Oh, chocolate covered graham squares—they’re my go-to happy accident in the kitchen! It all started when my niece showed up unexpectedly one afternoon, begging for a snack. With just graham crackers and some chocolate chips in my pantry, I whipped up these irresistible treats in minutes. The look on her face? Priceless. That’s the magic of chocolate covered graham squares—they’re ridiculously simple but somehow feel special every single time. Whether you’re hosting a party (last-minute panic, anyone?) or just craving something sweet with your coffee, these little squares deliver that perfect crunch-meets-melt-in-your-mouth moment. They’re like the dessert version of a warm hug—comforting, familiar, and always welcome. Check out more of my favorite easy desserts when you’re in a pinch!
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Covered Graham Squares
Let me tell you why these little squares have a permanent spot in my snack rotation:
- No-bake magic: Who needs an oven when you’ve got a microwave and 5 minutes? Perfect for summer days when turning on the stove sounds like torture.
- Three ingredients (seriously!): I’ve made these with just graham crackers and chocolate when I’m down to bare pantry essentials.
- Kid-approved: My niece calls them “chocolate magic crackers” – enough said.
- Your canvas: Sprinkle with sea salt, crushed candy canes, or rainbow sprinkles depending on your mood (or what’s left in your baking cabinet).
- Emergency dessert: When surprise guests show up, these save the day faster than you can say “help yourself!”
The best part? You probably have everything you need to make them right now.
Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Graham Squares
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and trust me, you’ll love how simple this shopping list is! I’ve made these squares more times than I can count, and here’s what you absolutely need (plus one sneaky little trick ingredient that makes all the difference).
For the Base
- 12 graham cracker squares: The classic honey ones work best here – they give that nostalgic flavor we all love. Don’t break them yet though! We’ll keep them whole for that perfect square shape.
For the Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: I always use good quality chips – they melt smoother and taste richer. But hey, in a pinch, any chocolate will do!
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional): Here’s my secret weapon! It makes the chocolate extra glossy and helps it set with that perfect snap. You won’t taste it – promise.
See? I told you this was easy. Now let’s get melting!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Graham Squares
Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making these addictive little squares! I’ve made this recipe so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step. The best part? You’ll be done before your favorite Netflix episode finishes!
- Prep your baking sheet: Grab that parchment paper – trust me, it’s worth the extra minute to line your baking sheet. No sticking, no mess, just perfect squares that pop right off. Learned this the hard way after scraping chocolate off a pan once!
- Arrange your graham crackers: Lay them out in a single layer with a little space between each square. They’re like little edible canvases waiting for their chocolate masterpiece.
- Melt that chocolate: Here’s where patience pays off. Microwave your chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each round. When it’s almost melted but still has a few lumps? Stop! Those last bits will melt as you stir – this prevents overheating.
- Spread the love: Use a spoon or offset spatula to spread chocolate over each square. I like leaving a tiny border of graham cracker showing – it looks rustic and prevents drips.
- The waiting game: Let them set at room temperature (about 30 minutes) or pop them in the fridge for 10 minutes if you’re impatient like me. The coconut oil helps them set with that perfect snap!
Want more no-bake inspiration? Try my favorite no-bake Oreo cheesecake next – it’s just as easy but feels fancy!
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Covered Graham Squares
After making hundreds of these (no exaggeration!), here are my foolproof tips:
- Parchment paper is non-negotiable: Wax paper sticks, foil leaves marks – parchment is the gold standard.
- Timing is everything: Add sprinkles or sea salt while the chocolate’s still slightly wet – about 2 minutes after spreading.
- Storage smarts: Keep them in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll last 3 days at room temp (if they last that long!).
- Chocolate too thick? Add another teaspoon of coconut oil and microwave for 10 more seconds.
The beauty of these squares? Even your “mistakes” taste amazing. Cracked chocolate? Call it artisanal. Uneven coating? Extra homemade charm!
Variations for Chocolate Covered Graham Squares
Oh, the possibilities! Half the fun of these chocolate covered graham squares is playing mad scientist with toppings. Here are my favorite ways to mix things up:
- Sweet & salty: Sprinkle flaky sea salt right after spreading the chocolate – it cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
- Crunch time: Press chopped pecans or almonds into the wet chocolate for extra texture.
- Party ready: Rainbow sprinkles turn these into instant birthday treats (kids go nuts for this version!).
- Double trouble: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the set dark chocolate for a fancy look.
- Dietary swaps: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and skip the coconut oil for vegan friends.
Honestly? I’ve even crushed candy canes over them in December – they’re that versatile!
How to Store Chocolate Covered Graham Squares
Okay, let’s talk storage – because let’s be honest, these rarely last long enough to need storing! But just in case you’ve miraculously resisted eating them all (how?!), here’s how to keep your chocolate covered graham squares fresh and delicious:
At room temperature, pop them in an airtight container with parchment between layers – they’ll stay perfect for about 3 days. If you’re saving them longer, the fridge works too (up to a week), but be warned: condensation can make the chocolate sweat when you take them out. My trick? Let refrigerated squares sit at room temp for 10 minutes before serving – that way the chocolate won’t stick to your fingers!
FAQs About Chocolate Covered Graham Squares
I get so many questions about these addictive little treats – let me answer the ones that pop up most often! After years of making chocolate covered graham squares (and eating way too many test batches), I’ve learned all the tricks.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate makes these squares extra sweet and kid-friendly. Just know it might take longer to set since it has more dairy. I sometimes do half milk, half semi-sweet for the perfect balance. White chocolate works too – though you’ll want to add an extra teaspoon of coconut oil since it tends to be thicker.
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
Ah, the dreaded cracks! Here’s my secret: that tablespoon of coconut oil isn’t just for smooth melting – it keeps the chocolate flexible as it sets. Also, don’t refrigerate them too long (10-15 minutes max) unless it’s really hot out. Room temperature setting gives the chocolate time to settle without stress fractures.
Can I freeze chocolate covered graham squares?
You bet! They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in parchment paper first, then pop in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temp for about 20 minutes – no microwave needed. The graham stays crisp, though the chocolate might lose a tiny bit of its snap.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate without a microwave?
No microwave? No problem! Use a double boiler: heat an inch of water in a saucepan, place a heatproof bowl on top (make sure it doesn’t touch the water), and melt your chocolate slowly over medium-low heat. Stir constantly – patience is key! This method gives you more control and prevents scorching.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Of course! Just swap regular graham crackers for gluten-free ones (they sell great ones at most stores now). The chocolate coating is naturally gluten-free, so you only need to substitute the base. Same delicious taste, no tummy troubles!
Nutritional Information
Let’s be real – we’re not eating chocolate covered graham squares for their health benefits! But since you asked, here’s the scoop: nutritional values are rough estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients. A typical square (with semi-sweet chocolate and no extra toppings) clocks in around 100 calories – totally worth it for that chocolatey crunch! Remember, portion sizes matter (though good luck stopping at just one).
Chocolate Covered Graham Squares
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the graham cracker squares on the baking sheet.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly over each graham cracker square.
- Let the chocolate set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster results.
Notes
Tried this recipe?
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