Monday, October 10, 2011

Salted Toffee-Chocolate Squares


One of the only ways I know how to say "Happy Birthday" is by baking. I'm terrible about sending cards. I always battle internally over whether or not I should spend $4 on a greeting card, and most of the time I just buy from the 99 cent stack, but those cards are never as cute or clever. And as opposed to spending money on a gift for someone which they may or may not like, I'd rather apply my time and money towards baking something I know the birthday guy or gal is sure to enjoy! Baking is thoughtful, full of heart, and sings yummy goodness. :) So if you don't care for sweets, then you don't leave me much choice and you'll likely get a birthday card that's really not that funny and even less cute... sorry, but now I've warned you!
I baked these salted toffee squares for Matt's co-worker's birthday. Lane (who I absolutely adore) loves to sample my baking, so I thought she might appreciate a birthday gift from my oven. :) I was really struggling over what I should bake for her... I wanted it to be something good! I flipped through tons of recipes over several days. Finally, I opened my inbox one morning to see Martha's Cookie of the Day email, and low and behold, there sat these salted toffee-chocolate squares. "This is it!" I thought to myself.
These bars were so delicious! I could have happily eaten all of them on my own. The sweet and salty balance was superb, and the crunch of the toffee and pecans was delectable! I think these would make a delicious dessert for a pot luck or cookout. One thing I'll change next time is chopping blocks of chocolate instead of using morsels. I found that the morsels didn't melt that much. I think chopped chocolate will melt easier and help seal in the loose peanut butter chips and pecans once it hardens. But the flavor was perfect, and this recipe could easily be adapted to suit your palate. Go make a batch and have fun with it!

Ingredients
Yields 24 bars
13 graham crackers
1 bag (8 oz) toffee bits
1 1/2 cups chopped toasted pecans
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate, chopped or chocolate chips
1/4 cup peanut butter chips
1/2 tsp sea salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place graham crackers on the baking sheet in a single layer, with the edges of the crackers touching. Sprinkle toffee bits and pecans over graham crackers.

In a small saucepan, bring sugar and butter to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and cook at a rapid simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture is syrupy. Immediately pour the mixture over the graham crackers. Bake until sugar topping is bubbling, about 12 minutes. Remove from oven to a wire cooling rack and immediately sprinkle chocolate, peanut butter chips and salt over graham crackers. With a sharp knife, carefully cut into 2-inch squares. Let cool completely after separating.

Source: slightly adapted from Martha Stewart

13 comments:

Jessica on October 11, 2011 at 12:51 AM said...

Ohhh holy yum! These sound amazing!!

Baker Street on October 11, 2011 at 5:51 AM said...

Oh my! These look so delicious!

Carolyn on October 11, 2011 at 9:15 AM said...

These look incredible! I would much rather have these than a so-so birthday card.

Kelly | Eat Yourself Skinny on October 11, 2011 at 12:51 PM said...

Wow these look so delicious! What a great recipe! :)

Elyse @The Cultural Dish on October 11, 2011 at 12:56 PM said...

Wow these look amazing! I love the flavors! Such a a great dessert!

Amy on October 11, 2011 at 3:26 PM said...

These look wonderful! I love the flavors!

RavieNomNoms on October 11, 2011 at 3:39 PM said...

Yes please!! I love anything with that salty and sweet combo

Unknown on October 13, 2011 at 4:01 AM said...

Oh gosh!! This sound delighful. Salty and sweet is like a matchmake in heaven. Plus it's toffee and choco.. Yummm.. Lately I'm lost for words. Only Yumm comes out. Can't wait to further explore your blog. You have such beautiful cakes. I'm in envy ;P. Hehehe.. kidding.. Cheers,Jo

Happy When Not Hungry on October 13, 2011 at 6:54 PM said...

Wow these look amazing! Love anything with salted toffee!

Anonymous said...

just made these....they are amazing! thanks for the great post!!!!!

Chloe on November 5, 2011 at 6:24 PM said...

These are going to be so great for the holidays! I have made them once and let's just say they were eaten by my family very quick! They have been requesting them and I told them they have to wait! LOL

Andrea on December 28, 2011 at 7:11 PM said...

these look very good. I have something similar but I like the salted toffee part. I think I will make these.

Choc Chip Uru on March 1, 2012 at 5:24 AM said...

Yum - the goodness of toffee and chocolate in one delectable bar? I am in :D

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Latest: Ultimate Reese’s Stuffed Peanut M&M Peanut Butter Cookies + Peanut Butter Banana Softserve

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