If you have a sweet tooth and love a dessert that’s as easy to whip up as it is delicious, you are going to adore this Graham Cookie Bars Recipe. This treat perfectly combines the crunch of graham cracker crumbs with the melty goodness of chocolate and butterscotch chips, all tied together by a rich condensed milk base. The result is a chewy, flavorful bar that’s ideal for sharing at parties, packing in lunchboxes, or enjoying as an anytime snack. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Graham Cookie Bars Recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these bars just right comes down to a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one adds a special touch—whether it’s texture, flavor, or the sweetness that makes these bars irresistible.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The foundation of the bars, providing that classic crunchy base and buttery flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These create pockets of melty richness that balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Butterscotch chips: A delightful twist that adds a creamy, caramel note enhancing every bite.
- Chopped nuts: For an added crunch and subtle earthiness—choose your favorite nut to customize.
- Pinch of salt: This tiny addition intensifies the chocolate and butterscotch flavors, keeping the bars well-rounded.
- Condensed milk: The secret ingredient that binds everything together with its luscious, sweet creaminess.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A light dusting on top adds a pretty finish and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Graham Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit—this ensures it’s at the perfect baking temperature when your bars are ready to go in. Next, thoroughly butter an 8 or 9-inch square pan. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and to help the bars release easily once baked, so don’t skimp on the buttering!
Step 2: Mix Up the Magic
In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, chopped nuts, and a pinch of salt. Then pour in the condensed milk and stir everything together until fully incorporated. This mixture is what makes the Graham Cookie Bars Recipe so wonderfully chewy and indulgent—each ingredient mingling to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Step 3: Press and Bake
Press the mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Make sure it’s packed down nicely, so the bars hold together after baking. Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. As it bakes, the edges will turn golden and the enticing aroma will fill your kitchen—the best kind of reward for your efforts!
Step 4: Cool and Cut
Once out of the oven, set the pan on a rack and let the bars cool for about 45 minutes. Cooling is key to firming up the bars so they don’t fall apart when sliced. After that, cut them into roughly 1 1/2-inch squares. For a final flourish, dust with powdered sugar, which adds a touch of elegance and a delicate sweetness on top.
How to Serve Graham Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
You can dress up these graham cookie bars with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, but for a special occasion, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top or adding a sprinkle of crushed nuts or sea salt to highlight the contrasting flavors. Even a dollop of whipped cream works beautifully if you’re serving individual bars on a plate.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. Fresh berries or a vibrant fruit salad are fantastic companions too, balancing out the sweetness and offering a burst of refreshing flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing these bars to a potluck or party, consider arranging them on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper, or stack them in a glass jar for a charming gift idea. You could even add a little handwritten tag with the recipe name, elevating your dessert game and delighting friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars keep wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Storing them well ensures they remain chewy and fresh, making them a fantastic make-ahead snack or dessert option.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the Graham Cookie Bars Recipe later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their delicious texture or taste.
Reheating
To bring these bars back to soft, chewy perfection after freezing, simply thaw them at room temperature. If you prefer warm bars, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or heat briefly in the oven—it’s like fresh-baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in the Graham Cookie Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts all work beautifully. Just chop them finely for the best texture and taste.
Is there a substitute for condensed milk?
While sweetened condensed milk is key for the signature chewy texture, you can try evaporated milk combined with extra sugar, but results may vary. For the best outcome, stick to sweetened condensed milk.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make sure the bars are safe for gluten-sensitive needs without compromising flavor.
How thick should I press the batter in the pan?
Press the mixture evenly to about 1 inch thick. This thickness ensures the bars bake properly and hold together well when cut.
What’s the best way to cut the bars without crumbling?
Letting the bars cool fully before cutting is vital. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to make neat, clean squares.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a scrumptious, easy-to-make dessert that everyone will love, this Graham Cookie Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. The combination of crispy graham crumbs, luscious chocolate, and butterscotch with just the right amount of sweetness hits all the right notes. I can promise once you make these bars, they’ll quickly become a favorite to bake and share. So grab your ingredients, invite some friends over, and start creating this satisfying treat—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Graham Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Graham Cookie Bars featuring a rich blend of graham cracker crumbs, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chopped nuts bound together with sweetened condensed milk. These bars are perfectly baked to a golden finish, making a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (recommend: Eagle Brand)
Optional
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the bars evenly.
- Prepare Pan: Heavily butter an 8 or 9-inch square pan to prevent sticking and set it aside for later use.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, chopped nuts, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly to distribute all components evenly.
- Add Condensed Milk: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and mix until the entire mixture is cohesively combined, ensuring every bit is moistened.
- Press Mixture: Transfer the mixture into the prepared buttered pan and press it down firmly to create an even layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the edges begin to turn golden and the bars set.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for 45 minutes right in the pan to firm up properly.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the cooled bars into 1 1/2-inch squares. Optionally, dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Use an 8 or 9-inch square pan to get the best thickness and baking results.
- Heavily buttering the pan ensures easy removal of bars after baking.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan helps the bars hold together once baked.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- Optional dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finishing touch and extra sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
