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