These Graham Cracker Chocolate Chip Pecan Bars are rich, chewy, and buttery dessert squares that combine the nostalgic flavor of graham crackers with the crunch of pecans and gooey chocolate chips. Baked to golden perfection, these bars are easy to make and perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy homemade treat.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Home bakers looking for a quick, no-fuss dessert.
- Families who love snackable sweets made with simple ingredients.
- Chocolate lovers craving a chewy, nutty bite.
- Anyone wanting a crowd-pleasing bar that tastes like comfort in every bite.
Why It’s Great
- âś… No mixer needed: Just one bowl and a spoon!
- âś… Pantry staples: Uses simple ingredients like graham crackers and evaporated milk.
- âś… Perfect texture: Soft and chewy inside, slightly crisp on top.
- âś… Customizable: Add your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or flavored chips.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You’ll need:
- 8Ă—8-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin or food processor for crushing crackers
Ingredients
You’ll need the following:
- 3 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ÂĽ cup butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- â…” cup chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Crush the Graham Crackers
Place graham crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin, or pulse in a food processor until they reach a fine, sandy texture.
3. Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, evaporated milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
4. Add the Chocolate and Nuts
Fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped pecans. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
6. Cool & Serve
Let the dessert cool completely before slicing into bars or squares. Serve plain or with a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra treat.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk?
A: It’s not recommended — it will make the bars too sweet and heavy. Stick with evaporated milk for balance.
Q: Can I replace pecans with other nuts?
A: Yes, walnuts or almonds are great substitutes, or you can use shredded coconut.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for about 50–55 minutes.
Q: How do I make it extra chocolatey?
A: Add more chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars.
Conclusion
These Graham Cracker Chocolate Chip Pecan Bars are proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make an unforgettable dessert. Chewy, nutty, and full of chocolate flavor, they’re perfect for every occasion — from bake sales to family gatherings. Once you make them, they’ll quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation!
