Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Featured on Today Show
What is the recipe for a recipe that is addictive? I remember the first time I made these Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Featured on Today Show, it was for a birthday party. I think I’ll be able to make them again in the future. I had a last minute bake sale, and I was scrambling for something easy but impressive. I stumbled upon a version online, tweaked it .. (okay, lots! And these little squares of heaven were born. What is the difference between a shortbread cookie and candy bar? If you love chocolate chip cookies but want something a bit more elevated, you HAVE to try them. What is the best advice you can give to a friend?
Why are Graham Cracker Toffee Bars featured on Today Show?
What is the best way to break it down.? What are Graham Cracker Toffee Bars? The crust is topped with a rich, caramel-like toffee layer and generous blanket of chocolate. Is it like taking all the best parts of a s’more and turning it into something incredibly elegant? What is the “Featured on Today Show” part? How do I know if a friend sent me the recipe and it ended up on the morning show? A little surreal, but totally awesome. Is it essentially pure comfort food dressed up in its Sunday best? Easy enough for a weeknight, special enough to celebrate.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me count the ways you’ll fall head-over-heels for these bars. Firstly, the FLAVOR. The buttery, slightly salty toffee combined with the sweet graham cracker and rich chocolate is a match made in heaven. It’s an explosion of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds… and maybe fourths). What I love most about this is how EASY they are to make. Seriously, we’re talking minimal ingredients and minimal effort for maximum reward. This one’s a lifesaver on busy nights! Plus, the ingredients are so affordable. You probably have most of them in your pantry already. Think butter, sugar, graham crackers… basic stuff! It’s way cheaper than buying those fancy candy bars at the store. And the versatility? Oh, my friend, the possibilities are endless. You can customize the toppings with different nuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of white chocolate. Or try different types of chocolate – dark, milk, or even white. It’s your canvas! If you like recipes like millionaire shortbread, this is basically the next-level version. Trust me; this one’s a total winner.
How do you make Graham Cracker Toffee Bars?
Quick Overview
Making these Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Featured on Today Show is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll start by making a graham cracker crust, then you’ll whip up the toffee layer (which is the star of the show!), and finally, you’ll top it all off with melted chocolate. The best part? No fancy equipment needed! Just a saucepan, a baking pan, and a little bit of patience while they cool (the hardest part, I swear!). This method is special because it avoids any complicated candy-making techniques. It’s all about simple ingredients and a few easy steps. Really, anyone can do it!
Ingredients Notes
For the Crust:
Graham Crackers: The base! I usually go for the honey graham crackers, but the regular ones work just as well. Is it okay to crush a potato finely?
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Sugar: Just a touch of sugar to sweeten the crust.
For the Toffee: What is
Butter: Again, unsalted is key! What is the foundation of the toffee layer?
Brown Sugar: This gives the toffee its characteristic caramel flavor and chewy texture. Is it better to use light or dark brown sugar?
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is my go-to, but you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a combination of all three!
Chopped Nuts (optional I love adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a little extra crunch and flavor. If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can totally leave them out.
What is the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some overhang on the sides – this will make it super easy to lift the bars out. What are some of the best steps I can take to save my life?
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Set aside. Mix until everything is evenly moistened. It should resemble wet sand. This step is crucial for a firm base, so don’t skip it!
Step 3: Press into Pan
How do you press the graham cracker mixture into the prepared baking pan? Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to firmly pack it down. You want a nice, even layer that will hold up to the toffee topping. What is the best way to prevent toffee from seeping through the crust?
Step 4: Make the Toffee
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Set aside. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar dissolved. Is it important to stir constantly to prevent the sugar from burning?
Step 5: Boil the Toffee
Once the butter and sugar are melted, bring the mixture to a boil and continue to cook, stirring occasionally. For 3 minutes. Keep it that way. The mixture will thicken slightly and turn a deep golden brown color. Where does magic happen – don’t rush this step!
Step 6: Pour over Crust
Do not overcook the graham cracker crust. Pour the toffee mixture evenly over the top. How do you spread out the crust with a spatula? Work quickly, as the toffee will start to set up as it cools.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as it can burn easily. Ovens can vary, so start checking at 12 minutes.
Step 8: Add Chocolate Chips
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot chocolate. How do you spread chocolate chips out? If you want to add nuts, sprinkle them on top of the chocolate while it is still melty.
Step 9: Cool & Cut
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This is important! If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they will be a gooey mess. I usually put them in the fridge to speed up the process. Once they’re cool and firm, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut them.
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some of the best Graham Cracker Toffee Bars? In so many different ways!
For Breakfast:Is it healthy to eat a small square of bread with coffee? How do you crumble a little bit on top of your yogurt?
For Brunch:What are some great side dishes to serve with a mimosa bar? Cut them into smaller squares and arrange them on a serving tray.
As Dessert:What are some of the best desserts to serve after a meal? I love serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What is caramel sauce?
For Cozy Snacks:What are some good late night snacks? What are some good ways to enjoy tea with a glass of milk? My kids ask for this all the time! What would Christmas be like without them? What are some good picnic snacks to take to a potluck?
How do you make a perfect Graham Cracker Toffee Bar?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure these bars come out perfectly every time.
Crust Consistency Make sure your graham cracker crumbs are super fine. If they’re too coarse, the crust won’t hold together as well. I usually pulse them in a food processor until they’re powdery.
Toffee TemperatureKeep a close eye on the toffee while it’s cooking. Can go from golden brown to burnt very quickly. If you have a candy thermometer, stir constantly. You’re aiming for a temperature of around 300°F (150°C).
What is chocolate melting?Let the chocolate chips sit on the hot toffee for a minute or two before spreading them. How do I melt a chunk of chocolate?
Nut Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts. I’ve tried almonds, cashews, and even macadamia nuts, and they’re all delicious! Just make sure they’re chopped finely.
Salt: A little bit of salt enhances the flavor of the toffee and chocolate. I like to sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate before it cools.
Cutting Technique: For clean, even cuts, use a sharp knife and run it under hot water before each slice. Wipe the knife clean between cuts to prevent the chocolate from smearing. I learned this trick after years of making it and makes a huge difference.
Baking Time: Be super careful of the baking time! Depending on your oven, you may need a little longer or less. Make sure the toffee is golden brown but not burnt.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week (if they last that long!).
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They might get a little softer, but they’ll still taste amazing.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They’ll be firmer, but still delicious.
Freezer Instructions: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: I prefer to add the chocolate chips after the bake instead of making a glaze because it’s easier and tastes great! You can always make a chocolate glaze and drizzle over if you prefer. But if you freeze it, make sure to do that step after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Featured on Today Show are truly one of my all-time favorite recipes. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re so versatile that you can customize them to your liking. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other dessert recipes for more sweet treats. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your bars turned out! I can’t wait to hear what you think! Happy baking, friends!
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Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Featured on Today Show
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 whole graham crackers about one sleeve
- 1 cup unsalted butter two sticks, cut into pieces
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans can substitute with walnuts
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange graham crackers in a single layer to cover the bottom.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar together. Stir until melted and combined, then bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour the hot brown sugar mixture over the graham crackers and spread evenly. Bake for 5 minutes, until bubbly.
- Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee and let sit for a minute to melt. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the melted chocolate. Let cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then refrigerate until completely cooled and chocolate is set. Break into pieces and serve.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
