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You are here: Home / Candy / Salted Chocolate Graham Cracker Toffee

Salted Chocolate Graham Cracker Toffee

December 9, 2015 77 Comments

Salted Chocolate Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Stacked on a White Plate; Garnished with Chocolate and Maldon Salt

This Salted Chocolate Graham Cracker Toffee rivals the real deal and are much easier to make; everything is layered and baked in a pan and then drizzled with chocolate. Absolutely addictive!

Salted Chocolate Graham Cracker Toffee

Larimer Square is a bustling street in downtown Denver, one of those chi-chi one block areas that harken to days when cities had main streets and you could go there to find a gathering of merchants. When I discovered these Salted Chocolate Graham Cracker Toffee Bars in a local cookbook, they had labeled them Larimer Square Bars.

There seems to be no history that indicates the area gave rise to a namesake cookie. It’s not too late; forget gold, they should claim them now! I can only imagine that the person who titled these bar cookies Larimer Toffee Squares had to have been making a play on words with this historical area; elevating the cookie to both the distinction and history that being associated with Larimer Square would convey.

Larimer Square was the first main street in Denver, born during the gold rush of the mid 1800’s when it was settled and named by General William H. Larimer Jr.

Back in those ‘olden’ days, merchants would include purveyors of feed, flour and furniture but today is a designated Historical District and a destination for both city residents and suburbanites to grab a cocktail, shop a bit and have dinner in some of Denver’s best restaurants.

It’s gone through its share of changes in the years I’ve lived in Denver but I love that this charming street is mostly filled with local shops and restaurants and lit all  year round with strings of white lights.

Larimer Square at Night

While I have changed the name to more correctly identify what this recipe is; I’m happy to share this history…all of Denver loves Larimer Square and I know you will love these bars!

Once made in our home? Who cares about a fancy distinction, we just loved them. I’ve found since publishing this recipe more than 10 years ago that they are well known as Graham Cracker Toffee Squares.

My twist? How about some milk chocolate and finishing salt? Salted Chocolate Graham Cracker Toffee Squares…all the better right? They are elevated and updated once again.

Salted Chocolate Graham Cracker Toffee

The original recipe is from one of my favorite cookbooks, Creme de Colorado, the 2nd cookbook published in the 1980’s by the Junior League of Denver. That original recipe is a mixture of just four ingredients; graham crackers, butter, pecans and sugar and while  they are good; trust me…these made with some chocolate and a bit of finishing salt are better…way better!

The beauty of this treat is their ease…they definitely emulate English Toffee but no burning toffee is necessary, they are baked in the oven before being drizzled with chocolate and topped with Maldon Finishing Salt.

Make them and make a lot…I promise you they will disappear!

PIN IT! ‘Salted Chocolate Graham Cracker Toffee Bars’

Salted Chocolate Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Stacked on a White Plate; Garnished with Chocolate and Maldon Salt

Yield: 24 Cookies

Salted Chocolate Graham Cracker Toffee

Salted Chocolate Graham Cracker Toffee Bars

A quick and easy cookie that is similar to toffee candy.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 12 graham crackers
  • 1 and 1/4 cups chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chip morsels
  • Maldon or other finishing salt (do not use tabletop or Kosher salt)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Line a 10- x 15-inch rimmed baking sheet with foil. Spray with cooking spray.
  3. Break 12 graham crackers in half and fit in pan in a single layer.
  4. In a saucepan, whisk together butter and light brown sugar over medium-low heat until smooth. Pour evenly over graham crackers.
  5. Sprinkle pecans evenly over graham cracker base and bake until bubbly about 8 to 10 minutes.
  6. Melt milk chocolate chips in the microwave on low power.
  7. Remove cookies from oven and using a fork, drizzle the chocolate over the cookies; sprinkle lightly with the salt.
  8. Cool completely and then break into portions.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 127Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 101mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 8gProtein: 1g

The nutritional information is computer-generated and only an estimate. If you need to use nutrition information we suggest you confirm these totals with your own program.

© Creative Culinary

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Old Fashioned Date Nut Bars »

Comments

  1. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says

    December 9, 2015 at 5:03 pm

    I've got one precious box of graham crackers in my pantry and I'll be making these 'Larimer Squares" for the boat parade party on Saturday night. They look great! I love those cups!!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 11, 2015 at 5:53 pm

      Do make them; they will not disappoint!
      Reply
  2. Melanie @ Melanie Cooks says

    December 9, 2015 at 2:14 pm

    These sound delicious, I love chocolate and toffee! Looks awesome!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 11, 2015 at 5:54 pm

      They're wonderful and so much easy than real toffee; I love it but it's a bear to watch and not have burn!
      Reply
  3. John/Kitchen Riffs says

    December 9, 2015 at 10:47 am

    Always good to bring back classic recipes! Love toffee, so I know you made these for me. :-) Really nice -- thanks.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 11, 2015 at 5:53 pm

      If you were close I would have given you some, but, well...you know. You're not. :)
      Reply
  4. u-madalin says

    December 29, 2014 at 9:36 pm

    Just found this recipe and saved it in favorites... want to make it for GNI. What does 11/4 cups nuts mean??? 11 cups or 11-1/4 cups? they sound sinful :-)
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 30, 2014 at 2:47 am

      That's 1 and 1/4 cups of nuts. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
      Reply
  5. Lisa says

    February 3, 2012 at 5:52 pm

    These are KILLER, and I mean that in the most lustful, gluttonous way aka, I want the whole pan! Larimer Square looks darling..perfectly quaint and lovely.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      February 4, 2012 at 2:10 am

      Larimer Square is all that...I mean not far beyond that block is the quintessential downtown atmosphere; tall buildings and parking structures and all...it's like stepping back a bit in time.
      Reply
  6. Chrissy The Clumsy Gourmet says

    February 2, 2012 at 7:05 pm

    These look wonderful Barb.. Trying to decide what to take to the superbowl party on Sunday... this might be the winner!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      February 8, 2012 at 4:39 pm

      You know I didn't know that the Clumsy Gourmet was YOU Chrissy until I saw your avatar...welcome to the crazy world of food blogging!
      Reply
  7. Kankana says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:20 pm

    I am so going to make that with white chocolate chip! I am not much of a chocolate fa but Hubby would love that.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      February 3, 2012 at 11:39 am

      Um, yumm...I would like that too!
      Reply
  8. Nelly Rodriguez says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:11 am

    Love a little sweet history with recipes! I'm not a huge fan of toffee but this looks like I'd love them!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      February 2, 2012 at 4:44 pm

      I think I love it more than toffee...not quite as hard and that touch of graham cracker both flavor and texture. Umm umm good.
      Reply
  9. Jamie says

    February 2, 2012 at 1:20 am

    Very cool - don't you love recipes/foods with a bit of history and local color? These look scrumptious and decadent and the drizzle of chocolate makes them perfect (what isn't better with a drizzle of chocolate?)!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      February 2, 2012 at 4:35 pm

      I think this cookie is an example of one that was sent all across the country in the old fashioned way. Word of mouth. No one person claiming it. Can you even imagine that?
      Reply
  10. Terra says

    February 1, 2012 at 9:35 pm

    I love the simplicity of the this recipe! Adding the crackers sounds fun, and unique:-) I would say adding the drizzle of chocolate was a must, and a perfect addition:-) Hugs, Terra
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      February 2, 2012 at 4:34 pm

      Thanks Terra...I don't need much encouragement to do that but your affirmation...it's appreciated!
      Reply
  11. Kimmy @ Lighter and Local says

    February 1, 2012 at 8:18 pm

    Oh I love these, simple as well! Perfect for my sweet tooth!
    Reply
  12. Lora ~ cakeduchess says

    February 1, 2012 at 4:42 pm

    Toffee is something I can't say no to and these look fantastic! I'm glad you added the chocolate because they do belong together. :)
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      February 1, 2012 at 4:51 pm

      Thank you ma'am...can't imagine without now.
      Reply
  13. Tania says

    February 1, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    These sound fantastic. I am a chocolate and toffee luvah... We have an area like that here in Olympia. And now I need to go shop and have an afternoon to myself. MUST make that happen.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      February 1, 2012 at 4:50 pm

      I'll be by there tonight going to another event but I mostly love it during warm weather...the sit on the sidewalk with a cup of coffee or a cocktail and watch people kind of weather :)
      Reply
  14. Heather says

    February 1, 2012 at 4:06 pm

    These sound so wonderful! Can you tell me when the toffee goes on? The recipe skips this step! I would hate to mess it up! Thank you so much for sharing! Heather
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      February 1, 2012 at 4:49 pm

      Even easier Heather...there is no toffee. They become like a toffee bar when the butter and sugar bakes into the graham cracker. So the recipe is correct and they are so easy.
      Reply
      • Heather says

        February 1, 2012 at 5:41 pm

        Thank you! Step 4 says to whisk together the butter and brown sugar. I'm assuming I pour that over the graham crackers and then sprinkle the pecans. I look forward to making it!
        Reply
        • Creative Culinary says

          February 1, 2012 at 6:11 pm

          Aha! You are right...I changed recipe. You pour the butter sugar mixture evenly over the graham crackers, sprinkle with pecans and then bake. Thanks!
        • Heather says

          February 1, 2012 at 7:47 pm

          Thank you, sweetheart! These are brilliant!
        • Creative Culinary says

          February 2, 2012 at 4:33 pm

          I hope you enjoy them. Ahem...I might have bought a box of graham crackers at the grocery today. We're expecting up to a foot of snow tonight; if I get snowed in I want some cookies!
  15. angela@spinachtiger says

    February 1, 2012 at 3:31 pm

    OH My gosh. We made these when I was in Junior Auxiliary (similar to Jr League). They are as good as they look. (mine never looked quite as good as yours though).
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      February 1, 2012 at 4:48 pm

      I think it's the chocolate...that drizzle sure 'dressed' them up a lot. Didn't hurt the flavor either. :)
      Reply
  16. Brian @ A Thought For Food says

    February 1, 2012 at 1:58 pm

    Oh... anything with toffee has my name written all over it. These look marvelous!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      February 1, 2012 at 2:57 pm

      Thanks Brian...and easy. And impossible to eat just one. My girls favorite treat ever.
      Reply
  17. Colleen says

    February 1, 2012 at 1:52 pm

    These just look so very decadent. I wish we could get graham crackers here. When does the toffee go in? Assuming before or after sprinkling the pecans on? Thanks Barb for sharing xx
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      February 1, 2012 at 2:56 pm

      Actually the combinations of the sugar and the butter melting into the graham cracker sort of 'makes' the toffee. That's why they are so easy...I've actually seen similar recipes over the years using saltine crackers too.
      Reply
  18. Lana says

    February 1, 2012 at 11:01 am

    I fell in love with Larimer Street when my friend and I flew over from NYC in the mid 80s, as exchange students. Unfortunately, we had only one day to spend in Denver before continuing on to the Rockies:) One day I'll have to come back:) Great, Barb, "ruin" these with chocolate! Just kidding, I am a chocolate fiend and the sqyares look dangerously good.
    Reply
  19. Lynn says

    January 31, 2012 at 10:29 pm

    When I worked for the LAT, visiting our Denver bureau in Larimer square was always a treat; my favorite part of Denver. And now I have to try these squares.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      February 1, 2012 at 6:02 am

      You have justified my typical answer to someone coming to Denver who asks me,'What should I do when I come to Denver' and I always answer, 'You must visit Larimer Square.' Who needs the Denver Mint anyhow? :)
      Reply
  20. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says

    January 31, 2012 at 10:16 pm

    Oh my goodness those squares! Must have one now.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      February 1, 2012 at 6:00 am

      My job here is done. Perfect response. :)
      Reply
  21. Paula says

    January 31, 2012 at 8:32 pm

    Larimer Square is beautiful! I love the architecture of the buildings! These bars look insanely delicious and your addition of the chocolate just raises them to a whole new level, in Colorado and elsewhere!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      February 1, 2012 at 5:57 am

      It's beautiful at night too. All of those wires evident in the photo? Tiny white lights all year round. I love sparkling white lights; they make it festive for the holidays...including the 4th of July!
      Reply
  22. Maria says

    January 31, 2012 at 8:23 pm

    I love toffee! I can't wait to try this recipe!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      January 31, 2012 at 9:07 pm

      They are a quick version that I think I might love more than the candy Maria...I love that graham cracker crunch!
      Reply
  23. The Duo Dishes says

    January 31, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    A friend described her father's only dessert in his repertoire, and it was a pan of graham crackers covered with melted butter, a sprinkling of sugar and nuts. Maybe he was from Denver! So simple, but it'd be a great treat. Imagine breaking that up over vanilla ice cream...
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      January 31, 2012 at 9:03 pm

      It's not like they're not already decadent enough...but boy that does sound good!
      Reply
  24. Sweetsugarbelle says

    January 31, 2012 at 5:39 pm

    I'll take an order of these and a matching cocktail, STAT!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      January 31, 2012 at 7:41 pm

      Now? Come on over...I'll have it ready by the time you get here, promise!
      Reply
  25. Carolyn says

    January 31, 2012 at 5:15 pm

    Wow, Barb, those look seriously incredible!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      January 31, 2012 at 7:40 pm

      Sadly neither low carb nor GF...sorry to tease.
      Reply
  26. Mari says

    January 31, 2012 at 4:47 pm

    Cant wait to try!
    Reply
  27. Amanda says

    January 31, 2012 at 3:54 pm

    I want to make this, but we don't have Graham crackers in Oz. Will have to work out a similar substitute, but don't have one off the top of my head. Are Graham crackers sweet, savoury or neutral? Are they crispy and/or oaty? Any ideas, Barb?
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      January 31, 2012 at 7:40 pm

      Let's see...they are sweet but just slightly. They are definitely a crisp cookie; shaped in a bar with perforations that can see them separated into four smaller pieces. I found this article, I have seen people make their own if you can find graham flour: http://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090621214610AAWvspH
      Reply
  28. Anne-Marie @ This Mama Cooks! says

    January 31, 2012 at 3:29 pm

    How long have I lived here and have never heard of these cookies. I'm embarrassed to say the least. So glad you post the recipe!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      January 31, 2012 at 7:38 pm

      Well, I think the author may have made up the name for the purposes of submitting the recipe to the Junior League...seems they have versions all over the country. But they are great. If you have plenty of help when you make them...they are also highly addictive. I know this for a fact. :)
      Reply
  29. Nancy@acommunaltable says

    January 31, 2012 at 3:26 pm

    I first had these at a cookie exchange I went to a couple of years ago and I was smitten! I went right home and made a batch and vowed I'd have to wait a long time before making them again since I COULD NOT STOP eating them!! Think I will make a batch to ship to the collegiate!!!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      January 31, 2012 at 7:36 pm

      No surprise that this recipe has gotten around...I've also heard of something similar with saltines but I just love the graham crackers. I'm sure the boy (and his friends) would devour them!
      Reply
  30. Delishhh says

    January 31, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    This is my type of cookie/candy - huge fan of toffee - i have to stay away or i would eat this whole thing :)
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      January 31, 2012 at 7:35 pm

      No...you need to come help ME!
      Reply
  31. Cooking with Michele says

    January 31, 2012 at 10:06 am

    When I was a kid we always made toffee with my best friend's mom and peanut butter fudge at my house - funny to see this post as I was just thinking about those treats yesterday!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      January 31, 2012 at 7:34 pm

      Always love to hear the stories of how food reminds us of friends and places in our life.
      Reply
  32. jane bauer says

    January 31, 2012 at 9:54 am

    I totally forgot about this recipe. It is so good and easy. My kids used to make these. Now I have to make it again. Thank you!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      January 31, 2012 at 7:33 pm

      Next time you can come have some. Really rescue me from them. :)
      Reply
  33. Jenn says

    January 31, 2012 at 8:22 am

    wow these look so easy and sound fantastic! Ha I love your "history" - people loving them for a long time is good enough for me!
    Reply
  34. Mountain Mama Cooks says

    January 31, 2012 at 7:49 am

    Lovely and soooooo easy! I, too, love the Denver Jr. League cookbooks. I have two others but not the one you mentioned above. Chocolate and toffee are natural partners so I think that was a great addition!!
    Reply
  35. Yuri - Chef Pandita says

    January 31, 2012 at 7:21 am

    Barb, these look amazing! Love the chocolate drizzle. YUM!
    Reply
  36. Karen Harris says

    January 31, 2012 at 6:30 am

    Oh these look fabulous Barb! I'm going to have to make a batch of these when family comes in next week. They'll love them.
    Reply
  37. Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says

    January 31, 2012 at 6:29 am

    Love this recipe, Barb. Very similar to one I have from an old cookbook as well. You really find gems in some of those old cookbooks, don't you? I think I'll go have a look through some of mine right now :-)
    Reply
  38. Sarah says

    January 31, 2012 at 6:03 am

    I just love this. Honestly, I love anything toffee, but these look especially good. Thank you so much for the recipe.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      January 31, 2012 at 7:19 pm

      You are most welcome Sarah. Until you make them and eat the whole plate. No fair blaming me. :)
      Reply
  39. Jenny says

    January 31, 2012 at 5:36 am

    These look yummy and easy! Now another cookbook I want.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      January 31, 2012 at 7:18 pm

      We've been lucky we have had so many wonderful cookbooks put together by the local Junior League...this first one I used so much I had to buy a new copy a couple of years ago.
      Reply
  40. Jen @ pretty plate says

    January 31, 2012 at 5:16 am

    What a great recipe! These look delicious. Thanks for sharing! : )) Jen
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      January 31, 2012 at 7:17 pm

      Sure Jen...they are one of those simple, old type treats that are decadent...and hard to walk away from. Trust me.
      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Larimer Toffee Squares – a rich, buttery and nutty treat drizzled with …- Recipes And Family says:
    January 31, 2012 at 6:12 pm
    [...] posted here: Larimer Toffee Squares – a rich, buttery and nutty treat drizzled with … Tags: certified, distinction, graham-crackers, historical, ingredients, larimer, larimer-toffee, [...]
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