Layered Squares
Layered Squares are rich, chewy bars with chocolate, coconut, and walnuts on a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan and spread graham cracker crumbs evenly at the bottom.
- Pour melted butter over the graham cracker crumbs and press down firmly to form a crust.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the package of chocolate chips over the condensed milk.
- Add the chopped walnuts evenly on top of the chocolate chips.
- Top with coconut evenly distributed over the nuts.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until the coconut is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a pinch of sea salt to the graham cracker crust. You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different texture. If you're a fan of coconut, try toasting it before adding it to the squares for an extra crunch. For a chocolate twist, mix in some dark chocolate chips or chunks.
Serving Suggestions
These layered squares are perfect for dessert trays or potlucks. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast or pair them with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. They also make a great snack for picnics or parties. For a twist, try serving with a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
After baking, allow the layered squares to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Squares contains roughly 519 calories, with 7g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts give a great crunch, you can easily substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Just chop them roughly and sprinkle them on top as directed. Each nut will impart its own unique flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your layered squares.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this layered squares recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work well in this recipe. Just double-check the labels on other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.
How can I make these squares more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding a layer of melted chocolate over the condensed milk before sprinkling the chocolate chips. You can also mix in a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder with the graham cracker crumbs for a deeper chocolate flavor in the crust.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).