Decadent Chocolate Toffee Graham Cracker Bars
Indulge in these rich and satisfying Decadent Chocolate Toffee Graham Cracker Bars, perfect for any sweet tooth craving! With only five simple ingredients, this delightful treat combines crunchy honey graham crackers with a luscious toffee topping and a generous layer of melted semi-sweet chocolate. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it's also an excellent choice for gatherings, bake sales, or a cozy night in. Each bar offers a satisfying crunch with a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness from the pecans, making them irresistible. Enjoy these homemade delights with family and friends, or hide a few away just for yourself!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Honey graham crackers
11 whole (broken into squares)
Butter
1 cup (unsalted)
Granulated sugar
1 cup (pure)
Pecans
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
1-2 cups (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Take a 15 x 10-inch baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, then arrange the graham cracker squares in a single layer on the sheet.
3
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and sugar. Heat over medium heat while stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a boil and the butter is fully melted.
4
Allow the butter and sugar mixture to boil for 2 minutes, continuing to stir constantly to prevent burning.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
6
Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture over the arranged graham crackers, ensuring that each cracker is well-covered.
7
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, allowing the toffee to bubble and set.
8
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the toffee layer. Let the chocolate sit for a few minutes until it softens.
9
Once the chocolate chips have melted, use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly over the top, covering all the toffee.
10
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Gently separate any stuck edges.
11
For best results, refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to fully harden before cutting into squares and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Toffee Graham Cracker Bars?
They are a rich and satisfying treat made with a crunchy honey graham cracker base, a buttery toffee layer with pecans, and a smooth semi-sweet chocolate topping.
How many ingredients do I need for this recipe?
This recipe requires only five simple ingredients: honey graham crackers, butter, granulated sugar, pecans, and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before you begin baking.
What size baking sheet is required?
A 15 x 10-inch baking sheet is the recommended size for this recipe.
Should I line the baking sheet with anything?
Yes, line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the bars.
How long should I boil the butter and sugar mixture?
The mixture should be boiled for exactly 2 minutes while stirring constantly to reach the right toffee consistency.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter, but salted butter can be used if you prefer a slightly saltier contrast to the sweet toffee.
How do I prepare the graham crackers?
Break 11 whole honey graham crackers into squares and arrange them in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet.
What kind of chocolate chips are best for the topping?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended to provide a perfect balance of sweetness to the rich toffee layer.
How many chocolate chips should I use?
You can use between 1 and 2 cups of chocolate chips, depending on how thick you want the chocolate layer to be.
How should the pecans be prepared?
The pecans should be finely chopped before being folded into the hot toffee mixture.
Do I need to bake the bars after adding the toffee?
Yes, once the toffee mixture is poured over the crackers, bake them for 10 minutes until the toffee bubbles and sets.
How do I get the chocolate to melt evenly?
Immediately after removing the pan from the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let them sit for a few minutes until they soften, then spread with a spatula.
What is the cooling process for these bars?
Allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wax paper-lined cookie sheet to finish cooling.
Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, for best results, refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to ensure the chocolate fully hardens before cutting.
Can I make this recipe without pecans?
Yes, you can omit the pecans if you have an allergy or prefer a nut-free version, though they add a nice crunch and flavor.
Are these bars suitable for a bake sale?
Absolutely! These bars are quick to make, easy to transport, and very popular at gatherings and bake sales.
How should I store the finished bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container. If your kitchen is warm, it is best to keep them in the refrigerator so the chocolate doesn't melt.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
While granulated sugar is called for, brown sugar can be used to create a deeper, more caramel-like flavor in the toffee.
What if my toffee mixture separates?
To prevent separation, ensure you are stirring constantly and using medium heat. If it separates, try whisking vigorously to bring the butter and sugar back together.
Is it okay to use milk chocolate chips?
Yes, milk chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for semi-sweet if you prefer a sweeter, creamier chocolate topping.
How many graham crackers make up '11 whole' crackers?
This refers to 11 full rectangular sheets of graham crackers, which are then broken into 4 smaller squares each.
Can I use a smaller pan like a 9x13?
You can, but the layers will be thicker and you may need to adjust the number of graham crackers to fit the pan dimensions.
Why do I need to use wax paper for the second cooling stage?
Wax paper prevents the sticky toffee and chocolate from adhering to the cookie sheet, making it easier to separate and cut the bars.
What makes these bars 'decadent'?
The combination of the rich butter toffee, crunchy pecans, and a thick layer of melted chocolate creates a very indulgent dessert.
Are these bars crunchy or soft?
These bars have a distinct crunch from the graham crackers and the hardened toffee, paired with a smooth chocolate finish.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, chopped walnuts or almonds would also work well in this recipe if you don't have pecans.
How do I ensure the chocolate is easy to spread?
The key is to sprinkle the chips on the toffee immediately after baking so the residual heat from the oven and toffee melts them efficiently.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is an excellent recipe for beginners because it uses few ingredients and simple techniques with clear timing.
How do I cut them into clean squares?
Make sure the bars are fully chilled and the chocolate is hard. Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for the cleanest edges.