If you’re looking for a delightful treat that marries the crunch of graham crackers with the richness of toffee, then these Graham Cracker Toffee Bars are perfect for you. Not only are they incredibly easy to prepare, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings, but they also offer a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that guests of all ages will love. The combination of buttery toffee and nutty crunch topped on a base of crisp graham crackers provides a satisfying treat perfect for any dessert table.
Ingredients Overview
Graham Crackers
Why This Ingredient?
Graham crackers provide a firm, crunchy base that holds up well under the rich topping of toffee and nuts. Their mild sweetness and distinctive flavor are perfect for balancing the intense sweetness of the toffee.
Health Benefits
Graham crackers are a good source of carbohydrates and provide a modest amount of fiber, making them a satisfying base for desserts that can help prevent blood sugar spikes.
Butter
Why This Ingredient?
Butter is essential in toffee for its rich flavor and the creamy texture it imparts, helping to create a smooth and decadent topping for the bars.
Health Benefits
While butter should be consumed in moderation, it contains beneficial fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, which are important for overall health.
Brown Sugar
Why This Ingredient?
Brown sugar brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the toffee, enhancing its flavor profile and contributing to a chewier texture in the topping.
Health Benefits
Brown sugar offers trace amounts of minerals like calcium and potassium.
Pecans
Why This Ingredient?
Pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the bars, enhancing their texture and taste complexity.
Health Benefits
Pecans are rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and contain essential minerals like magnesium and zinc.
Substitutions
Alternative Ingredients
- Almonds or walnuts can be used instead of pecans for a different kind of nutty flavor.
- Coconut sugar or honey can replace brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness.
- Saltine crackers can substitute graham crackers for a saltier base.
Recipe
Yield:
Makes approximately 20 bars
Ingredients List with Measurements
- Graham crackers – 10 full sheets
- Butter – 1 cup (2 sticks)
- Brown sugar – 1 cup
- Chopped pecans – 1 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Line a baking sheet with parchment and arrange graham crackers to cover the base.
- Make the Toffee: Melt butter and brown sugar together, bringing to a boil until the mixture is smooth.
- Add Nuts: Stir in chopped pecans and spread the mixture over the crackers.
- Bake and Enjoy: Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, then cool before cutting into bars.
Nutrition
Each bar contains approximately 150 calories, with 10 grams of fats, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein.
Storage Instructions
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate to extend their shelf life up to two weeks.
Conclusion
Graham Cracker Toffee Bars are a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that perfectly blends crunchiness and sweetness. They are ideal for any occasion and sure to become a favorite. Try making them today and share your experiences in the comments below!
Ingredients
- Graham crackers
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 16 x 12-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange graham crackers to cover the entire baking sheet.
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add brown sugar.
- Stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture comes to a slight rolling boil.
- Cook and stir for about 1 minute, then add chopped pecans.
- Pour the toffee mixture evenly over the graham crackers, ensuring each cracker gets some coating.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Cut into pieces while still warm and allow to cool before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle chocolate chips over the toffee while warm, then spread once melted. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.