Chocolate Toffee Bars

These Chocolate Toffee Bars are one of those desserts that disappear almost immediately after you set them down. They’re crunchy, buttery, sweet, salty, and layered with flavor in the best way. A crisp cracker base is topped with homemade toffee, melted chocolate, crunchy pecans, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt; simple ingredients that come together into something completely addictive.

If you’re searching for easy chocolate toffee bars, sweet and salty dessert bars, or a holiday-ready dessert that feeds a crowd without much effort, this recipe checks every box. These bars are especially popular around the holidays, which is why you’ll also see them called Christmas toffee bars, holiday toffee bars, or even toffee crack. No matter the name, the concept stays the same, and it’s always a hit.

Chocolate Toffee Bars: The Ultimate Sweet and Salty Dessert Bars

These chocolate toffee bars are a classic sweet and salty dessert that go by a few different names depending on what people search for. Some call them toffee crack, others look for saltine toffee bars or graham cracker toffee bars, and many search for easy chocolate toffee bars for the holidays. All of these terms refer to the same irresistible idea: a crunchy cracker base topped with buttery homemade toffee, melted chocolate, nuts, and sea salt.

This recipe is especially loved during the holidays because it’s quick to prepare, easy to transport, and perfect for sharing. That’s why chocolate toffee bars frequently show up on cookie trays, dessert boards, and holiday gift boxes. But they’re just as good any time of year when you’re craving a simple, bakery-style dessert that doesn’t require a mixer or complicated steps.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• What are chocolate toffee bars made of?
• Can you make toffee bars with saltines instead of graham crackers?
• Why didn’t my toffee set properly?
• Do chocolate toffee bars need to be refrigerated?
• Can chocolate toffee bars be frozen?
• What’s the difference between toffee crack and chocolate toffee bars?

This post answers all of those questions in one place so you can make perfect chocolate toffee bars every single time.

At their core, these bars are all about layers. A base of graham crackers or saltines provides structure and crunch. A quick stovetop toffee made from butter and sugar bubbles and caramelizes as it bakes, binding everything together. Melted chocolate spreads into a smooth layer on top, while chopped pecans and toffee bits add extra crunch. The final sprinkle of flaky sea salt balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate and toffee flavors even more.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Toffee Bars

Great make-ahead dessert that stores and freezes well

Perfect sweet and salty dessert bars with tons of texture

Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients

No mixer required and minimal prep time

Ideal for holiday baking, parties, and gifting

Customizable with different crackers, chocolate, or nuts

How to Make Chocolate Toffee Bars (Quick Overview)

Before we jump into the full recipe, here’s a quick breakdown of how these chocolate toffee bars come together:

• Line an 8×8-inch pan with graham crackers or saltines
• Cook a quick stovetop toffee with butter and sugar
• Bake briefly so the toffee bubbles and sets
• Add chocolate, nuts, and toffee bits
• Chill, slice, and serve

You’ll find the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe card below.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Graham crackers or saltines: These form the base of the bars. Graham crackers add a slightly sweeter flavor, while saltines provide a stronger salt contrast. Either works, just make sure the bottom of the pan is fully covered.

Unsalted butter: Butter creates the rich base of the homemade toffee layer.

Coconut sugar or brown sugar: This melts into the butter to create the toffee. Coconut sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor, but brown sugar works just as well.

Chopped pecans: Pecans add crunch and nuttiness. Half go into the toffee and the rest are sprinkled on top.

Dark chocolate: Use good-quality dark chocolate or chocolate chips. This melts into a smooth, rich layer over the hot toffee.

Toffee bits or chopped toffee: Adds extra crunch and classic toffee flavor on top.

Flaky sea salt: Optional but highly recommended. A little salt balances the sweetness perfectly.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

Saltine toffee bars -> Use saltines for extra salty contrast

Graham cracker toffee bars ->Use grahams for a sweeter base

Milk chocolate -> Swap for dark chocolate if you prefer sweeter bars

Different nuts -> Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts all work

Nut-free -> Skip nuts and add extra toffee bits

How to Make Chocolate Toffee Bars

Step 1: Prepare the base

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Arrange graham crackers or saltines in a single layer, breaking pieces as needed to cover the bottom completely.

Step 2: Make the toffee

Add the butter to a medium saucepan and melt over medium heat. Stir in the coconut sugar (or brown sugar) and half of the chopped pecans. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 4–5 minutes, until bubbly and foamy.

Immediately pour the hot toffee over the crackers and smooth it into an even layer.

Step 3: Bake

Bake for 7 minutes, until the toffee layer is bubbling.

Step 4: Add chocolate and toppings

Remove the pan from the oven and scatter the chocolate over the hot toffee. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes until melted, then gently spread into an even layer.

Sprinkle the remaining pecans on top. Let cool for about 10 minutes, then add the toffee bits and flaky sea salt.

Step 5: Chill and slice

Refrigerate until fully set. Once firm, slice into bars and serve.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Toffee Bars

These bars are simple, but a few small details make all the difference:

• Use parchment paper. It makes lifting and slicing the bars much easier once chilled.
• Let the toffee fully boil. If the butter and sugar don’t bubble long enough, the toffee may not set properly.
• Don’t rush the chocolate layer. Let the chocolate melt on its own before spreading so you don’t tear the toffee.
• Add toffee bits after cooling slightly. If added too soon, they’ll melt into the chocolate instead of staying crunchy.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store chocolate toffee bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Chilling helps the chocolate and toffee stay firm and makes slicing easier.

These bars are ideal for making 1–2 days ahead. Slice just before serving for the cleanest edges.

Chocolate toffee bars also freeze well. Freeze whole or sliced bars for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

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