If you’re looking for a sweet treat that strikes the perfect balance between crunchy, buttery, and decadently chocolatey, you’ve got to try this Graham Cracker Toffee (Chocolate Bark) Recipe. It’s an irresistible combination of crispy graham crackers layered with rich caramel toffee and topped with a luscious blend of dark and milk chocolate plus chopped pecans. Every bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors, making it an absolute showstopper for parties, holidays, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Graham Cracker Toffee (Chocolate Bark) Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and eye-catching color in this dessert.
- Graham crackers: The crisp, slightly sweet base that adds the iconic crunch and flavor foundation.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that smooth, luscious toffee.
- Brown sugar (dark or light): Provides deep caramel notes that give the toffee its mouthwatering sweetness.
- Sea salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Pecans (chopped): Adds a toasty crunch and nutty dimension, perfectly complementing the sweet layers.
- Dark chocolate (10 ounces, chopped): Offers a bittersweet depth to cut through the sugary toffee.
- Milk chocolate (6 ounces, chopped): Brings creamy sweetness that melts irresistibly on the tongue.
- Sea salt (for sprinkling): A finishing touch that creates little bursts of savory delight with every bite.
How to Make Graham Cracker Toffee (Chocolate Bark) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, get your oven warmed up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While that’s heating, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze—and arrange the graham crackers side by side, edge to edge, covering the whole sheet. This sturdy base will hold all the delicious layers coming your way.
Step 2: Make the Toffee
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter with the brown sugar and half a teaspoon of sea salt. Bring this mixture to a boil and allow it to bubble for 2 to 3 minutes, aiming for a candy thermometer reading of about 300 degrees. The key here is patience—don’t stir as it boils, just let it reach the perfect caramel stage. Then immediately pour the molten toffee over your graham crackers and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it into the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. You want the toffee bubbling vigorously but definitely not burnt.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolates
While your toffee is baking, get your chocolate ready. Place the chopped dark and milk chocolates in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments, stirring after each burst, until they’re just melted and smooth. This gentle melting keeps the chocolate glossy and perfect for spreading.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Once your toffee has come out of the oven and is beautifully bubbly, immediately pour the melted chocolate over the top. Spread it evenly with a spatula, then sprinkle generous amounts of chopped pecans and a pinch of flaky sea salt to elevate all the flavors. Let your Graham Cracker Toffee (Chocolate Bark) Recipe cool in the fridge for at least 45 minutes so it firms up into that perfect, breakable bark texture.
How to Serve Graham Cracker Toffee (Chocolate Bark) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving brightens each bite—try adding a few extra pecans on top for a rustic, homemade look. Fresh mint leaves on the side can also offer a refreshing pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
This sweet bark pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a bold red wine for an indulgent dessert experience. If you want to present it as part of a dessert spread, include some fresh berries or whipped cream to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, break the bark into assorted sizes and arrange them in a decorative tin or glass jar tied with a ribbon—perfect for gifting! You can also layer pieces between wax paper sheets in a pretty box for a stunning treat display at parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Graham Cracker Toffee (Chocolate Bark) Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps preserve the crunch and prevents the chocolate from blooming or becoming dull.
Freezing
You can freeze the bark in a sealed container or zip-top bag for up to three months. Just make sure to layer parchment paper between pieces to avoid sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature—no microwave needed!
Reheating
Since this is a crunchy, chocolate-covered treat, reheating isn’t usually necessary or recommended. However, if the bark softens, simply let it sit at room temperature to firm back up before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this Graham Cracker Toffee (Chocolate Bark) Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans add a lovely buttery crunch, almonds, walnuts, or even hazelnuts work great too. Just chop them coarsely and sprinkle on top as directed.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
It’s best to use one to achieve perfect toffee, but if you don’t, boil the sugar mixture for about 3 minutes, watching closely for a deep caramel color and thick bubbling before pouring over the crackers.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting vegan butter and using dairy-free dark and milk chocolate alternatives, you can create a delicious vegan-friendly version without losing any of the magic in this Graham Cracker Toffee (Chocolate Bark) Recipe.
How thin or thick should I arrange the graham crackers?
Arrange them in a single tight layer so the toffee can seep into the cracks and create a unified base. Double layers might not cook evenly and affect the texture.
Can I bake this at a higher altitude?
At higher altitudes, you might need to reduce the cooking time slightly and keep an eye on the bubbling stage to prevent burning. Adjusting sugar quantities is typically unnecessary.
Final Thoughts
Making this Graham Cracker Toffee (Chocolate Bark) Recipe is like creating a little bit of magic in your kitchen—simple ingredients coming together to form an extraordinary treat. The ease of preparation combined with the incredible flavors means you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for all your sweet cravings and occasions. So go ahead, whip up a batch and share the joy of this crunchy, chocolatey delight with everyone you love!
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Graham Cracker Toffee (Chocolate Bark) Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
This Graham Cracker Toffee Recipe is a delightful combination of buttery caramel, crunchy graham crackers, and rich chocolate bark topped with toasted pecans and a sprinkle of sea salt. It offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors, making it an irresistible treat ideal for sharing or gifting during the holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Base
- 15 graham crackers
Toffee Layer
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups pecans (chopped)
- 10 ounces dark chocolate (chopped)
- 6 ounces milk chocolate (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF to prepare for baking the toffee confection.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the graham crackers on the sheet so they are touching each other, creating a solid base layer.
- Make Toffee Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor temperature and boil for 2–3 minutes until it reaches 300ºF (hard crack stage).
- Pour Toffee Over Crackers: Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the graham crackers on the baking sheet. Spread it gently to cover all crackers and bake in the oven for 8–10 minutes until the mixture is bubbly but not burnt.
- Melt Chocolate: While the toffee bakes, melt the dark and milk chocolate in the microwave by heating in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and just melted.
- Top Toffee with Chocolate & Pecans: Remove the toffee from the oven and pour the melted chocolate evenly over the hot candy layer. Sprinkle chopped pecans and flaky sea salt over the chocolate topping.
- Chill and Break: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for at least 45 minutes until the chocolate is set. Once firm, break the toffee into pieces and serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the toffee; keep a close eye during boiling and baking.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- For extra crunch, toast pecans lightly before chopping.
- Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Adjust chocolate types or add nuts according to preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
