1-First Step: Get the oven and pan ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. That little extra parchment makes it much easier to lift the bars out after cooling, which is a big help when you want clean squares instead of crumbly edges.

2-Second Step: Make the crust. In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are coated and look like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined pan to form an even crust. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to pack it down well so the base holds together during baking.

3-Third Step: Add the first layers. Sprinkle 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the crust. Then add 1 cup butterscotch chips. After that, scatter 1 cup chopped pecans across the surface. Finish this layer with 1 cup shredded coconut. Try to spread everything as evenly as possible so every bite gets a little of each flavor. This is what gives 7 layer magic cookie bars their signature texture.

4-Fourth Step: Pour on the condensed milk. Open the 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk and drizzle it evenly over the top. This step matters because the milk acts like the glue that holds the toppings together. Pour slowly and move across the pan so it reaches most areas. If you need to, tilt the pan gently to help it spread.

5-Fifth Step: Bake until set. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the center looks set. The bars should look bubbly and golden, but not dry. Every oven is a little different, so start checking near the 25-minute mark. If you like a softer center, pull them as soon as the middle is no longer jiggly.

6-Sixth Step: Cool completely before cutting. This step is important. Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 2 hours, or until completely cool. If you cut them too soon, they may fall apart. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and place them on a cutting board. Slice into 15 bars for neat, bakery-style squares.