The Fresh Loaf

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Magic Squares

Floydm's picture
Floydm

Magic Squares

magic squares

This has been a family holiday favorite since I was around 10 years old. I believe it was a recipe off the side of a graham cracker box, but we got it from a family friend.

Magic Squares

1 stick of butter
1 package graham crackers (1/2 box of crackers)
1/2 bag chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 bag shredded cocoanut

Place the stick of butter in a large baking pan (9 x 13) and place in a warm oven until the butter melts. Make graham cracker crumbs by placing the graham crackers in a blender, a food processor, or by smashing them by hand (I've done all three). Pour the graham cracker crumbs into the baking pan full of butter and spread them around until you have a full layer of crumbs. Press down to compact it into a crust. Spread a layer of chocolate chips over the crackers. Sprinkle a layer of walnuts over the chocolate chips, then pour the sweetened condensed milk over the walnuts. Sprinkle shredded cocoanut on top. Bake at 375 for approximately 20-25 minutes, until the cocoanut has begun to brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before slicing into squares.

browndog's picture
browndog

These look incredibly, decadently delicious.

AnnieT's picture
AnnieT

Floyd, how could you? Those look absolutely wonderful, but I'm pretty sure they aren't lo-cal? My doctor fusses about me eating bread and I think Magic Bars might make him dump me as a patient. Eat one for me, please, A.

zolablue's picture
zolablue

Floyd, dang you for posting this! :o) Just kidding - I'm so excited because I LOVE ooey gooey treats like this.  My niece who loves to cook and bake will flip when I show her this recipe - she is crazy about coconut and everything else in these.  This is a definate must try for me.  Thanks and YUM!

Paddyscake's picture
Paddyscake

Magic Cookie Bar recipe is on the can (I think Bordens) of sweetened condensed milk in case you ever lose the recipe again. I can taste that picture!!!!

This Day's picture
This Day

dmol,

Digestive biscuits or wholemeal biscuits in the UK are similar to graham crackers. Perhaps Australia also has digestive biscuits.

 

GrapevineTXoldaccount's picture
GrapevineTXolda...

and Taste-O-Buds.  These are delicious!

 

 

Mini Oven's picture
Mini Oven

 

Came off a Borden Eagle Brand advert for Sweetened Condensed Milk.   

It reads: Magic Cookie Bars     24-36 bars

  • 1/2 c marg or butter
  • 1 1/2 c graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 (14 oz) can Eagle Brand  Sweetened Con. Milk
  • 1 (6 oz) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 (31/2 oz) can flaked coconut (1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 c chopped nuts

Helps with the amounts.... or makes the guessing easier.

Mini

ema2two's picture
ema2two (not verified)

Floyd--I haven't thought about these in years!

They were my favorite as a kid, and a good party always included them with the cookies.  Maybe it's time to introduce my kids to them, now that I've had my memories re-awakened, and have a handy recipe!

Floydm's picture
Floydm

My kids certainly love them.  The magic squares go quicker than any other of the Christmas treats I bake!

cmkrause's picture
cmkrause

One of the girls brought a tray of these to the coffee shop just last week.  They are a favorite sweet treat at local bake sales and family gatherings.  But beware!  A very small square packs a lot of flavor...and sugar!  Definitely worth trying if you are seriously in need of a sweet fix!

KenK's picture
KenK

I've had those.  They are delicious.

saltandserenity's picture
saltandserenity

I think posting this goes against the unwritten "No treats in January" rule!!  Shame on you.  But thanks.  I have no willpower whatsoever.  Will be making these soon.

Trialer70's picture
Trialer70

These are my mother-in-law's "signature" cookie.  She always makes and takes them up when we drive the folks to Ashland, Oregon for a family reunion every Thanksgiving.  A couple of years ago, we talked her into showing a couple of the grandkids how to make them, took lots of pictures and then enjoyed the results that evening after dinner.  They are a great kind of cookie to make with kids--just enough "cooking"/"baking" involved but not impossibly complex.  And, of course, very, very tasty!

Mary Fisher's picture
Mary Fisher

I feel sick ...

Mary