Graham Cracker Toffee Bars are a delightful combination of crunchy, sweet, and buttery flavors, making them an irresistible treat. These bars are incredibly easy to prepare and require just a handful of ingredients, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings, holiday treats, or a simple dessert at home.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These bars come together in less than 30 minutes.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples, so no fancy shopping trips are required.
- Versatile: Customize with toppings like chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, parties, or as an everyday sweet snack.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The buttery toffee and graham cracker combo is universally loved.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Graham crackers
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark)
- Chopped nuts (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Base: Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the graham crackers in a single layer, covering the entire sheet.
- Make the Toffee: In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes without stirring.
- Pour and Bake: Carefully pour the toffee mixture over the graham crackers, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes or until the toffee is bubbly.
- Add Toppings: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Let them sit for a minute to melt, then spread evenly. Add chopped nuts or other toppings if desired.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely (you can refrigerate them for faster cooling). Once set, break into pieces and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 bars (depending on how you break them)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Salted Toffee: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty twist.
- Nut-Free: Omit the nuts for a nut-free version.
- White Chocolate: Swap regular chocolate chips for white chocolate chips.
- Holiday Flair: Add festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes for seasonal celebrations.
- Peanut Butter: Drizzle melted peanut butter over the chocolate layer.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds if desired.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham crackers as a substitute.
3. What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips are the most popular choices, but dark chocolate or white chocolate work as well.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bars up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container.
5. How do I prevent the toffee from sticking to the pan?
Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat will ensure easy removal.
6. Can I add different toppings?
Of course! Consider coconut flakes, M&Ms, or dried fruit as creative options.
7. Why is my toffee grainy?
Grainy toffee can result from not dissolving the sugar properly. Ensure the butter and sugar are fully melted before boiling.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger baking sheet and double the ingredients.
9. Do I need to refrigerate the bars?
Refrigeration helps the chocolate set faster but is not required for storage.
10. Are these bars suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Package them in decorative boxes or bags for a delightful homemade gift.
Conclusion
Graham Cracker Toffee Bars are a simple yet decadent dessert that everyone will adore. Their buttery toffee base, chocolatey topping, and crunchy texture make them a standout treat for any occasion. Try them today and see how quickly they disappear from the plate!
PrintGraham Cracker Toffee Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Graham Cracker Toffee Bars are a simple yet indulgent treat, combining crunchy graham crackers with a rich caramel toffee layer and a smooth chocolate topping. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a quick dessert craving, these bars are easy to make and impossible to resist!
Ingredients
- Base:
- 1 sleeve (about 9-10) graham crackers
- Toffee Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- Topping:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, e.g., pecans or walnuts)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Line a 9ร13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the foil.
- Create the Base:
- Arrange the graham crackers in a single layer across the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring no gaps. Break the crackers if needed to fit.
- Make the Toffee Layer:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar and stir until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Let it boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
- Assemble:
- Pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the graham crackers, spreading it gently with a spatula to coat.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the toffee is bubbling.
- Add Chocolate and Nuts:
- Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee.
- Let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt, then spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top, if using.
- Cool and Slice:
- Let the bars cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or chill in the refrigerator for faster setting.
- Once firm, lift the foil out of the pan and cut the toffee into bars.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, skip the nuts or use an alternative topping like crushed pretzels or sprinkles.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *