Indulge in the sweet, buttery goodness of this homemade toffee recipe. Perfect for a treat or a delightful gift during the holiday season, this recipe combines rich caramelized sugar with creamy chocolate and crunchy nuts for an irresistible snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: Requires just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite chocolate and nuts.
- Perfect for Gifting: A thoughtful homemade treat for holidays and special occasions.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays fresh for weeks when stored properly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, or 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk chocolate or semi-sweet)
- 2-4 tablespoons chopped pecans or almonds
Directions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Butter or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt Butter and Sugar: Combine butter, sugar, water, and salt in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until the butter melts and sugar dissolves. Optionally, attach a candy thermometer.
- Simmer and Caramelize: Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a deep amber color or a temperature of 285°-290°F. This will take about 20 minutes.
- Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour and Cool: Spread the caramel mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Add Chocolate: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm toffee and let them sit for 10 minutes until melted. Spread the chocolate evenly with an offset spatula.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the melted chocolate.
- Cool Completely: Let the toffee cool completely at room temperature, then break into pieces to serve.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: Makes approximately 20 servings.
Variations
- Chocolate Options: Try dark, white, or flavored chocolates.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Nut-Free: Skip the nuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle crushed toffee bits or candy pieces on top of the melted chocolate.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store toffee in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: While toffee doesn’t require reheating, you can warm it slightly in the oven (at 250°F for a few minutes) if you want a softer texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt to avoid making the toffee overly salty.
2. How do I prevent the toffee from burning?
Use a heavy-bottomed pan and stir frequently. Monitor the temperature closely with a candy thermometer.
3. Can I make this recipe without a candy thermometer?
Yes, but keep an eye on the color. The caramel should be a deep amber hue.
4. Why didn’t my toffee set properly?
Humidity can affect toffee. Ensure you make it on a dry day and let it cool completely before breaking.
5. Can I substitute the nuts?
Absolutely! Use any nuts or seeds you prefer, or skip them altogether.
6. How long does it take for the chocolate to set?
It typically takes about 30-60 minutes at room temperature, but you can speed it up by refrigerating the toffee.
7. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but use a larger pan to ensure even cooking.
8. What’s the best way to gift homemade toffee?
Wrap pieces in cellophane bags or place them in decorative tins for a festive touch.
9. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for its flavor and consistency, but margarine can work in a pinch.
10. Why is my toffee grainy?
Graininess can occur if the sugar doesn’t fully dissolve. Stir thoroughly while melting the sugar and butter.
Conclusion
This homemade toffee is a simple yet decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a snack or gifted to loved ones, it’s sure to impress with its delightful combination of buttery caramel, creamy chocolate, and crunchy nuts. Make a batch today and savor the magic of this classic candy!
PrintHomemade Toffee Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, buttery goodness of this homemade toffee recipe. Perfect for a treat or a delightful gift during the holiday season, this recipe combines rich caramelized sugar with creamy chocolate and crunchy nuts for an irresistible snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: Requires just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite chocolate and nuts.
- Perfect for Gifting: A thoughtful homemade treat for holidays and special occasions.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays fresh for weeks when stored properly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, or 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk chocolate or semi-sweet)
- 2-4 tablespoons chopped pecans or almonds
Directions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Butter or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt Butter and Sugar: Combine butter, sugar, water, and salt in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until the butter melts and sugar dissolves. Optionally, attach a candy thermometer.
- Simmer and Caramelize: Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a deep amber color or a temperature of 285°-290°F. This will take about 20 minutes.
- Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour and Cool: Spread the caramel mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Add Chocolate: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm toffee and let them sit for 10 minutes until melted. Spread the chocolate evenly with an offset spatula.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the melted chocolate.
- Cool Completely: Let the toffee cool completely at room temperature, then break into pieces to serve.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: Makes approximately 20 servings.
Variations
- Chocolate Options: Try dark, white, or flavored chocolates.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Nut-Free: Skip the nuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle crushed toffee bits or candy pieces on top of the melted chocolate.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store toffee in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: While toffee doesn’t require reheating, you can warm it slightly in the oven (at 250°F for a few minutes) if you want a softer texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt to avoid making the toffee overly salty.
2. How do I prevent the toffee from burning?
Use a heavy-bottomed pan and stir frequently. Monitor the temperature closely with a candy thermometer.
3. Can I make this recipe without a candy thermometer?
Yes, but keep an eye on the color. The caramel should be a deep amber hue.
4. Why didn’t my toffee set properly?
Humidity can affect toffee. Ensure you make it on a dry day and let it cool completely before breaking.
5. Can I substitute the nuts?
Absolutely! Use any nuts or seeds you prefer, or skip them altogether.
6. How long does it take for the chocolate to set?
It typically takes about 30-60 minutes at room temperature, but you can speed it up by refrigerating the toffee.
7. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but use a larger pan to ensure even cooking.
8. What’s the best way to gift homemade toffee?
Wrap pieces in cellophane bags or place them in decorative tins for a festive touch.
9. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for its flavor and consistency, but margarine can work in a pinch.
10. Why is my toffee grainy?
Graininess can occur if the sugar doesn’t fully dissolve. Stir thoroughly while melting the sugar and butter.
Conclusion
This homemade toffee is a simple yet decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a snack or gifted to loved ones, it’s sure to impress with its delightful combination of buttery caramel, creamy chocolate, and crunchy nuts. Make a batch today and savor the magic of this classic candy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
- 2–4 Tablespoons chopped pecans or almonds
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Butter or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix butter, sugar, water, and salt. Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently until butter melts and sugar dissolves.
- Cook to Amber: Simmer the mixture until it reaches a deep amber color and a temperature of 285°-290°F (about 20 minutes). Stir in vanilla and remove from heat.
- Pour and Cool: Pour the toffee onto the prepared baking sheet. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Chocolate Layer: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm toffee. Wait 10 minutes, then spread the melted chocolate evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle nuts over the chocolate layer.
- Set and Serve: Allow toffee to cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
Notes
- Variations: Use dark or white chocolate, and experiment with spices or different nuts.
- Best Conditions: Make toffee on low-humidity days for optimal texture.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months).
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