Gooey Chewy Graham Cracker Bars

The temperatures reached about 90 here over the weekend so of course I thought it would be a good idea to make a dessert that can best be described as gooey. Probably not the best idea I’ve ever had. But I’ve never been the sort of person who’s big on common sense. That can refer to my baking or maybe just the way I live my life in general…Anyway, on to the recipe!

This recipe requires a whole box of graham crackers. In fact I even was a little short of the amount that the recipe called for but I only had one box of graham crackers so I just assumed it would be okay. It’s never a good idea to approximate measurements when it comes to baking but sometimes you just have to live on the edge.

Again, making these on a blazing hot day wasn’t a great idea as they started to fall apart when I tried to cut them. I popped the tray in the fridge and that helped a bit with firming them up. I think next time I would bake them for a bit longer just to make sure that the center set. Whatever. These are delicious – buttery, gooey, chocolaty goodness. They won’t win any awards for beauty but they make up for it in taste.

Gooey Chewy Graham Cracker Bars (Adapted from "Celebrating With Julienne"/Culinary in the Desert)

For the crust

3 cups graham cracker crumbs
12 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the topping

2 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
4 large eggs
2/3 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 tablespoon vanilla
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To prepare the crust

In a large mixing bowl, beat together graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar, flour and salt until thoroughly combined. Scoop mixture into a 9" x 13" baking pan coated with nonstick spray - evenly press down to form a level crust over the bottom. Place pan into the oven and bake until the crust is lightly golden, about 10 to 15 minutes.

To prepare the topping

In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar and eggs until combined. Whisk in graham cracker crumbs, vanilla, salt and baking powder. Stir in chocolate chips. Scoop mixture over the crust and spread to cover completely. Place pan back into the oven and bake until the filling is very golden on top and jiggles very slightly when tapped, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and place pan on a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Makes about 24 bars.