Last Updated on January 26, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s quick and easy, these Magic Brownie Bars are exactly what you need. Imagine the rich, fudgy goodness of a brownie base—made effortlessly with brownie mix—topped with a dreamy combination of butterscotch chips, crunchy pecans, and coconut flakes. The finishing touch is drizzle of sweetened condensed milk that transforms it all into crispy topping. They tend to disappear quickly, but that’s the only downside to Magic Brownie Bars!

When To Make Magic Brownie Bars

These are a great dessert for potlucks or big gatherings. They’re easy to transport and make over a dozen (16 to be exact). They’re not seasonal, so make them any time of the year. I love making them as a sweet treat to enjoy throughout the week. My kids even love these. The magic topping is irresistible!

I love unique brownie recipes. They’re so great when you want to serve dessert to a crowd. If you want even more inspiration, try my 2-Step Lemon Brownies and my Pecan Pie Brownies!

Why Are They Magical?

Have you ever heard of Magic Cookie Bars? They’re the OG! Magic Brownie Bars have a brownie base instead of a cookie-type crust. The magic comes in the topping. Sweetened condensed milk soaks through the topping layer of butterscotch chips, coconut and pecans. It acts as a binding agent. There’s a melt-in-your-mouth texture from the milk and there aren’t any other liquids required to hold the topping together. It’s “magic” because it’s so effortless. Just drizzle that milk on top and bake!

How To Store Leftovers

Once the brownies have cooled completely, they’re ready to cut. Use a sharp kitchen knife to cut the brownies into squares. Transfer the brownies to an airtight food storage container. For the best freshness, enjoy the Magic Brownie Bars within 3-4 days of baking.

To freeze the bars, transfer them to a freezer bag. Place the bars in the back of the freezer, where temperatures are more stable. Freeze the Magic Brownie Bars up to three months. Let them thaw on the countertop for several hours before enjoying again.

Magic Brownie Bar Ingredients:

• Brownie Mix: Use your favorite brand! I used Ghirardelli. Buy whatever is on sale.
• Shredded Coconut: I used sweetened, but either shredded type works.
• Chopped Pecans: Substitute walnuts if desired.
• Butterscotch Chips: I only use Nestle Tollhouse brand.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk

Recipe Variations

If you want to omit the pecans or substitute them for walnuts, that’s an easy way to mix up the recipe. Using chocolate chips instead of butterscotch chips adds a super chocolatey flavor, if you aren’t a fan of butterscotch. Lastly, use whatever brownie mix brand you’d like! Just ensure the brownie mix is an 18 ounce package.

How To Make Magic Brownie Bars

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, letting the ends come up at the sides. This will act as a handle to remove the brownies. Spray with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

In a medium bowl, prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions. Transfer to prepared pan. Top with butterscotch chips, coconut and pecans.

Drizzle the top with sweetened condensed milk.

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Use two hands to lift the foil evenly and remove them from the pan. Cut into bars.