Craving a sweet treat that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than these homemade toffee bars! This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, resulting in a chewy, crunchy, and delightfully decadent dessert. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a delicious homemade treat after a long day, these toffee bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to dive into this easy recipe for one of the best recipes you'll ever make!
Ingredients:
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For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
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For the Toffee Layer:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
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For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
Make the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. This ensures easy removal of the bars once they're baked.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until evenly moistened. The mixture should be crumbly but hold its shape when pressed.
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to create an even layer. This creates a sturdy base for your delicious toffee bars.
Make the Toffee Layer:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sugars are dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously. Once boiling, continue to boil for 3-4 minutes, without stirring, until the mixture turns a light golden amber color. This is crucial for achieving that perfect toffee texture. Be careful not to burn it!
- Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble up!). Stir vigorously until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the toffee mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
Make the Chocolate Topping & Bake:
- Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes, or until the toffee is golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely. This allows the toffee to set properly, creating that wonderful chewiness.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the chocolate topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
- Once the toffee bars are completely cool, pour the melted chocolate evenly over the top. Spread it smoothly using a spatula or knife.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate is set. This step is key for easy cutting and a firm, delightful texture.
Tips for the Best Toffee Bars:
- Don't overbake! Keep a close eye on the toffee layer to prevent burning.
- Use good quality chocolate. This will significantly enhance the flavor of your toffee bars.
- Let them cool completely: This is essential for the toffee to set properly and the bars to hold their shape.
- Cut into squares: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares for easy serving.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would be a delicious addition to the toffee layer.
- Use different chocolate: Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate would create unique variations.
- Add sea salt: Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top of the melted chocolate for a sweet and salty contrast.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 18-20g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-4g
These delicious toffee bars are a fantastic addition to any occasion. Whether it's a casual weeknight dessert or a special gathering, these easy-to-make bars are sure to impress. Enjoy this delightful homemade treat!