Graham Cracker Carmelitas are a delightful dessert combining the rich flavors of caramel, chocolate, and toasted nuts, all layered over crisp graham crackers. These treats are not only easy to prepare but also offer a satisfying blend of textures—from the crunch of the graham crackers to the gooey sweetness of the caramel and the slight bitterness of the chocolate. Perfect for gatherings or as a sweet snack, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 12 whole graham crackers
• 1 cup margarine (such as Parkay)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

1. Prepare the Graham Crackers: Break each graham cracker into four equal pieces, creating a total of 48 pieces. Arrange them closely together on a baking sheet.
2. Prepare the Caramel Mixture: In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the margarine. Add the brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and becomes frothy. Allow it to boil for an additional 2 minutes, continuing to stir.
3. Add Pecans: Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the chopped pecans.
4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the caramel-pecan mixture evenly over the arranged graham crackers. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the caramel has melded into the graham crackers.
5. Cool and Serve: Once baked, immediately transfer the bars from the baking sheet to a sheet of aluminum foil to cool. Once cooled, cut into desired serving sizes and enjoy.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: Approximately 163
• Total Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 1g

What Makes Graham Cracker Carmelitas So Special?

There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of graham crackers and caramel. Graham crackers, with their mild sweetness and crisp texture, create the perfect foundation for any dessert. They’re also widely available and inexpensive, making them a staple ingredient in many classic American desserts.

The real magic in Graham Cracker Carmelitas comes from the gooey caramel layer. Caramel has a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with graham crackers, adding depth and sweetness to the dessert. When caramel is paired with chocolate, the two flavors create a luxurious combination that enhances the overall richness of the dessert.

In addition to the sweetness, the toasted pecans add a layer of complexity to the flavor profile. Their slightly nutty, earthy taste contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, creating a well-rounded treat that appeals to various taste preferences. The combination of these ingredients in one dessert makes Graham Cracker Carmelitas special because it’s more than just a simple treat—it’s a satisfying, flavorful, and unique dessert experience.

The Versatility of Graham Cracker Carmelitas

One of the best aspects of Graham Cracker Carmelitas is how versatile they are. While they can be enjoyed as a simple dessert, they can also be dressed up for different occasions. Whether you want to make them for a family picnic, a holiday party, or even as a gift for a friend, these bars can be customized to suit any occasion.

• Holiday Treats: During the holidays, you can add festive touches to Graham Cracker Carmelitas by decorating them with holiday-themed sprinkles or adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel mixture.
• Party Favor: Pack them in small gift bags or boxes to give as party favors at weddings, baby showers, or birthday parties. The rich, decadent flavor makes them an excellent choice for guests to enjoy.
• Family Snack: For a more casual gathering, you can prepare a batch of Graham Cracker Carmelitas for the whole family to snack on. The bars are easy to portion, making them perfect for sharing.

No matter how you serve them, these bars are sure to be a hit. Their versatility allows them to be both simple and elegant, depending on the setting.

Why Graham Cracker Carmelitas Are So Easy to Make

Many dessert lovers shy away from making sweets at home because they assume the recipes will be too difficult or time-consuming. Graham Cracker Carmelitas, however, are easy to prepare and require very little hands-on effort. This simplicity is one of the reasons this recipe has remained a favorite for so long.

Unlike some desserts that require complicated techniques, Graham Cracker Carmelitas only require a few simple steps. There’s no need for advanced baking skills—just break the graham crackers into pieces, mix the caramel ingredients, and bake. It’s a straightforward recipe that’s accessible to both beginners and experienced bakers. This also makes it perfect for those who are short on time but still want to make something delicious from scratch.

Nutritional Benefits of Graham Cracker Carmelitas

While Graham Cracker Carmelitas are undoubtedly a sweet treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits as well. The main ingredients—graham crackers, caramel, and nuts—each provide their own set of nutrients.

• Graham Crackers: Made from whole wheat flour, graham crackers are a source of fiber and provide some essential vitamins and minerals, including iron and magnesium. Although they’re primarily a carbohydrate source, the fiber helps with digestion and supports a balanced diet.
• Caramel: While caramel is certainly a sugary indulgence, it does provide small amounts of calcium due to the dairy in the mixture. Calcium is essential for bone health and supports the body’s overall function.
• Pecans: Pecans are rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which support heart health. They also contain protein, fiber, and antioxidants that contribute to overall wellness.

While Graham Cracker Carmelitas shouldn’t be considered a health food, their ingredients offer some nutritional benefits. As with all desserts, moderation is key, but these bars can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in appropriate portions.

How to Store and Preserve Graham Cracker Carmelitas

Graham Cracker Carmelitas can be stored easily, making them perfect for making in advance and keeping for later enjoyment.

• Room Temperature: If you’re planning to eat the bars within a few days, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and crisp for up to five days.
• Refrigeration: To prolong the freshness, you can store the bars in the refrigerator. This helps keep the caramel from becoming too soft, especially during warm weather.
• Freezing: Graham Cracker Carmelitas freeze well, so if you want to make a large batch in advance, you can freeze the bars for up to three months. To freeze, place them in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap, then seal them in a freezer bag. When ready to serve, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.

By storing them properly, you can ensure that these bars stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Making Graham Cracker Carmelitas Your Own

While the classic recipe is already fantastic, there are plenty of ways to customize Graham Cracker Carmelitas to fit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Add Chocolate Chips: To make these bars even more indulgent, you can add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips on top before baking. This extra layer of chocolate will melt into the caramel, creating a rich, gooey center.
• Try Different Nuts: Pecans are the traditional choice, but you could also use walnuts, almonds, or cashews for a different flavor and texture.
• Make It Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free option, swap out the graham crackers for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or even crushed gluten-free cookies.
• Use Coconut: For a tropical twist, sprinkle shredded coconut over the top of the bars before baking. The coconut will toast as the bars bake, adding another layer of flavor and texture.

These small changes can elevate the flavors and make the recipe even more personalized to your preferences.

Conclusion

Graham Cracker Carmelitas are a delightful dessert that combines the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and gooey caramel. They’re easy to prepare, versatile enough to suit different occasions, and customizable to fit your tastes.