Sticky Fingers Christmas Cheer The Ultimate Graham Cracker Toffee Crack Bars

Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Christmas Crack

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:48 small bars

Ingredients:

• 1 standard sleeve Graham Crackers (approx. 18 full sheets)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter
• 1 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
• 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• ¼ tsp Fine Sea Salt (optional, for the toffee)
• 12 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1–2 tsp Flaky Sea Salt (for finishing garnish)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13x9-inch pan entirely with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal.
• Arrange the graham cracker sheets (broken into squares or rectangles as needed) in a single, tight layer across the bottom of the prepared pan.
• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and light brown sugar. Set over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is completely melted and the sugar is dissolved.
• Bring the mixture to a rapid, rolling boil. Once boiling, stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil undisturbed for exactly 3 to 4 minutes. The toffee will slightly thicken and darken to a deep amber colour.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and fine sea salt (if using). Immediately and carefully pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the graham crackers, covering every piece.
• Bake the pan for 5 to 7 minutes. The toffee should be deeply bubbling. Remove the pan from the oven and let it sit on the counter for 1 minute.
• Immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee. Let them sit, undisturbed, for 5 minutes until the residual heat melts them completely.
• Using an offset or rubber spatula, gently spread the melted chocolate across the surface to create an even, glossy layer.
• While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle liberally with flaky sea salt.
• Allow the bars to cool slightly at room temperature (about 30 minutes) before transferring the pan to the refrigerator. Chill for 90 minutes or until the toffee and chocolate are completely firm.
• Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper handles. Transfer to a cutting board and use a sharp, heavy knife to quickly cut the 'crack' into small squares. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	94 kcal
Protein	0.3 g
Fat	2.8 g
Carbs	4.9 g
Fiber	0.0 g
Sodium	689 mg

Recipe Info

Category	Dessert
Cuisine	American

The Holiday Dessert That Starts a Stampede

There is one confection that appears on every holiday table, demanding attention and disappearing faster than you can say "Santa Claus." It is, of course, the wildly popular Christmas Crack , and our specific version—the Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Christmas Crack —is arguably the best. This dessert is the quintessential example of high reward for minimal effort. Forget complicated, fussy baking; this is a masterclass in simplicity, resulting in layers of crisp graham cracker, rich, buttery caramel, and a smooth mantle of melted chocolate. If you are looking for an Easy Christmas dessert recipe that tastes complex and satisfies every sweet tooth, you’ve found your match.

Why This Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Christmas Crack Is Your New Tradition

This recipe, known affectionately as christmas crack graham cracker toffee bars , should be on every baker's annual list. It is an ideal holiday bar because the active working time is short, making it perfect for last-minute party contributions or filling those festive gift tins. The resulting texture is delightfully snappy, offering that satisfying "crack" sound as you break off a piece—a sensation entirely different from the average cookie or fudge.

The Magic Behind "Christmas Crack": Texture and Flavor Explained

The addictive quality of this Graham Cracker Toffee lies in the interplay of textures. The foundation provides a sturdy crunch, which is then permeated by the dense, caramelized sugar mixture. Once chilled, this middle layer transforms into a delightful toffee that is slightly chewy yet shatteringly crisp. Capping it all off is a glossy coat of semi-sweet chocolate, finished with a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt that heightens the sweetness through contrast. It’s a flawless salty-sweet symphony.

Baking Sanity: Why This Recipe Skips the Candy Thermometer

The beauty of this specific Toffee Recipe is its accessibility. Many traditional English toffees require precise temperature monitoring using a candy thermometer, but this method bypasses that complication entirely. We rely on time and visual cues—specifically, reaching and maintaining a vigorous, rolling boil for exactly 3 to 4 minutes. This process guarantees a perfect caramel set without the need for specialized equipment, cementing its status as an Easy no-bake holiday bar (with just a brief oven finish).

The Three Key Layers That Define Perfect Toffee Bars

The structural integrity and flavour profile rely entirely on the trio of components working in harmony. First, the base is formed by tightly packed graham cracker sheets. Second, the heart of the dessert is the deep amber caramel, created from equal parts butter and brown sugar. Finally, the cooling, decadent chocolate layer melts perfectly over the heat of the freshly baked Cracker Toffee base, requiring no additional melting steps.

Quick Prep, Maximum Sweet Reward

Efficiency is key during the busy holiday season. You can expect to spend about 10 minutes actively prepping the pan and laying the crackers, followed by just 15 minutes of cooking time—split between the stovetop boil and a short oven bake. While the full process requires approximately two hours for the crucial chilling time, the minimal active effort ensures you can get back to your holiday preparations quickly.

Gathering Your Supplies: Essential Items for Addictive Toffee

To embark on making this exceptional bar, you'll need a standard 13x9-inch metal baking pan, which is the perfect size for yielding about 48 snack-sized pieces. Crucially, acquire high-quality parchment paper. Because the buttery toffee sets so hard, parchment is the only way to successfully lift the slab out for clean slicing.

Elevating the Basics: Choosing the Best Components for Your Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Christmas Crack

The simple ingredient list for Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Christmas Crack means that the quality of each component truly shines through. We are focused on five key items: graham crackers, unsalted butter, light brown sugar, chocolate, and sea salt.

The Must-Have Tools for Foolproof Caramelization

Beyond the 13x9-inch pan and parchment, the single most important piece of equipment is a sturdy, heavy-bottomed saucepan . This prevents hot spots and scorched sugar, ensuring the caramel mixture cooks evenly. You’ll also need an offset spatula or a rubber spatula for smoothly spreading the melted chocolate once the toffee is set.

Butter vs. Margarine: Maximizing Toffee Richness

Always opt for unsalted butter when making the toffee. You will need one cup (or two sticks, 225g). Unsalted butter allows you precise control over the final salinity, yielding a richer, cleaner caramel flavor. If you must use salted butter, remember to halve the small amount of fine sea salt added to the caramel mixture.

Selecting the Ideal Chocolate Coating (Chips vs. Bars)

We recommend using 12 ounces (340g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips, as they melt reliably and spread easily. However, for an ultra-smooth, high-gloss finish, consider chopping up a quality bar of semi-sweet baking chocolate instead. The fat content in chopped baking chocolate often results in a more professional sheen than standard chips.

Prepping the Graham Crackers for Optimal Base Crunch

For the base, use one standard sleeve of graham crackers (roughly 18 full sheets). Line your pan completely, making sure the parchment overhangs the sides. Break the graham cracker sheets into manageable squares or rectangles and arrange them in a single, tight layer across the bottom.

Minimal gaps are acceptable, as the toffee will fill them, but you want to ensure the base remains structurally sound.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving the Perfect Toffee Set

The journey to perfect Cracker Toffee begins with the preparation of the caramel on the stove. This stage requires your full attention to ensure the toffee develops its depth of flavor and achieves the correct consistency, which is neither rock-hard brittle nor soft fudge.

From Pan to Perfect: The Crucial Baking Stages

Creating the Foundation: Lining and Laying the Crackers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the metal pan with the parchment paper, using the overhang as essential handles for later removal. Lay down the 18 full graham cracker sheets, fitting them together as tightly as possible to create a complete, solid floor.

Boiling the Butter-Sugar Mixture (Watch for the Color Change)

In your heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of packed light brown sugar. Stir this mixture over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and the sugar has dissolved. Once dissolved, bring the mixture to a rapid, rolling boil. At this point, stop stirring and let it boil vigorously and undisturbed for precisely 3 to 4 minutes. The mixture will thicken slightly and deepen in colour to a rich, glossy amber—this is your perfect caramel. Remove from the heat immediately, stirring in one teaspoon of vanilla extract if desired.

The Pour and Bake: Transforming Cracker into Caramel Base

Working quickly, carefully pour the hot, bubbling toffee mixture evenly over the entire graham cracker base, ensuring every cracker is drenched. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for only 5 to 7 minutes. The toffee will bubble intensely and caramelize the edges of the crackers, bonding the two layers together into true Graham Cracker Toffee .

Melting and Spreading the Chocolate Top Layer Evenly

Remove the baked base from the oven and let it stand for just one minute. Immediately sprinkle the 12 ounces of chocolate chips evenly over the entire surface. Allow the residual heat to work its magic by letting the chips sit undisturbed for 5 minutes until they look soft and melted. Use your offset spatula to gently spread the chocolate into a smooth, even, glossy coating. Finish by sprinkling generously with flaky sea salt before chilling.

Mastering the Crack: Troubleshooting and Expert Baking Advice

The most critical step post-baking is the chill. After allowing the bars to cool slightly at room temperature (about 30 minutes), transfer the entire pan to the refrigerator. It must chill for 90 minutes to 2 hours until the toffee is completely rock-hard. Attempting to cut the bars before they are thoroughly chilled will result in messy, sticky edges and structural failure. Use the parchment handles to lift the chilled slab onto a cutting board, then use a heavy, sharp knife to cut quickly into small, beautiful squares.

Keeping Them Fresh: Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Once sliced, these christmas crack graham cracker toffee bars are highly shelf-stable. They can be stored in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for two weeks. If refrigerated, allow them to sit out for a few minutes before serving to slightly soften the chocolate layer, though many prefer the intense snap straight from the cold. Because of their excellent stability, these are perfect to make several days ahead of a major event.

Creative Twists on the Classic Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Christmas Crack

The classic recipe is unbeatable, but if you want to diversify your holiday tray, the structure of this Toffee Recipe welcomes customization.

Why Did My Toffee Separate? (Common Troubleshooting)

If your toffee came out grainy or chewy, it likely did not boil long enough (resulting in a fudge texture). If it is too brittle or tastes scorched, it was boiled too long or cooked over heat that was too high, causing separation or crystallization. Adhering strictly to the 3 to 4 minute rolling boil window is the key to achieving that perfect, buttery set.

Also, always ensure you use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution.

Flavor Variations: Nuts, Spices, and Alternative Toppings

For a savoury twist, substitute the graham crackers entirely with Saltine or even Ritz crackers. For a festive finish, swap the semi-sweet for white chocolate and immediately sprinkle on crushed candy canes to create a peppermint crunch variation.

For added depth, scatter half a cup of toasted, chopped pecans or walnuts over the melted chocolate before it sets.

Safe Storage Practices for Maximum Shelf Life

Always store the bars in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing ambient moisture or smells. If stacking layers, place a sheet of wax paper or parchment between them to prevent the chocolate coating from sticking together, ensuring maximum protection and shelf life.

Understanding the Nutritional Breakdown per Square

While delicious, it is important to remember that this is a rich, buttery confection. Based on the suggested cutting into 48 small bars, each piece is estimated to contain approximately 140–160 calories, primarily composed of sugar and fat. This makes it an indulgent, but perfectly sized, treat for the holiday season.