Recipe Ideas

Graham Cracker Toffee Bars

a layer of buttery, crunchy graham cracker crust, topped with a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth toffee that shatters perfectly with every bite, and finished with a generous sprinkle of chocolate. Chips that melt into all those nooks and crannies. What are Graham Cracker Toffee Bars? My grandma used to make something similar but hers took hours. This one? It’s ready in under an hour, start to finish. What’s the hardest part of waiting for them to cool so you can devour them?

Graham Cracker Toffee Bars final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is Graham Cracker Toffee Bars?

Think of Graham Cracker Toffee Bars as an upgrade to your standard graham cracker dessert. It’s essentially a buttery, brown sugar toffee candy that gets poured over a graham cracker base and baked until it’s gloriously golden and bubbly. What happens when the heat transforms the simple butter and sugar into a crunchy, caramelized layer that’s ridiculously addictive. It’s not quite fudge, not quite brittle, but something entirely unique and utterly irresistible. The graham cracker layer gives it a wonderful textural contrast, and it’s just the right amount of sweet without being cloying. It’s a perfect little square of happiness, basically! My friends always ask me to bring these to potlucks.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What is a game changer?Flavor explosion:The combination of buttery toffee, the subtle honey notes of graham crackers, and the melty chocolate chips is just… *chef’s kiss*. The toffee is rich and caramelized, the graham crackers provide a comforting, familiar flavor, and the chocolate adds that perfect touch of sweetness!Seriously easy:What is a fancy toffee recipe? My kids even help me make them (supervised, of course, around the hot toffee!). It’s a great way to get them involved in baking without the stress of complicated steps.Budget-friendly bliss:All you need are everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Butter, sugar, graham crackers, chocolate chips… nothing fancy or expensive required. I always have these things on hand, so these bars are my go-to when I need a quick and delicious treat.Versatile snacking:What are some of the best desserts for a weeknight dinner? What are some good ways to serve coffee with your morning coffee? What I love most about these is that they always get rave reviews. Everyone always asks for the recipe, and they’re always surprised at how easy they are to make. They’re definitely a crowd-pleaser, and they’re perfect for sharing (or not sharing – I won’t judge!). I think they’re even better than millionaire bars, because millionaire bars have a tendency to fall apart when slicing. These are sturdy and hold their shape.

How do I make Graham Cracker Toffee Bars?

Quick Overview

How do you make graham crackers? How do you make toffee, pour it over graham crackers and bake until bubbly? What’s the best part? What is the secret to making toffee?

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Base:

• 1 12 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets) – I usually just crush them in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin. Works like a charm!
• 12 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Make sure it’s completely melted and slightly cooled. I usually melt it in the microwave in 30-second intervals to avoid splattering.
• 14 cup granulated sugar – This helps bind the crust together and adds a touch of sweetness.

For the Toffee:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – Again, use good quality butter!
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Don’t skimp on the sugar! It’s essential for the toffee to caramelize properly.

• 2 tablespoons water – This helps the sugar dissolve evenly and prevents it from burning.

• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract – Adds a touch of warmth and enhances the other flavors. I always use pure vanilla extract for the best results.

• 14 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the buttery flavor.

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer. I personally love the balance of semi-sweet with toffee.
• Optional: chopped nuts, sea salt – These are optional but they add a nice textural and flavor contrast. I love adding chopped pecans or walnuts and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Graham Cracker Toffee Bars ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What is the step-by-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the bars out of the pan later. I always grease the parchment paper as well, just to be extra safe!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Make sure there are no large clumps of crumbs. The finer the crumbs, the better the crust will hold together.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

The graham cracker mixture should be evenly moistened. Don’t overmix it, or the crust will be too dense. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir until evenly moistened.

Step 4: Combine

I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to press it down evenly. Make sure it’s packed tightly so it doesn’t crumble when you slice the bars.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, water, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Set aside. Continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture comes to a boil and turns a light golden brown color. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Watch it carefully, as it can burn easily. I always use a candy thermometer to make sure it reaches the correct temperature (about 300°F or 149°C). When it’s ready, you can tell when it’s ready when you see a light golden brown color and a nutty aroma.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Immediately pour the toffee mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust. Be careful, as the toffee is very hot! Spread it out quickly so it covers the entire crust. How do I bake toffee into graham cracker crumbs?

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as the baking time can vary depending on your oven. If it starts to burn, cover it loosely with foil. I always rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let them sit for a minute or two to melt, then spread them out evenly with a spatula. If you’re adding chopped nuts or sea salt, sprinkle them on top of the melted chocolate. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. I usually put them in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process. If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they’ll be too soft and messy.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Once the bars are completely cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut them into squares with a sharp knife. I like to use a warm knife for cleaner cuts. These bars are delicious on their own, but they’re also great with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a cup of coffee. They’re wonderful served cold, straight from the fridge.

What should I serve it with?

What are Graham Cracker Toffee Bars?For Breakfast:What is the best combination of coffee and toffee? I sometimes add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent start to the day.For Brunch:Arrange the bars on a platter with fresh berries, yogurt parfaits, and a selection of teas and juices for an elegant brunch spread. The contrast of sweet and tart flavors is always a hit. What are the best accompaniments to a sparkling wine?As Dessert:Serve them as an after dinner treat with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce would also be a delicious addition. Can you serve these bars with a glass of wine or herbal tea?For Cozy Snacks:What are some comfort foods for watching movies? I also love crumbling them over yogurt or oatmeal for a quick and easy snack. In my family, we have a tradition of making these bars every Christmas. We pack them up in cute little boxes and give them as gifts to friends and neighbors. They’re always a huge hit, and everyone raves about them for weeks afterwards.

How do you make a perfect Graham Cracker Toffee Bar?

How do I make Graham Cracker Toffee Bars?Graham Cracker Prep:For the smoothest crust, make sure your graham cracker crumbs are very fine. I pulse them in a food processor until they’re almost like powder. This ensures that the crust will hold together well and won’t be crumbly. If you don’t have a food processor, you can put the graham crackers in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they’re fine crumbs.Mixing Advice: When mixing the melted butter with the graham cracker crumbs, be sure to combine them thoroughly. You want the crumbs to be evenly moistened so that the crust will be cohesive. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of melted butter until it reaches the right consistency.

Toffee Consistency:How do you cook toffee? Use a candy thermometer to ensure that it reaches 300°F (149°C). If the toffee starts to burn, remove it from the heat immediately. I’ve burned my fair share of toffee in the past, so trust me, it’s better to be safe than sorry!Ingredient Swaps:What are some different types of chocolate chips? I’ve added a sprinkle of sea salt and chopped nuts to the topping. Have fun!Baking Tips:Keep a close eye on the bars while they’re baking. The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to watch them carefully. If the toffee crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.Glaze Variations:Instead of chocolate chips, you can drizzle the bars with melted chocolate or caramel sauce after they’ve cooled. You can also make a glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk. I once made a batch with a Peanut Butter glaze, and they were a huge hit.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

How do you store Graham Cracker Toffee Bars?Room Temperature:Can you store these bars at room temperature for up to 3 days? Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. I usually put them in a ziplock bag or Tupperware container.Refrigerator Storage: What is theFor longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Again, make sure they’re in an airtight container. How do you store toffee in the refrigerator?How do I use a freezerIf you want to store them for even longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. How do I prevent freezer burns?What is Glaze Timing Advice?If you’re planning on freezing the bars, it’s best to add the chocolate chips after they’ve thawed. This will prevent the chocolate from getting burnt. Can you freeze them without the chocolate chips and then add them after they’ve thawed? How do I freeze frozen foods?

What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora

Can I make this gluten free?
Can you make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers? Is graham crackers gluten free? Start with the amount specified in the recipe and add more as needed until the mixture reaches the right consistency.
Do I need to line a baking pan with parchment paper?
Is it necessary to line a baking pan with parchment paper? If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the pan with butter or cooking spray. What is the best alternative to parchment paper?
Can I use a different type of sugar for toffee?
I recommend using granulated sugar for toffee, as it caramelizes best. However, you can experiment with other types of sugar if you’re feeling adventurous. Brown sugar will give the toffee a richer, molasses-like flavor. Just keep in mind that it may also make the toffee softer and chewier. I’ve never tried using honey or maple syrup, but I suspect that they would also work. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I prevent toffee from burning?
How do you prevent toffee from burning by using a candy thermometer? Make sure to stir it constantly while it’s cooking. This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the sugar from burning. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can tell when the toffee is ready when it’s a light golden brown color and has a nutty aroma.
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
What can I substitute for chocolate chips? Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or other candies would all be delicious. Can you drizzle the bars with melted chocolate or caramel sauce after they’ve cooled? Or, you can make a glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk. I sometimes drizzle melted peanut butter on top for an extra treat.

Final Thoughts

Graham Cracker Toffee Bars slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

What is your favorite Graham Cracker Toffee Bar recipe? They’re incredibly easy to make, they use simple ingredients, and they taste absolutely amazing. What’s a match made in heaven? The buttery toffee, the crunchy graham cracker crust, and the melty chocolate chips. What are some quick, easy, and delicious desserts that disappear in minutes? What are some of my favorite dessert recipes?

I’m Maria, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, personal trainer, author, and podcaster. I love helping people improve their physical and mental health through easy-to-understand wellness advice and delicious recipes made with nourishing ingredients. Pull up a seat—you’re welcome at this table!

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