DIY Candy Button Graham Cracker Bars: A Sweet Blast From the Past!
Remember those whimsical candy buttons from childhood, with tiny colorful dots adhered to a strip of paper? There’s an undeniable charm to these vintage treats that has allowed them to endure through decades, captivating generations with their simple, playful appeal. While the original paper-backed candies were a fun novelty, we often wished for a version that was a bit more substantial and, dare we say, *tastier*. Well, get ready to dive into a delightful project that transforms this classic concept into something truly extraordinary: homemade Candy Button Graham Cracker Bars!
The inspiration for these irresistible bars struck a few weeks ago, during a casual browse through Party City. The sight of those familiar little candy buttons instantly sparked an idea: why not combine the beloved look with a more satisfying texture and flavor? With a pantry always stocked with graham crackers (because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love them?), and a colorful array of Sixlet candies on hand, the task was clear. The mission was simple yet brilliant: smother crisp graham crackers with a silky layer of melted almond bark, then adorn them with vibrant Sixlets to craft a truly elevated and incredibly delicious version of those dotted nostalgic treats. The result? A perfectly sweet, crunchy, and visually appealing bar that’s guaranteed to bring smiles.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Candy Button Bars
These Candy Button Graham Cracker Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience! Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household:
- Effortlessly Easy: Forget complicated baking techniques or extensive ingredient lists. This is a truly no-bake recipe that anyone can master. Melting, pouring, and decorating are the main steps, making it accessible for even novice cooks.
- Nostalgic Charm: They perfectly capture the fun and whimsy of classic candy buttons, but with a grown-up (or at least, more satisfying) twist. It’s a treat that tastes like childhood memories.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Little hands will love helping to arrange the colorful Sixlets on the still-wet almond bark. It’s a fantastic way to involve children in the kitchen and let their creativity shine. Even spreading the almond bark (once it’s cooled slightly, or using white frosting for younger kids) can be a fun activity!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From birthday parties and baby showers to holiday gatherings or just a weekend snack, these bars fit right in. They make excellent party favors, dessert platter additions, or simply a sweet indulgence.
- Customization Galore: While Sixlets provide that iconic candy button look, the possibilities for customization are endless. Explore different colors, types of candies, or even add flavorings to your almond bark!
- Superior Taste: Let’s be honest, the original candy buttons were more about the novelty. These bars offer a delightful combination of crunchy graham cracker, smooth, sweet almond bark, and the satisfying pop of Sixlets – a truly delicious upgrade.
Crafting Your Candy Button Graham Crackers: A Simple Process
Making these delightful bars truly couldn’t be easier. The key is in a simple setup and efficient execution, especially when working with almond bark. Here’s a closer look at the process:
Begin by preparing your workspace. Lay a large piece of parchment paper directly under a wire cooling rack. This crucial step serves two purposes: it catches any drips from the almond bark, making cleanup a breeze, and it provides a non-stick surface for scraping up excess bark to reuse. Arrange your graham crackers neatly on top of the wire rack, ensuring there’s a small space between each one. This allows for even coating and prevents them from sticking together as the bark sets.
Once your crackers are positioned, it’s time for the star of the show: the melted almond bark. Carefully melt the almond bark according to the package instructions. Pour the smooth, melted bark generously over the top of each graham cracker, aiming for a thick, even coating. While you *could* dip the graham crackers into a bowl of almond bark, this method can be tricky since graham crackers are quite fragile and prone to breaking. The pouring method, on the other hand, minimizes handling and ensures a beautifully smooth finish without risking breakage. Don’t worry about excess; you can easily use a spatula to scrape the almond bark “drippings” off the parchment paper below and add them back to your bowl for reuse, ensuring minimal waste.
Speed is essential when it comes to decorating, as almond bark hardens relatively quickly. I highly recommend working in small batches – coating 4-5 graham crackers at a time – and then swiftly adding your colorful Sixlets before the coating has a chance to set completely. This ensures the candies adhere properly and securely. The amount of almond bark you use per cracker is entirely up to your preference; for a fully opaque and decadent coating that completely hides the cracker beneath, be generous with your pour. After all, more almond bark generally translates to even tastier treats!
Candy Button Graham Cracker Bars
Rate
Ingredients
- 8 Graham Crackers
- 12 ounces White Almond Bark
- Pink, Yellow, and Blue Sixlets (or your favorite small candies)
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Instructions
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Lay a large piece of parchment paper on your counter to protect the surface and catch drips, then place a wire cooling rack on top of the parchment paper.
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Carefully arrange the graham crackers on the wire rack, ensuring a small gap of 1-2 inches between each cracker to prevent them from sticking together.
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Melt the white almond bark according to the specific instructions provided on its package. Once smooth and fluid, pour the melted almond bark over the top of each graham cracker (working one at a time or in small batches). You might find it helpful to use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to gently guide the almond bark to cover all corners and edges for a complete, even coating.
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Immediately after coating a cracker, quickly add the Sixlets to the wet almond bark. For a classic look, place 6 blue, 6 yellow, and 6 pink Sixlets onto the top of each individual bar. Work quickly, as the almond bark begins to set fast!
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Allow the almond bark to completely harden at room temperature (or in the refrigerator for faster setting) before serving, cutting into pieces, or storing. This ensures a crisp, non-sticky finish.
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Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 41g |
Fat: 13g |
Saturated Fat: 12g |
Sodium: 104mg |
Potassium: 24mg |
Sugar: 33g |
Calcium: 11mg |
Iron: 0.6mg
Tips for Perfect Candy Button Graham Cracker Bars Every Time
- Melt with Care: Almond bark can seize or burn if overheated. Use a microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30-60 seconds until smooth, or a double boiler for gentle, even melting.
- Work in Batches: As mentioned in the recipe, speed is your friend. Coating 4-5 crackers at a time ensures you have enough working time to place the Sixlets before the bark hardens.
- Don’t Be Shy with the Bark: A generous coating not only tastes better but also creates a smoother, more appealing surface for your “candy buttons.” It also helps to fully encase the cracker, preventing moisture loss and keeping it fresher longer.
- Save the Drips: The parchment paper and wire rack setup is perfect for catching excess almond bark. Scrape it off and add it back to your melting bowl – it’s perfectly reusable!
- Chill for Speed: If you’re short on time, a quick stint in the refrigerator (about 10-15 minutes) will help the almond bark set much faster than at room temperature.
- Creative Placement: Experiment with how you arrange your Sixlets. While a uniform pattern looks neat, a random scattering can also be charming and playful.
Fun Variations and Customization Ideas
One of the best things about these DIY Candy Button Bars is how easily they can be customized to suit any taste or occasion:
- Alternative Candies: Instead of Sixlets, try mini M&Ms, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even small gummy candies. Adjust the size of the candies to fit the “button” aesthetic.
- Different Coatings: While white almond bark offers that classic clean backdrop, feel free to use melted chocolate (milk, dark, or semi-sweet), candy melts in various colors, or even flavored white chocolate for a different taste profile.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a drop or two of food-grade extract to your melted almond bark – peppermint, almond, orange, or even a hint of vanilla can transform the flavor. Just be sure not to add too much liquid, which can cause the bark to seize.
- Cracker Alternatives: Graham crackers provide a perfect base, but you could also experiment with vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even pretzel sticks for a sweet and salty twist.
- Themed Treats: Use specific colored Sixlets or sprinkles to match a holiday or party theme. Red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, orange and black for Halloween – the possibilities are endless!
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Once your Candy Button Graham Cracker Bars are set, they’re ready to be enjoyed! These make such fun vintage candy party treats or unique birthday party favors. For gifting or party take-homes, simply pop each bar into a clear plastic bag, tie it with a pretty ribbon, add a custom tag, and send each guest home with a delightful, homemade candy button graham cracker instead of a super sugary, store-bought candy bar.
To store any leftover bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. If your home is particularly warm, or for extended freshness, you can also store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature for optimal flavor and texture before serving.
A Fun Activity for Everyone!
Beyond being a delicious snack, these bars offer a fantastic opportunity for a fun activity with the kids. Let them take the lead (with appropriate supervision, of course!). They can help spread the almond bark – or if they’re too young for warm bark, white frosting or melted candy melts work just as well! – and then unleash their creativity decorating each one with the colorful Sixlets. The results might not be “picture-perfect” by adult standards, but the joy and pride they’ll feel in creating their own homemade candy button treats will be priceless. It’s a wonderful way to make memories and enjoy a sweet, nostalgic project together. So gather your ingredients, call up your little helpers, and get ready to create some truly magical and memorable Candy Button Graham Cracker Bars!