Bourbon Graham Cracker Candy
There’s something truly magical about simple recipes that bring so much joy. This Bourbon Graham Cracker Candy has quickly become a staple in my household—especially during those busy weeks when everyone needs a little pick-me-up. The first time I made this, it was on a whim; I had graham crackers sitting in the pantry, pecans that needed to be used, and a craving for something sweet but not overly complicated. And let me tell you, the moment that rich bourbon caramel sauce hit the crispy graham crackers and baked into that sweet, buttery perfection, my entire family was hooked.
When I pulled the tray out of the oven and let it cool, we couldn’t wait to break off pieces and dive in. The combination of crunchy crackers, smooth caramel, and that slight hint of bourbon took us all by surprise. My husband’s eyes widened with every bite, and the kids giggled with sticky hands and sweet-tooth satisfaction. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough to serve guests but is incredibly easy to make—a true lifesaver for busy moms like me.
This candy is perfect for holiday gifting, potlucks, or just having a stash ready for those late-night cravings. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s a little bit indulgent, a little bit sophisticated, and guaranteed to put smiles on faces, this is it. I can’t wait for you to try it and share in the joy this treat brings to our family!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I skip the bourbon?
Yes! If you want to make this kid-friendly or prefer not to use alcohol, you can leave out the bourbon and it will still taste amazing. Just replace the bourbon with a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
How long does this candy stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it can last up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to two months.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! While pecans give this candy a wonderful buttery flavor, you can swap them out for walnuts, almonds, or even peanuts.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. It tastes just as good a few days after making it!
What You Need to Make Bourbon Graham Cracker Candy
Ingredients:
12 full sheets of graham crackers
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons bourbon
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans, roughly chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Optional: A sprinkle of sea salt for garnish
Special Tools:
Rimmed baking sheet (approximately 9×13 inches)
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Saucepan
Spatula or spoon for spreading
How to Make Bourbon Graham Cracker Candy
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Arrange the graham crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, breaking pieces to fit if needed.
Make the bourbon caramel sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the bourbon and salt (it may bubble up).
Pour the caramel sauce over the graham crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover all the crackers.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top.
Bake for 10 minutes until the caramel is bubbling.
Cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking into pieces. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with sea salt and additional pecans if desired.
Tips:
Line your pan: Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat ensures easy removal and less mess.
Don’t skip boiling the caramel: Letting the caramel boil for 3 minutes is key to achieving that perfect texture.
Customize it: Feel free to experiment with toppings like chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of white chocolate.
Work quickly: The caramel sauce sets fast, so spread it over the graham crackers right away.
Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is my go-to treat for holidays! It’s so simple yet tastes like you spent hours making it. My family LOVES it!” – Jessica M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Tried this for a party and it was gone in minutes. The bourbon adds such a nice depth of flavor.” – Emily R.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Delicious and easy! Next time, I’ll add a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra pop.” – Nicole S.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Really good, but I wish the bourbon flavor was stronger. Still, everyone enjoyed it!” – David T.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect for busy nights when you want a quick dessert. My kids couldn’t stop eating it!” – Lisa K.
Printable Recipe
Bourbon Graham Cracker Candy
Crunchy graham crackers topped with a rich bourbon caramel sauce and toasted pecans. This simple yet indulgent treat is perfect for holidays, parties, or a quick homemade dessert!
Ingredients
- 12 full sheets of graham crackers
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: A sprinkle of sea salt for garnish
- Special Tools:
- Rimmed baking sheet (approximately 9x13 inches)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Saucepan
- Spatula or spoon for spreading
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the graham crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, breaking pieces to fit if needed.
- Make the bourbon caramel sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the bourbon and salt (it may bubble up).
- Pour the caramel sauce over the graham crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover all the crackers.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top.
- Bake for 10 minutes until the caramel is bubbling.
- Cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking into pieces. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with sea salt and additional pecans if desired.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
I love sharing recipes that bring joy to my family, and if this Bourbon Graham Cracker Candy made your day a little sweeter, spread the love! Share it on your social media, pin it on Pinterest, or send it to a friend who’s always looking for a new treat to try. After all, good food is even better when shared with those you care about. Thank you for being part of our little kitchen family!