Best Graham Cracker Toffee (5 Ingredients!)

This is the Best Graham Cracker Toffee made with 5 ingredients in just 20 minutes. Similar to Christmas Crack, these bars have layers of caramel and nuts over honey grahams. The ideal make-ahead holiday treat that is also great to package as a gift.

Toffee Grahams are an essential in my holiday goodie boxes every year! Every single time I gift them, I get rave reviews. They are incredibly QUICK and SIMPLE to make! They're crunchy, buttery, rich...everything you want in a Christmas sweet treat!

This easy recipe is great for cookie exchanges or holiday parties. It makes for great gifts for work colleagues, neighbors, friends, and/or family. If you're looking for more easy holiday treats, you must try my Date Nut Balls, Candy Coated Ritz Crackers, and Creamy Hot Chocolate!

What is Toffee?

Toffee is a type of confectionery made by caramelizing sugar or molasses along with butter and occasionally flour. The mixture is heated until it reaches the "hard crack" stage, which is around 300-310°F if measured with a candy thermometer. The high temperature causes the sugars to caramelize, resulting in a sweet, buttery, and rich flavor with a firm and sometimes chewy texture.

Toffee Grahams have many variations and names. They're also known as Graham Cracker Brittle, Toffee Christmas Treats, Christmas Crack, Graham Cracker Toffee Bars, Graham Cracker Toffee Crack, Graham Cracker Crack, Toffee Bark, and Graham Cracker Toffee Bark.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: With only 5 simple ingredients and large yield, this sweet treat can be stretched a long way in an affordable way!
• Advance Prep: The holidays are a busy time and the crowd pleaser can be made up to 2-3 weeks in advance and stored for whenever you're ready to make your gifts.
• SUPER Easy: This easy holiday treat takes less than 20 minutes to prep from start to finish!
• Sweet, Savory, and Rich: Each bite holds the crunch, butteriness, and savory sweetness that will keep you wanting more! It'll quench any sweet tooth and is a guaranteed crowd favorite!

Tools You'll Need

• Cookie Sheet (Half Sheet Pan Size 13"x18")
• Rubber Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Medium Saucepan
• Cooling Racks

Ingredients

Scroll down to the end of this post for specific ingredient amounts in the recipe card. 

• Graham Cracker Sheets: Graham crackers provide a sturdy and crunchy foundation for the toffee layer. The honey-like sweetness of graham crackers complements the richness of the toffee.
• Pecans: Pecans provide a distinct nuttiness and crunch to the treat. They complement the toffee flavor and add an extra layer of texture.
• Salted Butter: Adds richness and a buttery taste to the toffee layer. Additionally, the fat in butter helps bind the toffee mixture and the graham crackers together.
• Granulated Sugar: Contributes sweetness and flavor to the toffee. It also helps create a soft and chewy texture in the toffee layer.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements the sweetness of the toffee and adds depth to the taste.

How to Make Toffee Grahams

1. Carefully break the graham crackers at the seams. To a half sheet pan, evenly distribute 51 graham crackers in a single layer.

2. Sprinkle chopped pecans in an even layer on top. 

3. To a medium saucepan on medium heat, combine butter, sugar, and vanilla.

4. Once the butter has melted and combined with the sugar, turn the heat to medium-high heat and bring to a full boil. Allow the mixture to boil for EXACTLY 2 minutes, stirring occasionally and very carefully to avoid splashing! 

5. Slowly and carefully pour the butter mixture over the graham crackers. Spread the mixture with a rubber spatula, ensuring all pieces are covered and pecans still evenly distributed. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 7-9 minutes or until the toffee coating is bubbling and crackers slightly browned. 

6. Remove from the oven, allow them to rest 1 minute, then transfer one-by-one to a cooling rack or parchment paper using a small spatula and knife. Store in an air-tight container.

Recipe Tips and Substitutions

• Adding Melted Chocolate: Sprinkle chocolate chips over top after the graham cracker toffee base has baked. Wait 3 minutes then spread the chocolate layer evenly with a spatula. IMPORTANT: Line your pan with a Silpat baking mat, parchment paper, or aluminum foil. If you are using aluminum foil, spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray. 
  • You can use milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or white chocolate chips. 
• Saltine Cracker Toffee: Saltine Crackers can also be used at the base for the sugar mixture. Follow the recipe and simply swap the sheets of graham crackers for saltines.
• Chocolate Graham Cracker Toffee: Chocolate graham crackers can also be used at the base for the sugar mixture. Follow the recipe and simply swap the sheets of honey graham crackers for chocolate.
• Other Yummy Additions: This graham cracker toffee recipe is versatile. Here are some ideas for toppings that pair well with graham cracker toffee:
  • Nuts: Besides pecans, almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts, can also add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweet toffee.
  • Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the toffee adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
  • Toasted Coconut: Provides a tropical and slightly chewy texture. Add after the toffee has baked.
  • Festive Sprinkles: Colored sprinkles can add a fun and festive touch.
  • Dried Fruit: Chopped dried fruit, such as apricots, cranberries, or cherries, can add a chewy and fruity element that balances the sweetness of the toffee.
  • Candy Pieces: Crushed candy cane pieces, M&M's, chopped Heath bar, toffee bits, or other small candy pieces can be a colorful and tasty addition.
  • White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted white chocolate over the toffee adds visual appeal and a sweet and creamy layer.
  • Chopped Pretzels: Chopped pretzels provide a salty and crunchy element that pairs well with the sweetness of the toffee.
• Avoid Less than Ideal Textures: Follow the recipe exactly as written. See "How do I avoid Grainy Toffee" and "How do I avoid Chewy Toffee" on this recipe's post to troubleshoot these outcomes.
• Butter Recommendation: Salted butter works best for this homemade toffee as the salt pairs well with the sweetness of the graham crackers and toffee. I wouldn't recommend substituting with unsalted butter or other fat source.

How do I avoid Grainy Toffee?

Grainy toffee results most often from the temperature getting too hot or crystallization. Crystallization refers to the formation of sugar crystals within the toffee mixture. Key tips to avoid crystallization:

1. Stir gently so that the ingredients aren’t splashing up against the sides of the saucepan.
2. Start with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Using fresh butter, good-quality sugar, and fresh cream can make a significant difference in the final texture of your toffee. 
3. Make sure that the sugar melts into the butter before the mixture boils.

Fixing grainy toffee can be challenging, but there are a few strategies you can try to salvage the texture. Keep in mind that success depends on the extent of the crystallization. Here are some steps you can take:

• Reheat and Remix: Gently reheat the grainy toffee mixture over low heat. As it warms up, stir continuously to encourage the sugar crystals to dissolve. Be cautious not to overheat or burn the toffee. Once the mixture is smooth, allow it to cool again.
• Add a Liquid: If reheating doesn't fully resolve the issue, consider adding a small amount of liquid to the toffee mixture. This can be water, milk, or cream. The added moisture may help break down sugar crystals. Heat the mixture gently and stir until the toffee becomes smooth.

It's important to note that while these methods may help improve the texture of grainy toffee, they may not always result in perfectly smooth toffee. Prevention is often the best approach, so paying careful attention to the cooking process and avoiding factors that contribute to crystallization is crucial.

How do I avoid Chewy Toffee?

Avoiding chewy toffee and achieving a firm, crunchy texture requires attention to the cooking process and careful control of the ingredients. Key tips for success:

1. Avoid Undercooking:
   • Undercooking the toffee can result in a softer, chewier texture. Make sure to cook the toffee mixture thoroughly.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients:
   • Fresh ingredients, especially fresh butter, can contribute to a better texture. Using older or rancid butter might affect the consistency of the toffee.
3. Avoid Over-Stirring:
   • While it's important to stir the toffee mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved, too much stirring can introduce unwanted air and contribute to a chewy texture.
4. Avoid High Humidity:
   • Making toffee in high humidity conditions can be challenging because the sugar might absorb moisture from the air, affecting the texture. Choose a dry day if possible.
5. Use the Right Pan:
   • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution. Uneven heating can lead to variations in the texture of the toffee.

By paying attention to these factors, you can increase the likelihood of making toffee with a firm, crunchy texture rather than a chewy one.

Storage and Freezing

Storing these easy graham cracker toffee bars properly helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from becoming stale. Here's how you can store graham cracker toffee:

Cool Completely: Allow the graham cracker toffee to cool completely at room temperature on wire racks or parchment paper before attempting to store it. This ensures that it sets properly.

Airtight Container: Place the graham cracker toffee pieces in an airtight container. If you are stacking multiple layers of toffee pieces in the container, consider placing parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Store the airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Refrigeration (Optional): While graham cracker toffee can be stored at room temperature, if your kitchen is warm or if you live in a hot climate, you may choose to store it in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that refrigeration can make the toffee slightly more brittle.

Freezing (Optional): Graham cracker toffee can also be frozen for longer-term storage. Wrap the toffee pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Thaw frozen toffee in the refrigerator before bringing it to room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

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