Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Recipe

The Ultimate Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Recipe You’ll Adore

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen whenever I whip up these incredible graham cracker toffee bars that blend childhood nostalgia with grown-up sophistication.

Buttery crackers create a perfect crispy base for rich, bubbling caramel.

Melted chocolate cascades across the surface, forming delicate swirls of decadence.

Crunchy almonds sprinkled on top add unexpected texture and depth to every bite.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with just a few careful steps.

Salt crystals provide a subtle contrast that makes each piece irresistibly complex.

I promise these bars will become your new favorite dessert – so tempting that hiding them might be your only challenge.

Why Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Are A Hit

  • Speedy Sweet Sensation: Whip up these delectable graham cracker toffee bars in under 30 minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden dessert cravings with minimal effort.
  • Layer of Luxurious Texture: Experience the delightful crunch of graham crackers, the smooth richness of buttery toffee, and the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate creating an irresistible multi-dimensional treat.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Adaptable for all occasions from casual family gatherings to elegant potlucks, these bars appeal to both kids and adults with their simple yet indulgent flavor profile.
  • No-Fuss Customization: Easily personalize by switching nuts, using different chocolate types, or adding sprinkles, making this recipe a flexible canvas for culinary creativity.

Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Shopping List

Base Layer:
  • Graham Crackers: Classic sweet base that provides a crunchy foundation for the toffee bars.
Toffee Layer Ingredients:
  • Butter, Brown Sugar: Rich, caramel-like mixture that creates a deliciously sticky toffee coating.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, deep flavor to enhance the toffee's sweetness.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the overall flavor profile.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Smooth, melty layer that adds rich chocolate flavor to the bars.
  • Chopped Nuts (Optional): Provides extra crunch and nutty dimension to the dessert.

Making Graham Cracker Toffee Bars At Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it completely with parchment paper, allowing extra hanging over the sides. This trick makes removing your delicious treat super easy later.

Step 2: Create Cracker Base

Carefully place graham crackers side by side in a single tight layer, covering the entire bottom of the baking dish. Make sure they fit perfectly without any gaps.

Step 3: Craft Magical Toffee Sauce

In a medium saucepan, start melting butter over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, add brown sugar and stir constantly. Watch the mixture transform into a golden, glossy sauce. Keep stirring until it becomes thick and starts to bubble. Remove from heat and quickly mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for an extra flavor kick.

Step 4: Drench Crackers in Toffee

Pour the hot toffee sauce directly over the graham crackers. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring every cracker gets a delicious coating.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the toffee becomes bubbly and starts to look slightly caramelized.

Step 6: Chocolate Magic

As soon as the pan comes out of the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips generously over the hot toffee. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes to melt completely. Then use a spatula to spread the chocolate into a smooth, even layer.

Step 7: Add Crunchy Topping

If you want extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts over the melted chocolate. Gently press them into the surface so they stick.

Step 8: Chill and Set

Let the bars cool at room temperature. Then pop them in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours until the chocolate hardens and the toffee sets completely.

Step 9: Slice and Enjoy

Remove the bars from the refrigerator. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the entire batch out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles. Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Tip: These bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet weekend treat. They’ll disappear faster than you can say “toffee”!

Easy Changes To Graham Cracker Toffee Bars

  • Salted Caramel Crunch: Replace chocolate chips with caramel chips, then sprinkle coarse sea salt over melted chocolate for a sophisticated sweet-salty combination.
  • Seasonal Berry Blast: Swap chocolate chips with white chocolate, then add freeze-dried raspberry pieces or crushed strawberries for vibrant fruity flavor.
  • Nutty Chocolate Adventure: Mix different chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, and walnuts instead of single nut variety, creating complex textural experience.
  • Coconut Tropical Escape: Swap chocolate chips with dark chocolate, then generously sprinkle toasted coconut flakes across the top for rich, tropical notes.

Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Questions Answered

  • Why use graham crackers as a base?

Graham crackers provide a sturdy, sweet foundation that perfectly complements the rich toffee and chocolate layers. They create a delicious, crispy base that holds the entire dessert together with amazing texture.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, you can experiment with milk, dark, or even white chocolate. Just ensure the chocolate melts smoothly and covers the toffee layer completely.

  • How do I prevent the toffee from burning?

Watch the toffee mixture carefully while cooking. Stir constantly and keep the heat at medium. The mixture should bubble and turn slightly darker but not burn. Remove from heat immediately after it thickens to avoid scorching.

  • What if my toffee doesn't look smooth?

Achieving the perfect toffee takes practice. Ensure you use equal parts butter and brown sugar, and stir continuously. If the mixture looks grainy, keep stirring – it should become smooth and glossy as it cooks.

Best Tips For Graham Cracker Toffee Bars

  • Prevent Sticking Brilliantly: Line the baking dish with parchment paper or foil, letting edges hang over for super easy removal and clean cutting.
  • Master Toffee Perfection: Watch the butter and brown sugar mixture carefully while boiling, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, rich texture.
  • Chocolate Melting Magic: After sprinkling chocolate chips, let them sit for 2-3 minutes to melt naturally from the residual heat before spreading evenly with a spatula.
  • Customize Your Crunch: Experiment with different nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts to add personal flair and extra texture to your toffee bars.
  • Storage Smart: Keep these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, ensuring they stay fresh and maintain their delightful crispness.

Save And Warm Up Graham Cracker Toffee Bars

  • Refrigerate Leftovers: Store bars in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for up to 5 days to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for a delightful treat anytime.
  • Reheat Gently: Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight. For a warm, gooey experience, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for soft chocolate.
  • Serve Smartly: Remove bars from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to soften chocolate and enhance the rich, buttery toffee flavor.

Toppings And Drinks With Graham Cracker Toffee Bars

  • Pair with Creamy Cappuccino: The rich, buttery toffee and sweet chocolate complement the smooth, velvety espresso drink perfectly. The coffee's warmth balances the cool, crisp texture of the bars.
  • Match with Amber Craft Beer: A caramel-forward amber ale enhances the toffee's deep, sugary notes. The beer's maltiness creates a delightful harmony with the graham cracker base and chocolate topping.
  • Serve with Salted Caramel Milkshake: The milkshake's cool, creamy sweetness provides a refreshing contrast to the crunchy, decadent toffee bars. Hints of salt in the shake elevate the dessert's complex flavor profile.
  • Enjoy with Toasted Almond Liqueur: This nutty, smooth liqueur echoes the optional nut topping and adds a sophisticated adult twist to the classic treat. Its warmth and depth intensify the dessert's rich, indulgent qualities.
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Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Recipe

Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible graham cracker toffee bars deliver a perfect harmony of sweet and buttery crunch. Rich caramel layers and chocolate create a simple yet luxurious dessert that delights with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 full sheets graham crackers
  • 1 cup (230 grams / 8 ounces) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar, packed

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (175 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup (60 grams) chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, or walnuts; optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking surface by lining a 9×13-inch dish with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the edges for easy removal.
  2. Create a compact base layer by arranging graham crackers in a single, tight formation across the entire bottom of the prepared dish.
  3. Craft the rich toffee sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, gradually incorporating brown sugar and stirring until a smooth, glossy mixture forms.
  4. Elevate the toffee by bringing the mixture to a rolling boil, continuously stirring for 3-4 minutes until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency with a deep golden hue.
  5. Remove the toffee from heat and quickly infuse with vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
  6. Meticulously pour the molten toffee over the graham cracker base, using a spatula to distribute the sauce evenly and completely cover the crackers.
  7. Transfer the dish to a preheated 350F oven, allowing the toffee to bubble and caramelize for 8-10 minutes.
  8. Immediately after removing from the oven, scatter chocolate chips across the hot toffee surface, letting them melt naturally for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Gently spread the now-melted chocolate into a smooth, uniform layer using a clean spatula.
  10. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts over the chocolate layer, pressing them lightly to ensure they adhere.
  11. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours until the chocolate sets completely and becomes firm.
  12. Carefully lift the entire dessert from the pan using the parchment paper edges, then slice into individual squares or rectangles for serving.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality butter for a rich, smooth toffee base that melts perfectly and creates a luxurious texture.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution when preparing the toffee mixture.
  • Watch the toffee carefully while cooking, as it can quickly go from golden to burnt, which impacts the entire dessert’s flavor.
  • Break graham crackers carefully to create a precise, tight-fitting bottom layer without gaps for uniform coverage.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour crackers or certified gluten-free graham-style crackers.
  • Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate to customize the flavor profile and suit various preferences.
  • Press nuts gently into melted chocolate to ensure they stick without breaking the smooth chocolate surface.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Consider using sea salt sprinkles for an elevated sweet-and-salty flavor that enhances the toffee’s richness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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