Graham Cracker Toffee Bars are a simple yet irresistible treat featuring layers of buttery toffee, graham crackers, and a generous topping of melted chocolate. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a quick dessert craving, these bars combine sweet, salty, and crunchy in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No fancy equipment needed, just basic pantry ingredients.
- Quick Dessert: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Customize the toppings with nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt.
- Addictively Delicious: A perfect balance of crispy, buttery, and chocolatey goodness.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Graham crackers
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, shredded coconut, sea salt, or sprinkles
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the graham crackers: Place graham crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, covering the entire surface.
- Make the toffee: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Pour the toffee: Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture over the graham crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 7-9 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbling and golden.
- Add the chocolate: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the toffee. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes to melt, then spread evenly with a spatula.
- Top and cool: Add your desired toppings while the chocolate is still warm. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- Break into pieces: Once set, break the bars into pieces and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 24 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-9 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch.
- Festive Touch: Use holiday-themed sprinkles for a seasonal twist.
- Caramel Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the melted chocolate for a tropical flair.
- Salty Sweet: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze the bars in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but omit any additional salt to avoid over-salting.
2. What if I don’t have parchment paper?
Aluminum foil works well, but be sure to grease it thoroughly to prevent sticking.
3. Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, but the bars will be sweeter. Adjust according to your preference.
4. What’s the best way to melt the chocolate chips?
Let the residual heat from the toffee soften the chocolate chips, then spread. If needed, place the baking sheet in a warm oven for 1-2 minutes.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham crackers to make the recipe gluten-free.
6. How do I prevent the toffee from burning?
Stir constantly while boiling and keep an eye on the mixture to avoid overcooking.
7. Can I add a second layer of toppings?
Yes, once the chocolate is spread, add toppings like crushed pretzels, mini marshmallows, or candy bits.
8. Why is my toffee layer grainy?
Graininess can occur if the sugar isn’t fully dissolved. Ensure you stir well while the mixture boils.
9. How can I make these bars less sweet?
Use dark chocolate chips and reduce the amount of sugar slightly in the toffee mixture.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking sheet or make two batches to avoid overcrowding.
Conclusion
Graham Cracker Toffee Bars are an easy-to-make dessert that tastes like pure magic. The buttery toffee, crunchy graham crackers, and velvety chocolate create a treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress. Try them today for a sweet indulgence that’s simple and satisfying!
PrintGraham Cracker Toffee Bars
These Graham Cracker Toffee Bars are an easy and irresistible treat! Layers of buttery toffee, graham crackers, and melted chocolate create a sweet, crunchy, and decadent dessert. Perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you need a quick and delicious sweet fix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 full sheets of graham crackers (enough to cover a 9×13-inch pan)
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (175 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, or walnuts; optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring the edges extend over the sides for easy removal.
- Arrange the graham crackers:
- Place the graham crackers in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, covering the bottom completely.
- Make the toffee layer:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the toffee over the crackers:
- Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture over the graham crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover all the crackers.
- Bake the toffee bars:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbling. Remove from the oven.
- Add the chocolate:
- Immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee layer. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes to melt, then use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly over the toffee.
- Add toppings (optional):
- Sprinkle chopped nuts over the melted chocolate, pressing them gently into the surface.
- Cool and set:
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours until the chocolate is firm and the toffee is set.
- Cut and serve:
- Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper or foil edges. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Variations: Use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or a combination for the topping. Sprinkle crushed pretzels, toffee bits, or shredded coconut for added texture.
- Freezing: Freeze the bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.