Kitchen Sink Layer Bars
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy
If you love desserts that balance sweet and salty, these Kitchen Sink Layer Bars will become a favorite. A pretzel crust holds together layers of chocolate, coconut, butterscotch, and almonds for the ultimate flavor mix. They’re easy to bake and are always a hit.
With layers of all the things I love, how could these possibly be bad? Today we’re making Kitchen Sink Layer Bars, which some folks even call Hello Dollies. I’ve always been a fan of “kitchen sink” style recipes, and you might remember the Kitchen Sink Cookies I made one Christmas. I still think about them often. Yum!
The fun part about this recipe is how simple ingredients such as coconut, almonds, butterscotch, chocolate, and pretzels come together in one pan. With every bite, it’s a different combination of flavors and textures, which keeps things exciting. And the best part? These bars are a total breeze. No dough to roll out, no tricky steps, not even a mixer. Just a few easy layers and the oven works its magic. The result is rich, flavorful, and perfect to enjoy any time of year.
On top of all that, these bars are endlessly flexible. You can swap in your own favorite “kitchen sink” ingredients and make them unique to you. Think toffee bits, potato chips, or extra nuts for even more flavor and crunch. Really, the only limit is your baking imagination.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Every bite is packed with flavor and texture. The mix of chocolate, coconut, pretzels, butterscotch, and almonds creates a delicious balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy.
- The recipe is incredibly easy. There’s no mixer, no dough, no complicated steps. It’s just simple layers that bake together into something special.
- You can make it your own. Swap in potato chips, dried fruit, or other favorite mix-ins for endless variations.
- These bars work for any occasion. They’re rich, satisfying, and easy to share, whether it’s a holiday, potluck, or casual weeknight treat.
Looking for more dessert bar recipes? You’ve got it. Check out this collection of all my favorite sweet dessert bar recipes. There’s something for everyone!
Ingredients
It’s time to get together all the ingredients you’ll need to make these delectable dessert bars.
- Pretzels – Crushed pretzels create the base of the bars, giving a salty, crunchy foundation that balances the sweetness of the other layers.
- Salted butter – Melted butter binds the pretzel crust together while adding a rich, buttery flavor.
- Dark brown sugar – Just a touch of brown sugar deepens the flavor of the crust with a bit of caramel-like sweetness. (You can also use regular brown sugar here if that’s what you have on hand.)
- Semisweet chocolate chips – These melt slightly into the bars for pockets of rich, classic chocolate flavor. You can also use milk chocolate here or a mix of the two which I often do.
- Butterscotch chips – Sweet and buttery, they add a nostalgic flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate and coconut.
- Sweetened shredded coconut – Toasts slightly as the bars bake, adding chewiness and a hint of tropical sweetness.
- Roasted, salted almonds – Chopped almonds bring crunch and a savory edge that balances the richness of the bars.
- Sweetened condensed milk – This creamy ingredient holds everything together and bakes into a luscious, caramel-like layer.
- Flaky sea salt (optional) – A light sprinkle on top enhances all the flavors and adds an extra salty-sweet finish.
How To Make
I’m going to show you how to bake up these Kitchen Sink Layer Bars. I’ll take you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on two sides so you can lift the bars out later. Lightly coat the parchment with baking spray.
- Crush the pretzels in a food processor until fine crumbs form, or place them in a zip-top bag and smash them with a rolling pin. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and mix in the melted butter and brown sugar until everything is evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the crust feels set.
💌 SAVE THIS POST / RECIPE!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later! Plus, I'll send you more inspiring ideas I think you'll love!
- Evenly scatter the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and almonds over the crust. Use your fingers to press the toppings down slightly so they stick. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. If you’d like, sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still warm. Let the bars cool completely in the pan, about two hours. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, and cut into squares.
And that’s it! These Kitchen Sink Layer Bars are ready to be enjoyed!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the bars are done?
Look for deeply golden edges and gentle bubbling around the sides. The center should look set but still a touch soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Any tips for neat, clean slices?
Cool completely in the pan, then chill for 30 to 45 minutes. Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts. For super tidy edges, lift the slab out by the parchment and trim the sides before slicing.
How do I store them, and how long do they last?
Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to two months; wrap tightly, then thaw at room temperature.
More Pecan Recipes You’ll Love
- Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Scotcheroos
- Pumpkin Pie Cake Bars
- Salted Peanut Bars
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
I hope you’re as excited as I am to give these Kitchen Sink Layer Bars a try. If you do, I’d love to hear what you think. Please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. I’d appreciate it!
Want more from Inspired by Charm? Join the IBC Mailing List for inspiration in your inbox! Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!
Kitchen Sink Layer Bars
Ingredients
- 3½ cups pretzels
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup packed shredded sweetened coconut
- ½ cup chopped roasted salted almonds
- 1 can (14 ounce) sweetened condensed milk
- Flaky sea salt optional
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on two sides so you can lift the bars out later. Lightly coat the parchment with baking spray.
- Crush the pretzels in a food processor until fine crumbs form, or place them in a zip-top bag and smash them with a rolling pin. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and mix in the melted butter and brown sugar until everything is evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the crust feels set.
- Evenly scatter the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and almonds over the crust. Use your fingers to press the toppings down slightly so they stick. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. If you’d like, sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still warm. Let the bars cool completely in the pan, about two hours. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, and cut into squares.