One of my fondest childhood memories involves the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through my grandmother’s kitchen. Every family gathering was accompanied by a plethora of homemade goodies, each one more delightful than the last. Among these, a particular favorite was her Graham Cracker Toffee Bars. These bars are a wonderful fusion of crunchy graham crackers, rich toffee, and smooth chocolate, with a sprinkle of pecans adding a delightful nutty crunch. The recipe I’m sharing today is a treasured one, reminiscent of those joyful family moments.
Graham Cracker Toffee Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that looks impressive and tastes even better. The combination of graham crackers, butter, brown sugar, and chocolate creates a harmony of flavors and textures that is sure to please any crowd.
One of the aspects I love about this recipe is its versatility. While the classic version with pecans is fantastic, there are numerous variations you can try to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. For a nut-free option, consider substituting the pecans with crushed pretzels for a salty twist. Alternatively, if you prefer a different type of nut, almonds or walnuts work wonderfully as well. For an extra indulgent touch, you could drizzle some caramel or sprinkle sea salt over the melted chocolate.
These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or simply a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. They are also a great option for holiday gift-giving, as they package beautifully and are sure to be appreciated by anyone who receives them.
No matter how you choose to enjoy these Graham Cracker Toffee Bars, they are sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection. Their ease of preparation and delightful taste make them a go-to dessert that you’ll find yourself making time and time again.
How to Make Making Graham Cracker Toffee Bars
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Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 14 ounces large Hershey’s chocolate bars (7 oz each)
- 1 package of honey graham crackers
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
Directions
- Set your oven to 350°F for preheating.
- Prepare a 9×13-inch pan by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with cooking spray.
- Arrange the graham cracker sheets to cover the pan’s base.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and pecans, keeping the mixture moving constantly. Bring it to a rolling boil.
- Continue boiling and stirring for 5 minutes.
- Take off the heat and pour the mix over the graham crackers, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 7 minutes.
- While baking, break the Hershey’s chocolate bars into pieces.
- Remove the pan from the oven and scatter the chocolate pieces over the toffee. Cover with a lid or foil to let the chocolate melt for 5-10 minutes.
- Once melted, spread the chocolate smoothly over the bars with a spatula.
- Let the bars cool completely. For a firmer texture, refrigerate to set. Leave out at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cutting to soften the chocolate slightly.
FAQs:
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer a less sweet and more intense chocolate flavor. The procedure remains the same.
How do I store Graham Cracker Toffee Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For a firmer texture, you can refrigerate them, but let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have pecans?
If you don’t have pecans, you can use other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Each type of nut will give a slightly different flavor and texture to the bars.
Is it possible to make this recipe without nuts?
Yes, you can omit the nuts entirely if you have an allergy or prefer not to use them. The toffee layer will still be delicious without them.
Can I use a different type of cracker?
While honey graham crackers are traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of crackers, like saltines or digestive biscuits. The flavor and texture might vary slightly, but it can be a fun twist.
Why is my toffee layer grainy?
If your toffee layer is grainy, it might be due to the sugar not dissolving properly. Ensure you stir constantly and bring the mixture to a full boil to help the sugar dissolve completely.
Graham Cracker Toffee Bars
Ingredients
- 1 package honey graham crackers
- 14 ounces Hershey's chocolate bars large 7 oz bars
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Line a 9x13'' pan with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
- Place the graham cracker sheets to cover the bottom of the pan.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and chopped pecans, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a full boil.
- Boil for 5 minutes, continuing to stir constantly.
- Remove from heat and pour the mixture over the graham crackers, spreading it into an even layer.
- Bake for 7 minutes.
- While the bars are baking, unwrap the Hershey's chocolate bars and break them into pieces.
- Remove the bars from the oven and place the chocolate pieces evenly across the top of the toffee layer. Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil to let the chocolate melt for about 5-10 minutes.
- Once the chocolate has melted, use a spatula to spread it evenly over the bars.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before serving. For a firmer texture, store them in the fridge to set up. Before cutting, leave them out at room temperature for about 15 minutes to let the chocolate soften.
