Vegan Christmas 7 Layer Bars

Magic Seven Layer Bars are something of a cult favorite in the circles I run in. It doesn't matter where I am or who I'm with, there will ultimately be at least one person who brings these to the cookout. As I love them, I see no reason to complain. HOWEVER! Magic Seven Layer Bars are primarily a Spring/Summer dessert. I don't really know how or why but they are. Due to this grave injustice, I felt it necessary to make these bars wintertime-accessible. These Vegan Christmas 7 Layer Bars are the result of that endeavor. Please enjoy the fruits of my labor.

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Vegan Christmas 7 Layer Bars Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Crust

• All Purpose Flour: All purpose flour has a moderate/average amount of protein when compared to other flours. It will give the cookie base of your bars sturdiness and a nice chewy quality without compromising the lightness you desire.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is great for baking because the bond that it forms with water/liquid has a moisture-locking effect. This gives us incredible texture and moistness in our baked goods. Where we rely on sugar to give delicious sweetness to our desserts, it also brings out the more delicate flavors in our bakes giving them the level of prominence we desire.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda is a leavener that requires an acidic and liquid ingredient to activate. In this recipe, the leavener will help the cookie dough base rise and firm up as it bakes.
• Vegan Butter: Vegan butter is a simple alternative to dairy butter. Non-dairy butter is made up of different vegetable oils and is solid at room temperature. The flavors are nearly identical to normal butter. 
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is the most common extract in baked goods. It adds a beautiful dimension and flavor profile to our bakes (and freezes!). Vanilla chemically adds more flavor to desserts without covering up the other flavors you would still like to shine through.

Toppings

• Canned Coconut Milk: Full fat, canned coconut milk is a great dairy-free replacement for heavy cream. Be sure you aren't purchasing canned coconut cream or light coconut milk. Prior to measuring your canned coconut milk, mix is thoroughly to evenly distribute the fat and water. 
• Agave Nectar: Agave nectar, also known as maguey syrup or agave syrup, is a sweetener produced from several species of agave. Blue-agave syrup contains 56% fructose as a sugar providing sweetening properties.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is produced from the starchy part of the corn kernel called the endosperm. It is an incredible thickening agent in cooking and baking. When added to the coconut milk and agave nectar, a non-dairy, sweetened-condensed milk is created.
• Non-Dairy Chocolate Chips: Dairy-free chocolate chips that allow you to bake allergy friendly snacks. Most popular brands have a dairy-free version in their arsenal. Most semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips are dairy-free but ALWAYS read the label to make sure. Dairy-free chocolate chips contain delicious, high-quality chocolate. Non-dairy chips usually have fewer all around ingredients as well.
• Coconut Flakes: Dried coconut flakes are readily available in just about any grocery store. They are usually found in the baking aisle but sometimes like to hang out around the dried fruit. For this recipe, sweetened or unsweetened will work. Totally up to your preference.
• Mini Pretzel Twists: These pretzels are the crunchy, salty guys your mom packed in your lunch every day. NOT THE STICKS!
• Vegan Sprinkles: Sprinkles you find in the grocery store are typically not vegan as the majority of brands include a glaze of shellac made from a substance secreted by lac beetles. However, there are plenty of 100% vegan sprinkle brands that you could alternatively use. Looks for holiday colors!

Steps for Making Vegan Christmas 7 Layer Bars

1. Make the Sugar Cookie Base: Preheat oven to 350 F and line an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl combine flour, sugar and baking soda. Stir vegan butter, water and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract into the flour mixture until dough begins to come together. Press sugar cookie dough evenly into prepared pan and bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Vegan Sweetened Condensed Milk: While sugar cookie base is baking, whisk together coconut milk, agave nectar, remaining ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch sea salt and cornstarch until completely smooth. Set aside.
3. Add Toppings: When 15 minutes is up remove pan from oven. Sprinkle chocolate chips and coconut flakes over the sugar cookie base. Pour coconut milk mixture evenly over the top of everything. Top with pretzels and sprinkles.
4. Bake: Return pan to oven and bake for an additional 27-30 minutes. Allow bars to cool completely before cutting into them.

Tips for Making Vegan Christmas 7 Layer Bars

Here are some baking tips specifically for making your vegan Christmas-inspired magic seven-layer bars:

1. Preparing the Pan: Line your baking pan with parchment paper leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to remove the bars from the pan once they're done baking.
2. Pressing the Crust: When pressing the sugar cookie crust into the pan, use your palms or the bottom of a flat measuring cup/small glass to create an even and compact layer.
3. Mind the Layering Order: Follow the traditional order of layers, starting with the sugar cookie crust, followed by the homemade sweetened condensed coconut milk, then chocolate chips, and so on. This ensures the layers bake properly and meld together.
4. Even Layering: When adding each layer, spread it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. This will help the layers bake evenly and prevent any gaps or air pockets.
5. Cooling: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove them. This will help the layers set properly, making them easier to cut into clean slices.
6. Cutting Clean Slices: To achieve clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. This prevents the different layers from smudging together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Christmas 7-layer bars?

Christmas 7-layer bars, also known as magic bars or Hello Dolly bars, are a popular holiday dessert made with layers of sugar cookie crust, sweetened condensed coconut milk, chocolate chips, pretzels, coconut flakes, and other optional ingredients. They are easy to assemble and require no mixing or chilling of dough.

Can I substitute the coconut flakes?

If you're not a fan of coconut flakes, you can use crushed cornflakes or crispy rice cereal as a substitute. They will provide a similar texture and crunch.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming too soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, make sure your crust is well-pressed and compacted into the pan before adding other layers. Pre-baking the crust (as instructed in the recipe) for a few minutes before adding the toppings is also helpful.

Can I add dried fruits to the layers?

Yes, dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or apricots can be added to the layers for a burst of flavor. Equally important, make sure to choose dried fruits without added sugars.

Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes, Christmas 7-layer bars are perfect for making in advance. You can prepare them a day or two before serving or even freeze them weeks ahead for holiday gatherings.

How to Serve/Store Vegan Christmas 7 Layer Bars

1. Presentation: Cut the bars into squares or rectangles for easy serving. You can also use cookie cutters to create festive shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes for a more decorative presentation.
2. Whipped Cream: Top the bars with a dollop of vegan whipped cream. Coconut whipped cream is also a popular choice, or you can use store-bought vegan whipped toppings.
3. Ice Cream: Serve the bars with a scoop of vegan ice cream on the side. Classic flavors like vanilla or a festive flavor like peppermint or gingerbread would be perfect accompaniments.
4. Vegan Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some vegan caramel sauce over the bars for an extra touch of indulgence. The caramel flavor pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and coconut layers.
5. Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle crushed vegan candy canes on top of the bars just before serving. This adds a pop of color and a minty flavor that enhances the Christmas vibe.
6. Edible Glitter or Sprinkles: Add a touch of sparkle by dusting the bars with edible glitter or colorful sprinkles. This will make them look festive and appealing.
7. Serve in Gift Boxes: If you're hosting a party or giving these bars as gifts, pack them in pretty gift boxes tied with festive ribbons. They make wonderful homemade gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
8. Coffee or Hot Cocoa: Accompany the bars with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or vegan hot cocoa for a comforting and enjoyable treat.

Storing

To ensure your vegan 7-layer bars stay fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. If you plan to consume the bars within a day or two, you can also store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Make sure the container has a tight-fitting lid to prevent air exposure and maintain freshness.

For longer storage, place the bars in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. This will extend their shelf life and maintain their texture. Allow the bars to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor.

If you want to store the bars for an extended period (up to three months), you can freeze them. Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the packaging to prevent freezer burn. Bars can last in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Please remember if you make this recipe to snap a pic and share with @censoredbaker on instagram!

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Looking for more festive recipes?

• Vegan Mexican Hot Chocolate
• Cranberry Margaritas