Name: Graham Cracker Bars
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup chocolate chips, plus more for topping if desired; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

These Graham Cracker Bars are a nostalgic dessert favorite that come together with just a few pantry staples. Soft, chewy, and studded with chocolate chips, they strike the perfect balance between ease and indulgence. With a rich texture and sweet graham cracker flavor, they’re an effortless treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are incredibly easy to make with minimal prep time and no need for special equipment. The simple ingredients make them perfect for last-minute baking, while the chewy, almost spongy texture keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, you can easily customize them with your favorite add-ins—from nuts to different types of chips—for endless variations.

Graham Cracker Bars

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham cracker crumbs
Baking powder
Salt
Sweetened condensed milk
Chocolate chips
Vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or shortening. Line it with parchment paper, pressing it into the sides so it sticks. Let the parchment rise above the pan’s edge for easy removal.
In a large bowl, whisk together graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt.
Add the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until fully combined.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. If desired, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top.
Bake for 22–25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9 bars
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add nuts like toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Try different chips such as white chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips.
Make a s’mores version by adding ½ cup dehydrated marshmallows.
Double the batch and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for more servings.
Use finer or coarser crumbs for different textures—fine crumbs create a spongier bar, coarse crumbs result in gooier bars.

Storage/Reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a softer texture.

FAQs

Can I use whole graham crackers instead of pre-made crumbs?

Yes, simply crush whole graham crackers in a food processor or with a rolling pin until you reach your desired texture.

Do I need to use parchment paper?

While not required, parchment makes it much easier to lift the bars from the pan and ensures cleaner edges when slicing.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free graham crackers and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free.

What texture should I expect?

These bars are thick and chewy with a slightly spongy feel—not dense and gooey like traditional cookie bars.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

No, sweetened condensed milk is thicker and sweeter, which is essential for binding and flavor in this recipe.

Are these overly sweet?

They are rich but well-balanced. Using bittersweet or dark chocolate chips can help tone down the sweetness.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely. They store well and can even be frozen for longer-term use.

What’s the best way to cut them cleanly?

Let them cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for the neatest edges.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Yes, dried fruits like cranberries or coconut flakes also work well.

Do these taste like traditional chocolate chip bars?

They’re different—chewier and lighter thanks to the graham cracker base, but just as satisfying.

Conclusion

Graham Cracker Bars are a quick and delightful treat that combines simplicity with crowd-pleasing flavor. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, lunchbox snack, or midnight craving, this vintage-style recipe delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Customize them to your liking and enjoy a chewy bite of nostalgia.