These Chocolate Graham Cracker Bars are the kind of simple, old-fashioned treat that’s perfect when you want something sweet without a lot of work. You only need 4 basic ingredients, and there’s no complicated mixing or special equipment.
The graham crackers form easy layers, the chocolate melts between them, and the sweetened condensed milk creates a rich, caramelized topping as everything bakes together.
They’re especially good for potlucks, family gatherings, church socials, holidays, or simply with a cup of coffee.
Why You’ll Love Them
Only 4 ingredients
There’s very little measuring and almost no prep work.
No mixer needed
Everything is layered directly in the baking dish.
Easy to slice and serve
A short chill after baking helps the bars firm up for cleaner pieces.
Chocolate or butterscotch
You can use either semi-sweet chocolate chips or butterscotch chips.
Perfect for sharing
One 9x13-inch pan makes about 16 bars.
Ingredients
Makes 16 bars
- 12 whole graham cracker sheets, kept unbroken
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips
- 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch glass baking dish.
For easier removal later, you can line the pan with parchment paper instead.
Step 2: Make the First Layer
Arrange 6 whole graham cracker sheets across the bottom of the baking dish in a single layer.
Keep the crackers whole as much as possible.
Step 3: Add the Butter and Chocolate
Slowly drizzle the melted butter evenly over the graham crackers.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the entire surface.
Try to distribute them evenly so each bar gets plenty of chocolate.
Step 4: Add the Second Graham Cracker Layer
Place the remaining 6 graham cracker sheets over the chocolate chips.
This creates the second cracker layer.
Step 5: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Slowly pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the top.
Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to gently spread it across the graham crackers.
Try to cover as much of the surface as possible.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes.
The bars are ready when the edges look bubbly, lightly caramelized, and golden.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
This is important because the filling will still be very soft while hot.
Step 8: Chill for Clean Slices
Once cooled, place the pan in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
This helps the sweetened condensed milk firm up and makes the bars much easier to slice.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Cut into 16 squares or bars.
Serve slightly chilled or bring them back to room temperature before serving.
Easy Tips for the Best Bars
Let them cool before cutting. Cutting while warm can cause the layers to slide apart.
Use parchment paper for easy lifting. Leave a little extra paper hanging over the sides of the pan so you can lift the whole batch out before slicing.
Spread the condensed milk slowly. A gentle hand helps keep the top graham crackers in place.
Try butterscotch chips. They give the bars a warmer, caramel-like flavor.
Keep the crackers whole. This helps create neat, defined layers.
Easy Chocolate Graham Cracker Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 whole graham cracker sheets
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange 6 graham cracker sheets in the bottom.
- Drizzle with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crackers.
- Add the remaining 6 graham cracker sheets on top.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk slowly over the surface.
- Spread gently to cover the crackers.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
- Cut into 16 bars.
- Serve slightly cool or at room temperature.
These bars are simple, sweet, chocolatey, and easy to make, with just four ingredients and no complicated baking steps.