4 mg, Sugar 17.1 g

CHOCOLATE CHIP DREAM BARS



Chocolate Chip Dream Bars image

Dreaming of a rich chocolate bar? Here it is--ready to be the best on a cookie tray.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h35m

Yield 32

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 bag (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
1 cup milk chocolate chips
3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup brown sugar and the butter. Stir in 1 cup flour. Press in ungreased rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches. Bake 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in medium bowl, mix eggs, 1 cup brown sugar and the vanilla. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour, the baking powder and salt. Stir in semisweet and milk chocolate chips. Spread over crust.
  • Bake bars 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
  • In 1-quart saucepan, heat all Chocolate Glaze ingredients over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted. Drizzle glaze over cooled bars. Refrigerate at least 1 hour until firm. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows. Store at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 160, Carbohydrate 22 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 1 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, ServingSize 1 Bar, Sodium 80 mg

CHOCOLATE CHIP DREAM BARS



Chocolate Chip Dream Bars image

A perfect dessert to serve company. Kids love them. Quick and easy to make.

Provided by SWEATSUGAR

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes     Double Chocolate

Time 1h

Yield 32

Number Of Ingredients 14

⅓ cup butter, softened
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
4 teaspoons butter
2 tablespoons boiling water
1 cup confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a medium bowl, cream together 1/3 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Stir in 1 cup of flour until well blended. Press the dough into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  • Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven; remove and set aside. In a medium bowl, mix eggs and vanilla. Combine 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, baking powder and salt so there are no lumps. Stir the sugar mixture into the eggs. Stir in the chocolate chips. Spread over the pre-baked crust.
  • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Cool and drizzle with chocolate glaze.
  • To make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix together the cocoa, 4 teaspoons butter, and boiling water. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until thick and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the confectioners' sugar. Drizzle over cooled bars before cutting into squares.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 121.8 calories, Carbohydrate 20.7 g, Cholesterol 18 mg, Fat 4.4 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 1.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 72.8 mg, Sugar 16.6 g

CHOCOLATE CHIP DREAM BARS



Chocolate Chip Dream Bars image

Make and share this Chocolate Chip Dream Bars recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Redsie

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 35m

Yield 32 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup butter or 1/3 cup margarine, softened
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips
3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F In medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup brown sugar and the butter. Stir in 1 cup flour. Press in ungreased rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches. Bake 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in medium bowl, mix eggs, 1 cup brown sugar and the vanilla. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour, the baking powder and salt. Stir in semisweet and milk chocolate chips. Spread over crust.
  • Bake bars 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
  • In 1-quart saucepan, heat all Chocolate Glaze ingredients over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted. Drizzle glaze over cooled bars. Refrigerate at least 1 hour until firm. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows. Store at room temperature.

DREAM BARS



Dream Bars image

Provided by Carla Rollins

Categories     Mixer     Chocolate     Dessert     Bake     Kid-Friendly     Back to School     Gourmet     Small Plates

Yield Makes 48 (2- by 1-inch) bars

Number Of Ingredients 11

Brownie batter , left in bowl
For chocolate chip cookie dough
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips (8 ounces)

Steps:

  • Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13- by 9- by 2-inch baking pan and line bottom and sides with wax paper, then butter paper.
  • Spread brownie batter evenly in pan.
  • Make chocolate chip dough:
  • Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.
  • Beat together butter and sugars in a large bowl with an electric mixer at high speed until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Lightly beat 1 egg with a fork in a small bowl and add 1 3/4 tablespoons of it plus remaining whole egg to butter mixture, beating with mixer until creamy. Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low and mix in flour mixture until just blended, then stir in chips.
  • Top brownie batter evenly with spoonfuls of cookie dough, spreading gently with back of spoon to form an even layer.
  • Bake until a wooden pick or skewer inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs adhering, about 1 1/4 hours. Cool completely in pan on a rack, about 2 hours. Invert onto a cutting board, remove paper, and cut into bars.

GOOEY COCONUT DREAM BARS



Gooey Coconut Dream Bars image

This delicious recipe is courtesy of Amy Scherber and Toy Kim Dupree and can be found in "The Sweeter Side of Amy's Bread."

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes 20 bars

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
1 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
3 cups graham cracker crumbs (from about 20 crackers)
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees with a rack in the center of oven. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper; set aside.
  • To make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and salt. Pour mixture into prepared pan and press into bottom of pan using your fingertips.
  • To make the topping: In another medium bowl, mix together chocolate chips and coconut; sprinkle evenly over crust.
  • Pour condensed milk evenly over coconut and chips, covering the entire surface. Transfer to oven and bake, rotating pan halfway through baking, making sure the milk does not get too brown or bubble over in the pan, 26 to 32 minutes.
  • Transfer baking pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into 20 squares. Serve immediately, or wrap each bar tightly with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Tips:

  • Use room temperature ingredients: This will help your ingredients mix together more easily and create a smoother batter.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the bars tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Chill the dough before baking: This will help the bars set properly and prevent them from spreading too much in the oven.
  • Bake the bars until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean: This ensures that the bars are fully cooked through.
  • Let the bars cool completely before cutting them: This will help prevent them from falling apart.

Conclusion:

California Dream Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With their creamy, coconut filling and rich chocolate topping, they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for a special treat, give California Dream Bars a try. You won't be disappointed!

Related Topics