Who said allergy-restricted diets couldn’t be rich in desserts? See the melty chocolate throughout these cookie bars? As you get to know me, you will realize I am a chocolate freak! There is literally not a day that goes by where I don’t eat at least a little bit of chocolate. Usually more than just a little bit. Desserts are the toughest to sort out when you have food allergies; gluten, nuts or otherwise. If chocolate is your thing and you want an easy dessert to bring to a party or enjoy with your family, make these Magic Cookie Bars.
This recipe can be easily adapted to fit many different food allergy-restricted diets and can still be mouthwatering and an absolute crowd pleaser! As a matter of fact, I brought a gluten-free version to a recent BBQ and was asked to try to create a wedding cake from the recipe by the hostess. She said she is obsessed with them and she does not have any allergies!
There are so many variations but here are the basics:
- Box Betty Crocker Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, prepared or any other prepared chocolate chip cookie dough
- 1 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup of 2 of the following toppings*; milk, dark or white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, toffee, or nuts (if you are not allergic)
- *In this recipe, I used Hershey's Dark Chocolate Chips and Hershey's Toffee (my kids can eat almonds but only if not contaminated with peanuts or other nuts).
- Preheat oven to 350 and spray 13x9 dish with cooking spray
- Prepare cookie dough and spread it on the bottom of the greased pan (you only need a thin layer so don't worry if it doesn't seem too thick)
- Bake cookie base for 15 minutes and take it out of the oven
- Pour sweetened condensed milk over the cookie base
- Mix shredded sweetened coconut with semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 other toppings you have chosen in a bowl
- Layer this mixture on top of the condensed milk and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes (until coconut flakes turn light brown)
- Let cool for about 2 hours, cut, serve and enjoy
This dessert got more attention than my main courses! It truly is a fantastic treat that is great for everyone! I personally do not have any food allergies, but prefer these brownies over any other ones for taste! They’re that amazing!
Jackie, you are a master at your trait! Thank you!!!
Remember though that most of the goodies, like this one that are gluten free are not always vegan (without eggs, milk, butter or without refined sugar). It is important not to get too excited about these recipes. All this bar doesn’t have in it is gluten. This doesn’t make them great. Just good. We will call them ‘great’ when they have no refined sugar, milk, wheat, eggs or butter– The allergens that so many of us become unhealthy eating. CHALLENGE: Can someone figure out a recipe like this and still make them taste great?!
Hi Michael, thank you so much for your comment. I definitely would not call these magic cookie bars healthy. Just a gluten and peanut free treat. I don’t specialize in vegan cooking but I researched recipes for you and came up with one that is advertised to be gluten free and vegan http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2007/10/vegan-magic-cookie-bars_5400.html. I hope you enjoy some of my other recipes and will continue to follow and share your thoughts with me.
Very good recipe! I substituted the base cookie mix with the brownie mix and added dark rum as the extra liquid. Very yummy!
Wow! That’s such a creative substitution. Sounds yummy! I’ll have to try it sometime. Thanks Anne!
Thanks for donating these delicious treats to the PTSA luncheon! The magic bar was excellent! I am so happy you shared the recipe on your website. My mother in law must have a gluten free diet and she will love this dessert.
You are very welcome! So glad you like it and I hope you find lots of recipes your family can enjoy!
anything I could sub for the condensed milk? my kids are both allergic to dairy. thanks!
Hi Stephanie!
Cream of Coconut would be a great substitute and would go well with this dessert. Here is more info on dairy-free substitutes http://www.godairyfree.org/dairy-substitutes/substitute-condensed-milk-buttermilk-sweetened-powder
Jackie
thank you! I look forward to trying it!
Thank you for this recipe. I am 18 months into a gluten free diet – prior to this we were only wheat free. I also appreciate anything to accommodate a tree nut allergy. I am looking for recipes that I can make that my family who does not need to be accommodated will also enjoy.