Graham Cracker Toffee is as delightful to make as it is to devour. With a short list of ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you’ll get a fantastic treat that’s sure to please!
Graham Cracker Toffee is a perfect blend of crunchy, sweet, and rich flavors, all layered together in a treat that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. No matter your skill level, this recipe promises big results with minimal effort. So, let’s get baking and create a batch of this irresistible toffee that’s bound to become a new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Graham Cracker Toffee Recipe
- Incredibly easy to make. With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can create this delectable treat.
- Great for sharing. This toffee is perfect for sharing at gatherings, parties, or as a homemade gift.
- Delightful texture. The toffee layer offers a satisfying crunch, while the melted chocolate and nuts provide a delightful contrast. It’s a textural dream for any dessert lover.
- Make-ahead friendly. You can prepare this toffee ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy days.
What You’ll Need
Let’s take a look at the ingredients needed to make graham cracker toffee. Scroll down to the recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Graham crackers – You’ll need about 16 full sheets of graham crackers to fill the pan.
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar – I like light brown sugar here, but you can use dark brown sugar if you prefer. Light brown sugar will give a milder flavor, while dark brown sugar adds a deeper, more molasses-like taste. Make sure it’s firmly packed or, better yet, measure by weight.
- Salt – Just a pinch or two is all you need.
- Chocolate chips – You’ll let these melt over the toffee to serve as a kind of frosting. I recommend semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips.
- Nuts – I usually go with pecans, but almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, or another nut will work. For the best flavor, toast the nuts first. Here’s how to toast nuts.
How to Make Graham Cracker Toffee
With just a few simple ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this delightful treat. Remember to give it enough time to firm up before you snap it into shareable, irresistible pieces.
- Prepare for baking. Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If you’re using foil, spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the crackers. Place the graham crackers in a single layer in the lined pan. Be sure to place them so that they’re touching with minimal gaps. Break some sheets into smaller pieces as needed to fill the space.
- Make the filling. Place the butter and brown sugar in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until it begins to boil. While stirring gently and constantly, continue cooking until the mixture has thickened. It should reach 270 to 290°F. The cooking time can vary, but it should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Cover the crackers with the filling. Immediately pour the brown sugar mixture over the graham crackers, and then work quickly to spread it evenly.
- Bake. Place the pan in the oven, and bake for 6 to 8 minutes. The topping should be bubbling slightly.
- Add the chocolate. Immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the toffee. After the chocolate has softened (2 to 3 minutes), spread the chocolate evenly over the toffee.
- Top with nuts. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top of the chocolate.
- Allow to set. Leave the pan at room temperature for about 2 hours or until the chocolate is set. While cooling at room temperature is best, you can refrigerate the toffee for an hour or freeze it for about 30 minutes.
- Break into pieces. Use your hands to break the toffee into pieces, or use a sharp knife to score or cut into pieces for more consistent sizing.
Why Is My Toffee Chewy Instead of Crunchy?
The most common reason your toffee layer is chewy is that the caramel (the butter and brown sugar mixture) wasn’t cooked to the right temperature. I highly recommend using a candy thermometer to get it just right.
High humidity can affect the texture of candy, including toffee. Moisture in the air can be absorbed by the toffee, leading to a chewier texture. This is why candy making is often recommended on dry days.
There are some other less common reasons, too. Rapid cooling can sometimes affect the texture, which is why cooling at room temperature is prefered. The ratio of butter to brown sugar is important, too, as too much butter can make the toffee chewy. Also, storing the toffee in a warm or moist environment can alter the texture.
Tips for Success
Get ready to fall in love with the simplicity and deliciousness of this graham cracker toffee! Making it is a breeze, but I’ve got some handy tips to ensure your batch turns out absolutely perfect every time:
- Prep your pan properly. Line your pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy removal and clean-up. If you use aluminum foil, a light spray of nonstick cooking spray helps to prevent sticking.
- Use quality ingredients. For the best flavor, fresh nuts, a good brand of chocolate chips, and good quality butter can make a big difference.
- Watch the caramel. Keep a close eye on the butter and sugar mixture as it cooks. It should reach a temperature of 270-290°F for that perfect toffee consistency. Using a candy thermometer is really helpful here.
- Be patient. Let the toffee set completely at room temperature for the best texture. If you’re in a hurry, refrigerating or freezing can speed up the process, but room temperature setting gives the best results.
- Breaking into pieces. For a rustic look, break the toffee into pieces by hand. For more uniform shapes, score the toffee with a knife before it sets completely and then break along the lines once set.
Variations
Embrace the versatility of this graham cracker toffee and make it your own! Whether you’re looking to match a specific taste or add a special touch for an occasion, here are some effortlessly delightful variations to inspire your culinary creativity:
- White chocolate drizzle. After spreading the dark chocolate and nuts, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a striking visual contrast and a creamy flavor addition.
- Sea salt sprinkle. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer before it sets can enhance the flavors and add a gourmet touch.
- Other crackers. Instead of graham crackers, try saltines, Ritz crackers, digestive biscuits, or another favorite.
- Different nuts. Experiment with various nuts like pecans, almonds, or even a mix for different textures and tastes. Toasting the nuts beforehand can also intensify their flavor.
- Spiced toffee. Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the caramel mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Fruit and nut combo. Mix in dried cranberries, cherries, or even coconut flakes with the nuts for a fruity, chewy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Transform your Graham Cracker Toffee into a versatile delight with these serving ideas! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these suggestions are sure to elevate your toffee experience.
- As a standalone snack. Simply serve the toffee as bite-sized treats. Great for snacking or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea.
- Dessert platter. Add the toffee to a dessert platter along with other sweets like cookies, brownies, and chocolate-covered fruits to provide some variety.
- Ice cream topping. Crumble the toffee and sprinkle it over ice cream for a delightful crunch. It pairs wonderfully with flavors like vanilla, caramel, or chocolate.
- Gift giving. Package the toffee in cellophane bags or cute boxes tied with a ribbon for a homemade gift during holidays or as a thoughtful gesture.
How to Store
First, ensure the toffee is completely cooled to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation inside the storage container, which could make the toffee soggy. Place the toffee in an airtight container. If you’re stacking the toffee in a container, place a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. It can be stored at room temperature up to 2 weeks.
For longer storage or if you live in a warm climate, you can store the toffee in the refrigerator up to a month. However, be aware that refrigeration might slightly alter the texture, making it a bit harder.
Can Graham Cracker Toffee Be Frozen?
For long-term storage, the toffee can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
More Easy Bar Recipes
Graham Cracker Toffee
Create some sweet magic with Graham Cracker Toffee! Simple steps, everyday ingredients, and a whole lot of deliciousness await you!
Ingredients
- approximately 16 graham cracker sheets
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1-2 pinches of salt
- 2 cups (340g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 to 1 cup chopped toasted nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If using aluminum foil, spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the graham crackers tightly in a single layer, breaking pieces as needed so that the entire pan is covered. Set aside.
- Place the butter and brown sugar in a medium saucepan, and cook over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking, stirring constantly and gently until the mixture has thickened and reached a temperature between 270 and 290°F. (This should take 8 to 10 minutes.)
- Immediately pour the butter mixture over the graham crackers. Working quickly, spread evenly.
- Bake for 6 to 8 minutes. The topping should be bubbling slightly.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the graham crackers. Let them sit for 2 to 3 minutes until softened enough to spread, and then smooth evenly. Sprinkle the nuts on top.
- Leave the toffee bars at room temperature until set (about 2 hours). Alternatively, you can refrigerate them for 1 hour or freeze 30 minutes.
- Break into pieces once set.
Notes
The yield will vary depending on how large or small your pieces are.
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Frequently Asked Questions
While a candy thermometer is the most accurate way to gauge the caramel’s readiness, you can do a water test. Drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water. It should make a soft crack sound and form firm but pliable threads.
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free graham crackers as a substitute.
Make sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper or greased aluminum foil. This will prevent sticking and make removal easier.
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the toffee will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. In the refrigerator, it can last up to a month.
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with toppings like dried fruit, sea salt, or even candy pieces for a fun twist.
