no-bake dessert

Bready or Not: No-Bake Triple-Decker Toffee Bars

Posted by on Jul 26, 2023 in Blog, Bready or Not, chocolate, cracker, no-bake dessert | Comments Off on Bready or Not: No-Bake Triple-Decker Toffee Bars

These No-Bake Triple-Decker Toffee Bars are a sweet summertime treat. No oven is required, and there’s only a brief time standing at the stove. The result is, essentially, a homemade candy bar made from simple ingredients.

Bready or Not: No-Bake Triple-Decker Toffee Bars

Saltine crackers form the basis for the three layers of these bars. They add intense crispiness that holds up to a deluge of toffee, but they also add salt. That salt really builds incredible flavor throughout the layers, and the flaky sea salt on top adds even more.

Bready or Not: No-Bake Triple-Decker Toffee Bars

The homemade toffee in this recipe isn’t terrible to work with, but please, use caution. It can go from a simmer to a boil FAST, and you do not want that molten sugar on your skin. So, keep an eye on the temperature and bring it down as you need to, and keep stirring the toffee as the directions say. Once this gets going, don’t leave the pot unattended.

Bready or Not: No-Bake Triple-Decker Toffee Bars

Modified from Southern Living December 2022 issue.

Bready or Not: No-Bake Triple-Decker Toffee Bars

This simple, no-candy-thermometer-needed candy bar recipe creates delicious results using basic ingredients.
Course: Dessert
Keyword: bars, candy, chocolate, cracker
Author: Beth Cato

Equipment

  • 9×9 pan
  • aluminum foil
  • nonstick spray
  • offset spatula

Ingredients

  • 48 saltine crackers from a 16-ounce package, divided
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk one can
  • 3 Tablespoons half & half
  • 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces chocolate chips or chocolate bark
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions

  • Line a 9×9 pan with foil, overlapping two long strips to cover all four side. Apply nonstick spray all over interior. Place 16 crackers in a single layer to form a base crust. On a plate, count out 32 more crackers to have ready to make the next layers quickly. Stage the uneven spatula nearby.
  • In a saucepan on the stove, cook sugar and butter, stirring often, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. That will take about 5 minutes. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk, half & half, corn syrup, and salt. Increase the heat to medium to bring the contents to a simmer. Stir constantly. Continue stirring–bringing the heat down as needed to keep it at a simmer, not a full boil–for about 6 to 8 minutes, until it obtains a deep golden color. Remove the pan from heat and add the vanilla extract.
  • Carefully pour about 1/3 of the toffee over the crackers. Set down pan and quickly use the spatula to spread the toffee into an even layer. Place 16 more crackers on top. Add another 1/3 of toffee. Place the last of the crackers, and then pour the rest of the toffee on top and even it out. Let cool for a few minutes. Clean the uneven spatula.
  • Meanwhile, melt the chocolate using a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave or a pot on the stovetop. Slowly pour the chocolate over the top of the of the cracker-toffee stack and use the spatula to even it out. Let it cool about 5 minutes. Measure out the flaky sea salt and sprinkle it all over the top.
  • Place the pan in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Remove from fridge and let set at room temperature about 10 minutes, which will reduce the amount of crackling across the chocolate top. Use the foil to lift the contents onto a cutting board. Use a knife to cut off the very edges to form neat sides, and then cut the rest of it into small bars.
  • Store bars in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.

OM NOM NOM!

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    Bready or Not: No-Bake Cookie Bars

    Posted by on Feb 8, 2023 in Blog, Bready or Not, chocolate, cookies, no-bake dessert, nutty | Comments Off on Bready or Not: No-Bake Cookie Bars

    When you have no time to bake and you need sweets fast–or you don’t have an oven or can’t heat the house–no-bake treats are the way to go. These No-Bake Cookie Bars involve little fuss and are sweet and tasty.

    Bready or Not: No-Bake Cookie Bars

    Also, these are pretty cheap to make. I used a generic kind of vanilla wafers that were a dollar-something.

    Bready or Not: No-Bake Cookie Bars

    Since I live in Arizona, I had to store these in the fridge, but in most places, you’d probably be fine keeping them at room temperature.

    Bready or Not: No-Bake Cookie Bars

    Bready or Not: No-Bake Cookie Bars

    These no-bake bars are super-fast to make and are ready to slice up after a few hours of chill time. Perfect for when you need a no-fuss dessert, fast!
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Keyword: chocolate, cookies, no bake, pecans, walnuts
    Author: Beth Cato

    Equipment

    • 9×9 pan
    • nonstick spray
    • aluminum foil
    • waxed paper
    • heavy glass

    Ingredients

    • 11 ounces vanilla wafer cookies generic is fine
    • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
    • 1 cup chocolate chips semisweet or milk
    • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    • Line a 9×9 pan with foil and apply nonstick spray.
    • Use a food processor or a gallon bag, rolling pin, and muscle to crush all of the vanilla wafers.
    • In a big bowl, stir together the cookies crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, nuts, vanilla, and salt. Completely mix and coat.
    • Dump the mixture into the prepared pan. Level it out, then use waxed paper and a heavy object such as a glass to evenly compress the crumbs. Chill in fridge for at least 2 hours.
    • Use the foil to lift the contents onto a cutting board. Slice up and store in a sealed container either at room temperature or in the fridge.

    OM NOM NOM!

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      Bready or Not Original: Quick Maple Cookie Fudge Redux

      Posted by on Dec 28, 2022 in Blog, Bready or Not, chocolate, cookies, fudge, maple, no-bake dessert, nutty | Comments Off on Bready or Not Original: Quick Maple Cookie Fudge Redux

      Let’s finish off the year 2022 by reviving a recipe first on Bready or Not in 2016: Maple Cookie Fudge!

      Bready or Not Original: Quick Maple Cookie Fudge Redux

      This is a shortcut fudge without any need of a candy thermometer or stress. I like to use the microwave, but you can use the stovetop if you want. You can keep the maple cookies chunky, if you desire, or grind everything to crumbs–your choice! I actually like some small chunks mixed in for texture.

      Bready or Not Original: Quick Maple Cookie Fudge Redux

      The maple flavor is nice and consistent here, not cloying, while the marshmallow fluff grants the texture some extra oomph. The nuts add an extra flavor and crunch, but you can omit them if you want.

      Bready or Not Original: Quick Maple Cookie Fudge Redux

      This maple cookie fudge is just about perfect if you ignore the pesky nutritional side of things.

      Bready or Not Original: Quick Maple Cookie Fudge

      This Bready or Not Original uses maple crème cookies as the base of a fantastic microwave fudge. The fudge should be stored in the fridge, but also keeps very well at room temperature for parties and potlucks.
      Course: Dessert
      Keyword: chocolate, maple, no bake, quick fudge
      Author: Beth Cato

      Equipment

      • 9×13 pan
      • aluminum foil
      • nonstick spray or butter

      Ingredients

      • 3 cups white chocolate chips
      • 12.3 ounces maple crème cookies crushed/chopped/maimed, about 20 cookies
      • 7 ounces marshmallow fluff
      • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
      • 1 teaspoon maple flavor
      • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
      • 1/2 cup chopped nuts walnuts, pecans, macadamias, etc

      Instructions

      • Prepare a 9×13 pan by lining it with foil and applying nonstick spray.
      • Either in microwave or on stovetop, carefully melt chocolate with sweetened condensed milk and marshmallow cream. If microwaving, do it in short bursts because it can burn fast! Stir often.
      • When the mix is smooth, add the maple flavor and vanilla. Fold in the maple cookies and nuts. Pour fudge into the prepared pan. Use an uneven spatula to smooth out the top.
      • Refrigerate at least 3 hours, until the fudge is firm. Cut into bite size pieces. Keep stored in fridge between layers of wax paper. Unlike some other quick fudges, this will keep well for hours at room temperature.

      OM NOM NOM!

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        Bready or Not Original: No Bake Pecan Praline Cookies

        Posted by on Dec 15, 2021 in Blog, Bready or Not, cookies, no-bake dessert, nutty | Comments Off on Bready or Not Original: No Bake Pecan Praline Cookies

        Do you need cookies ready, FAST? These no-bake wonders are prepared in minutes and just need 15 minutes to set.

        Bready or Not Original: No Bake Pecan Praline Cookies

        Traditional pecan pralines are crunchy and sweet. This no-bake cookie version definitely has all that going on, with added chewiness from coconut.

        Bready or Not Original: No Bake Pecan Praline Cookies

        I highly recommend using unsweetened coconut flakes or shreds here, as these cookies are not lacking at all in the sugariness department!

        Bready or Not Original: No Bake Pecan Praline Cookies

        It’s amazing to me how something so goopy and hot can so quickly become set and easy to handle. This is the ultimate in fast-and-delicious cookies.

        Bready or Not Original: No Bake Pecan Praline Cookies

        Bready or Not Original: No Bake Pecan Praline Cookies

        These no-bake wonders are prepared in minutes and just need 15 minutes to set. No candy thermometer required! Each bite is crunchy, sweet, and oh so good! Makes about 35 tablespoon-sized cookies.
        Course: Dessert, Snack
        Keyword: coconut, cookies, no bake, pecans
        Author: Beth Cato

        Equipment

        • large saucepan
        • cookie sheet
        • waxed paper
        • tablespoon scoop

        Ingredients

        • 2 1/2 cups pecans chopped or whole
        • 2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes or coconut shreds
        • 2 1/2 cups white sugar
        • 1/2 cup milk
        • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
        • 1 stick unsalted butter 1/2 cup
        • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

        Instructions

        • Prepare a large cookie sheet, or several sheets, with waxed paper. In a bowl, stir together the pecans and coconut.
        • In a saucepan on medium-high heat, stir together the sugar, milk, corn syrup, and butter. Continue to stir while bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Stabilize the heat so that it continues to boil for 3 minutes.
        • Remove pot from heat. Pour in the vanilla. Follow up with the pecans and coconut, stirring well to coat everything in goopy hot sugar.
        • Use a tablespoon scoop to dole out cookies on the waxed paper. If they fall apart a bit, carefully use a spoon or the scoop to shape them again. Let cookies set, at least 15 minutes. Carefully peel them away from the waxed paper; note that the first scoops may be more prone to stick.
        • Store cookies in a sealed container.

        OM NOM NOM!

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          Bready or Not Original: No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

          Posted by on Apr 7, 2021 in Blog, blondies, Bready or Not, chocolate, no-bake dessert, nutty | Comments Off on Bready or Not Original: No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

          When you need a dessert in a hurry, these delicious No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are the way to go.

          Bready or Not Original: No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

          I especially enjoy this recipe because it doesn’t involve the oven, which is a wonderful thing during Arizona summers.Bready or Not Original: No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

          These bars come together in minutes thanks to a microwave, and they only need a few hours to set. You end up with an entire casserole dish of candy bars. Yum.

          Bready or Not Original: No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

          Use crunchy or creamy peanut butter. I used a jar from Trader Joe’s that had flaxseeds mixed in, and my son didn’t like it. This recipe gave me a way to use it up by sending the result with my husband to work!

          Bready or Not Original: No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

          This would be an easy recipe to dress up, too. Add sprinkles, nuts, or cacao nibs atop the chocolate. Have fun with it!

          Bready or Not Original: No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

          This quick and easy microwave-based recipe uses most of a pound jar of peanut butter to whip up a whole casserole dish of delicious candy bars.
          Course: Dessert, Snack
          Cuisine: American
          Keyword: chocolate, no bake, peanut butter
          Author: Beth Cato

          Equipment

          • 13x9 pan
          • large microwave-safe bowl
          • uneven spatula

          Ingredients

          Bars

          • 2 cups peanut butter crunchy or smooth
          • 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks
          • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
          • 2 cups confectioners' sugar

          Ganache

          • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips semisweet, dark, milk, or a mix
          • 1/4 cup peanut butter crunchy or smooth

          Instructions

          • Line a 13x9 pan with foil and apply nonstick spray or butter.
          • In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt together the peanut butter and butter by zapping in short increments and stirring well between each pass. Once they mix together, stir in the graham cracker crumbs and confectioners' sugar. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a hands or maybe a piece of waxed paper and a heavy glass to compress the layer as much as possible.
          • Use the same microwave-safe bowl to bowl for the chocolate chips and peanut butter, again zapping in brief increments and stirring well between each burst. Once they can mix together smoothly, dump dollops atop the layer in the pan. Use an uneven spatula to even out the chocolate to the edges.
          • Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
          • Use the foil to lift the contents onto a cutting board. Let sit for about 10 minutes, enough time to soften the chocolate so that it doesn't shatter when sliced. Use a long knife or sharp bench knife to cut bars. If desired, cut off edges first to produce neater pieces to share.
          • Store bars in a sealed container in the fridge with waxed paper between the layers. Keeps for days.

          OM NOM NOM!

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            Bready or Not Original: Hard Maple Candy

            Posted by on Nov 25, 2020 in Blog, Bready or Not, maple, no-bake dessert | Comments Off on Bready or Not Original: Hard Maple Candy

            This Hard Maple Candy garnered the name “Canadian meth” at my husband’s work. By that nickname, I take it that they 1) liked it, and 2) kept eating it.

            Bready or Not Original: Hard Maple Candy

            On a more personal note, this candy could also work as a shiv, because this stuff is like GLASS. Trust me when I say that if you decide to break this into pieces with your hands, you will get little cuts all over. Ow.

            So maybe tap the candy gently with the butt of a butter knife or use a little mallet, whatever you have that will break the candy apart without harming your pan, counter, or you.

            Bready or Not Original: Hard Maple Candy

            Once you survive that stage, though, wow will you have a lot of candy to enjoy. Definitely make this to share with a crowd, or you just might go into diabetic shock.

            Bready or Not Original: Hard Maple Candy

            It’d be a delicious way to go, but seriously, I don’t recommend going at all. We’ve made it this far in 2020. Hold on a while longer.

            Bready or Not Original: Hard Maple Candy

            This super-easy recipe makes a LOT of hard maple candy that is best sucked on, not chewed. Perfect for holiday gifts!
            Course: Dessert
            Cuisine: American, Canadian
            Keyword: candy, maple, no bake
            Author: Beth Cato

            Equipment

            • 15x10x1-inch pan (jelly roll pan)
            • candy thermometer

            Ingredients

            • nonstick spray
            • 3 1/2 cup white sugar
            • 1 cup light corn syrup
            • 1 cup water
            • 3 Tablespoons maple flavor

            Instructions

            • Heavily apply nonstick spray to the jelly roll pan.
            • In a large saucepan, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Start heating up. Set up candy thermometer and stir frequently as the heat rises to 300-degrees, which is hard-crack stage.
            • Remove pan from heat. Stir in maple flavoring. Immediately pour candy into the prepared pan. Cool completely, which won’t take long.
            • Carefully break into pieces. Note that this stuff is like candy glass, and if breaking with hands, it can and will cut the skin.
            • Pack into individual bags or tins for gift-giving, or stack it in a large sealed container with waxed paper between layers. Can keep for weeks.

            OM NOM NOM!

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