Cracky Bars
Cracky Bars are delicious layered treats with chocolate, walnuts, and graham crackers, offering a crunchy, chocolatey flavor perfect for snack times or dessert gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, soda, and salt.
- Cream together Crisco and sugar until well blended.
- Add well beaten eggs to the creamed mixture.
- Combine milk and vanilla, then add to the mixture.
- Divide the batter into two portions and place one-third in a separate bowl.
- Add melted chocolate and chopped walnuts to the reserved batter portion.
- Spread the chocolate-walnut batter in a well-greased and floured 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Arrange graham crackers over the batter in the pan.
- Mix chocolate chips into the remaining two-thirds of the batter.
- Drop spoonfuls of this batter over the graham crackers and spread to cover.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don’t have Crisco, butter can be used as a substitute, but it may alter the texture slightly. To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter. Ensure that the graham crackers are arranged tightly to create a solid base for the bars.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful bars as a dessert or snack, perhaps alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They pair beautifully with an Extra Thick Shake for a nostalgic dessert experience. For an afternoon tea, consider serving with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for extra coziness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cracky Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate them for extended freshness, up to a week. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat that revives the chocolate chips.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cracky Bars contains roughly 2093 calories, with 50g protein, 259g carbohydrates, and 107g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (100% of the Daily Value), iron (96% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2675mg per serving (116% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Cracky Bars a day or two in advance. Just ensure they are stored properly in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They actually taste even better after a day as the flavors meld together.
Can I substitute the nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute the walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds, or omit them entirely if you prefer a nut-free version. For a different texture, try adding some shredded coconut or even some dried fruit.
What can I do if I don't have graham crackers?
If you don't have graham crackers, you can use vanilla wafers or even crushed cookies like Digestives or Oreos for a different flavor. Just ensure to adjust the sweetness slightly if the substitute is sweeter than graham crackers.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).