Looking for a simple yet irresistible dessert to wow your friends and family? These Graham Cracker Toffee Bars—often lovingly referred to as “Christmas Crack”—are a must-try. With just five basic ingredients and less than 30 minutes of prep and baking, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of buttery toffee, creamy chocolate, and crunchy pecans on a graham cracker base. Whether you’re whipping them up for the holidays or a quick treat, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under half an hour with minimal effort.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like graham crackers, butter, and sugar.
- Customizable: Swap out toppings or chocolate for endless variations.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package in festive tins for a homemade holiday gift.
- Addictive Texture: The combination of crisp toffee and creamy chocolate makes them utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 package honey graham crackers: Forms the sturdy base.
- 14 ounces Hershey’s chocolate bars (2 large 7 oz bars): Creamy, melt-in-your-mouth topping.
- 1 cup butter: Creates the rich toffee layer.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the toffee.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds crunch and a nutty flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it with cooking spray for easy removal.
Step 2: Arrange the Graham Crackers
Place the graham crackers in a single layer along the bottom of the prepared pan. Break them as needed to fit snugly.
Step 3: Make the Toffee Layer
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and chopped pecans. Continue stirring constantly as the mixture comes to a full boil. Let it boil for 5 minutes while stirring to prevent burning.
Step 4: Pour and Spread
Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture over the graham crackers. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, ensuring all the crackers are coated.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Bake in the preheated oven for 7 minutes.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate
While the bars are baking, unwrap the Hershey’s chocolate bars and break them into pieces. Once the bars come out of the oven, place the chocolate pieces evenly across the toffee layer. Cover the pan with aluminum foil or a lid to allow the chocolate to melt (5–10 minutes).
Step 7: Spread the Chocolate
Once the chocolate has softened, remove the foil and use a spatula to spread it evenly over the top of the bars.
Step 8: Cool and Set
Allow the bars to cool completely. For quicker setting, place the pan in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Before cutting, let the bars sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften the chocolate slightly.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Large saucepan
- Spatula
- Aluminum foil or lid
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as a snack, dessert, or holiday treat.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy holiday vibe.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations
- Nut-Free: Skip the pecans or replace them with crushed pretzels or seeds.
- Dark Chocolate Lover: Swap milk chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Holiday Sprinkle: Add festive sprinkles on top of the melted chocolate for a holiday touch.
- Salted Toffee: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer for a sweet-salty combo.
- Layered Candy Bars: Mix in crushed candy canes, toffee bits, or peanut butter chips before spreading the chocolate.
Helpful Notes
- Use a heat-resistant spatula to handle the hot toffee mixture safely.
- To ensure an even chocolate layer, break the Hershey’s bars into uniform pieces before adding them.
- For cleaner cuts, chill the bars thoroughly before slicing.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten: “Always use unsalted butter for baking—it gives you better control over the flavor.”
- Chef Alton Brown: “Stir constantly when making toffee to prevent sugar crystals from forming.”
- Chef Giada De Laurentiis: “A sprinkle of finely chopped nuts or crushed cookies on top adds a nice texture contrast.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes, semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips can be used instead of Hershey’s bars.
2. What if my toffee layer separates?
If the butter and sugar separate, it’s likely the mixture wasn’t stirred enough. Keep stirring constantly while boiling to prevent separation.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free graham crackers.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger pan or bake in two batches.
5. How do I keep the toffee from sticking to the pan?
Lining the pan with parchment paper ensures easy removal and cleanup.
Graham Cracker Toffee Bars are a delightful blend of crispy, gooey, and chocolaty textures. Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or just treating yourself, this quick and easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try them today—you won’t regret it!