Toffee bars are a sweet, crunchy, and irresistible treat made with layers of buttery toffee, crispy crackers, and chocolate. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, they’re a crowd-pleasing option for parties, gatherings, or just satisfying a sweet tooth. These bars combine the richness of caramelized sugar with the smoothness of melted chocolate, making them an absolute favorite among candy lovers. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe will surely become a go-to for your dessert list.
Quick Facts
| Course | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 12-16 bars |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15 minutes |
| Calories | 200 per bar |
Equipment Needed
To make these delicious toffee bars, you’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment:
- Baking sheet: For spreading the toffee mixture.
- Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Saucepan: For melting the butter and sugar to create the toffee.
- Spatula: For spreading the toffee mixture evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure the right proportions for the ingredients.
- Microwave-safe bowl: To melt the chocolate chips.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your toffee bars:
- 1 sleeve of saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, such as almonds or walnuts)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure to cover the entire sheet. - Arrange the Crackers
Lay the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. They should cover the surface entirely without overlapping. - Make the Toffee
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and bring to a simmer. Stir constantly and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens and bubbles. - Pour Over Crackers
Carefully pour the toffee mixture over the arranged crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Ensure the crackers are fully covered. - Bake the Bars
Bake the crackers with the toffee for 8-10 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbly and the edges are golden brown. - Add Chocolate
Once the toffee has baked, remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee. Let them sit for a minute to melt, then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly across the bars. - Cool and Set
Allow the toffee bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For faster results, you can place them in the refrigerator to cool and harden for about 15 minutes. - Cut and Serve
Once the chocolate has set, cut the toffee into bars or squares. If desired, sprinkle with chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 200 | 10% |
| Total Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 18g | 20% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use a good-quality butter: The flavor of the toffee is largely based on the butter you use, so choose one with a rich, creamy taste.
- Keep an eye on the toffee: When cooking the butter and sugar, ensure you stir it constantly to prevent burning. If the mixture darkens too quickly, reduce the heat.
- Adjust the chocolate: For a twist, try using milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference.
- Storage tips: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Conclusion
Toffee bars are a delightful treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, a gift, or just to indulge your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a crunchy, sweet, and satisfying snack in no time. Enjoy these toffee bars with friends, family, or even by yourself—because sometimes, you just need a little extra sweetness in your day!
