Butterscotch candy corn magic bars are a delicious (EASY) bar cookie to help you celebrate fall!
How do you relax? I’ve tried to listen to sounds of waves crashing but when I hear the ocean all I can think of is riptides and giant squid. Totally counter-productive.
I’ve tried yoga, but my type-A self gets overly competitive and tries to out-stretch everyone in class and it’s just painful.
Meditation is a huge yeah right because my brain doesn’t quiet down. Like EVER.
Baking is usually my go-to stress reliever but I can’t always be in the kitchen. Like when I’m stuck in traffic and getting angsty to the point that I yell at all the old people on the road driving slowly. . .living in Phoenix this is a daily occurrence.
My on-the-go stress reliever is thinking about candy. Candy has a hypnotic effect on me; I attribute this to the fact that I was absolutely not allowed to eat sugar for the first five or so years of my life, and rarely allowed sugar after that. (Your plan to have a healthy child kind of backfired, Mom. Just saying. See every single post on this site for proof.)
I spend hours debating in my mind the merits of various types of candy. Three Musketeers, while delicious, leave me a little bored. A Snickers was the most prized item in my trick or treat bag growing up, but now I’m so much more a Payday kind of girl.
But candy corn. . .well, what side do you fall on? Love it or hate it? It seems like one of those divisive candies, like black jelly beans (LOVE THEM), that incites deep feelings of either loving or loathing. For me, I’m completely in the middle. I don’t love it, I don’t hate it. I just plain don’t care.
So I was surprised when I tossed a bag of candy corn in my cart while wandering the Halloween candy display at Safeway.
See? Candy hypnotizes me so fully that I don’t even have a conscious understanding of what I’m doing when I’m in its presence. I can only imagine what might ensue if I ever went on a tour of the Hershey factory.
While I was unloading my groceries I knew I needed to find a way to bake with the candy corn, rather than keeping it on hand until the next Pinterest glitch gets me down. (Knock on wood.)
An autumnal riff on magic bars was the first thing that popped into my head, so I ran with it. You know how people say your first instinct is usually the right one? They’re spot on. Butterscotch candy corn magic bars are so FAH-REAKING good!
To be fair, magic bars in almost any of their kajillion cookie bar incarnations are delicious. But there’s something special about the way the butterscotch flavor melds with the sweet candy corn.
To cut through the über-sweetness I topped these butterscotch candy corn magic bars with a healthy sprinkle of sea salt, but that’s optional. Enjoy these beauties your way, not mine!
Just be sure you make some candy corn magic bars at some point this fall. There’s no better way to enjoy the season!
Butterscotch candy corn magic bars are a delicious (EASY) bar cookie to help you celebrate fall!
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
- 1 cup candy corn
- 2/3 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- flaky sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 13- by 9-inch baking pan with foil, allowing several inches of excess to hang over the sides. Spray foil with cooking spray and set pan aside.
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar in a small mixing bowl and mix until thoroughly combined. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Top the graham cracker layer with the coconut, followed by the candy corn, butterscotch chips, and pecans. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over everything, then sprinkle with sea salt (if using). Bake 22 to 25 minutes, until golden on top. Cool magic bars completely in the pan set on a wire rack, then slice into bars and serve.
Ben|Havocinthekitchen says
First 5 years without sugar? That explains everything, Kelsie! 🙂 My personal go-to stress reliever would be walking. I’ve been doing this almost every morning lately, and this is so enjoyable. That’s particularly amazing now – crisp mornings, leaves on the road, only a few people, and some occasion coyotes:) These bars looks exceptionally delicious too. And you know that you can always rely on me? I mean every time you feel like baking (but not eating), you can send everything to me, and I’ll dispose it.
Kelsie says
I love taking Cookie for long walks. It’s the closest I’m able to get to relaxation. Except when I see coyotes :). Thank you Ben! I’ll keep you in mind next time I have to pawn off baked goods on someone, haha!
thatskinnychickcanbake says
LOL, I can totally relate to being unable to meditate! I start making a mental shopping list within the first minute! Now I’ll have these candy corn magic bars to dream about instead!
Kelsie says
Hahaha! These will interrupt your meditation for sure :). Thank you, Liz!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
These are happening!! They’re so cute! And I’m a big fan of 7 layer cookies, which this 100% reminds me of! YUM! Pinned!
Kelsie says
Thank you Annie! I hope you love them as much as I do!
cakespy says
Also I always joke that if people think yoga is not competitive they’ve never been next to me in class. ha!
Kelsie says
Haha! YES! Exactly the same with me 🙂
cakespy says
EFF YES and by EFF I don’t actually mean EFF (I’m from NJ what can I say). These look EFFING incredible!
Kelsie says
Hahaha! Thank you so much, Jessie!
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
You and I are very much a like. My competitiveness keeps me from enjoying yoga too! I bet I can eat more of these bars than you…LOL!
Kelsie says
Haha! I’m so glad I’m not the only one :). I’ll take that bet any day!
Kelly @ Kelly Lynn's Sweets and Treats says
I LOVE candy corn!!! I could definitely not be trusted around a pan of these….they might just all disappear lol. I relax by baking or working out. Takes my mind off things. But eating a few of these bars would definitely do the trick too 🙂 xoxo
Kelsie says
I can attest that eating these bars take your mind off your troubles :). Thank you Kelly! Have a great weekend!
dawnyucuiscooking says
I am like you when it comes to relaxing, I like being in the kitchen baking or cooking. Although I am not a fan of black jelly beans and candy corn I can take it or leave it except if they are on these butterscotch candy corn magic bars. These sound amazingly yummy!
Kelsie says
I’ll trade you cookies for all your black jelly beans, Dawn! Thank you, my friend!
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
We definitely have the same taste buds. Black jelly beans? THE BEST! I’m also pretty indifferent to candy corn, but I wouldn’t say no to these magic bars. I think butterscotch is totally underrated!! Yum, yum, yum. ALSO – you make me feel a little better about the sugar intake that my boys get…maybe it’ll all even out and they’ll be healthy, moderate sugar lovers? Haha cheers friend!
Kelsie says
I’m already ready for black jelly beans this spring :). I pretty much guarantee that teaching your boys to moderate their sugar intake is better than denying them any sugar. I don’t want them to end up sugar fiends like me! Have a great weekend, my dear!
Milena | craftbeering.com says
Wow, pretty bars! ??I might not like candy corn (I am one of those people you mention, lol, it’s mental), but can appreciate a gorgeous looking dessert! If you handed out those on Halloween night, your fame will quickly spread! I see it in your future. I swear by meditation. Only way to win. Over everything. By winning, I mean achieving peace. Telling your own thoughts (greatest torturer of all) that they are not the boss. It is worth it to persist with it?
Kelsie says
I’m definitely considering packages of cookies for trick-or-treaters–at least for the ones I know :). I’ll have to give meditation another try. I wish I could make it work because everyone I know who’s gotten into it swears it’s the best thing for stress relief. Someday! Have a great weekend, Milena!
Georgie | The Home Cook's Kitchen says
oh my these look decadent! def fall/halloween like! ha i feel you sister about relaxing! i get bored in yoga because my brain wanders, I bake or cook too to relax and read books! have a great weekend!
Kelsie says
Thank you Georgie! You have a great weekend, too!
Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess says
These bars are the ultimate..this is how I relax. 😀 Have a wonderful weekend Kelsie!!!
Kelsie says
Haha! Thank you, Kim! You have a wonderful weekend too!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I’m definitely the wrong person to ask for relaxation tips! I have ZERO clue how to do that unless I’m on the beach with cocktail in one hand and a book in the other. That’s about the only time my brain will turn off and allow me a little peace. 😉 I’ve never tried to think of candy though… but, being allergic to cocoa, I’m thinking there aren’t many candies I can actually think about without getting annoyed I can’t eat them. Lol. However, I happen to LOVE candy corn!!!!! AND butterscotch!!!! Like, So SO SOOOOO much! Needless to say, these bars are definitely looking all sorts of magical to me!! Be a doll and pass me a dozen! 😉 Cheers!
Kelsie says
Glad I’m not the only one with relaxation issues :). I’ll gladly share them ALL with you! Have a great weekend Chey! (I will not tell you to have a relaxing one because if you’re like me that just sets your teeth on edge, haha!)
pglooney says
I love your relaxation ideas. Definitely something I struggle with. I love the color of these bars!
Kelsie says
Thank you Patrick!
Mary Ann @ thebeachhousekitchen says
My husband LOVES candy corn Kelsie! I see a pan of these in his future real soon!
Kelsie says
Oh good! I hope he loves them as much as I do! Happy Thursday, Mary Ann!
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
I do enjoy cooking to relax and running like a crazy person on the treadmill helps too. I really enjoy candy corn…though, I know some people definitely do now. And black jelly beans…um – YES!! So good, right?! Love the sprinkle of salt on top….totally have to do that 😉 Have an awesome weekend, girlie!
Kelsie says
Running like a crazy person is high on my list, too :). Black jelly beans are easily one of my favorite candies. My mom and I used to fight horribly over them, haha! Thank you Dawn! You have an awesome weekend, too!
David | Spiced says
Hahaha…I love your rundown of relaxation methods. I’ve never been a yoga person, but I suspect I’d be somewhat like you. And meditation? Uh, isn’t that just taking a nap? I’ll sit around and chat about desserts with you all day long, though! I agree with you that Snickers were the ultimate treat as a kid. I used to hide all of the mini Snickers bars I’d get for Halloween so that my sister couldn’t find them. Haha! Payday though? I’m not sure I’ve ever had one. But I’ll try one out just because you say so! Before that, I need to try these magic bars. I enjoy candy corn (or corn candy as my Mom calls it), and we usually get 1 bag a year to snack on. These bars sound amazing, Kelsie…err, I mean weirdo! 🙂
Kelsie says
YES! Dessert chats are the best kind. Now go out and get yourself a Payday, David. They’re sooooo good, but only if you like salty sweet caramel peanut bars of deliciousness. If not then they’re probably not for you :). Have a a great weekend!
Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes says
That’s a great way to relax and unwind :D. These bars sound epic.. With all that condensed milk, coconut, butterscotch chips and candy corn….these are just so rich and yummy! I bet you can’t stop yourself from eating all of it in one go!
Kelsie says
Thank you Deepika! Sweetened condensed milk is definitely one of my weaknesses :). Have a great weekend!
miriamprk says
What a lovely way to celebrate fall. Will try your relaxation technique next time life gets too hectic 🙂 Have a nice weekend, Kelsie!
Kelsie says
Thank you Miriam! It definitely works for me :). Have a great weekend!
lynne hoareau says
OMG !!!! This is exactly what I need today ! Those look so good. Here it is raining and so miserable, nothing would beat delving into several to your magic bars. 🙂 Please give cute little Cookie a hug from me 🙂 x
Kelsie says
I will, Lynne! Thank you so much! Sending you some sunshine-y thoughts 🙂