Description
This classic toffee recipe delivers a rich, buttery treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and nuts, topped with melted chocolate, it’s a delightful homemade confection that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Toffee Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds or pecans
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the toffee from sticking and to allow easy removal once set.
- Cook Toffee Mixture: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add granulated sugar and salt, stirring continuously. Cook the mixture until it reaches 285°F (140°C) on a candy thermometer, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes. This temperature ensures the toffee achieves the perfect hard crack stage.
- Add Vanilla and Pour: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly, then immediately pour the hot toffee mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly with a spatula or spoon.
- Apply Chocolate Topping: Quickly sprinkle the semisweet or dark chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee. Let the chocolate chips sit for about a minute to soften and melt, then spread the chocolate in an even layer using a spatula.
- Add Nuts and Set: Sprinkle the chopped almonds or pecans evenly over the melted chocolate layer. Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting until firm.
- Break and Store: Once the toffee is fully set and hardened, break it into bite-sized pieces. Store the toffee in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to avoid burning or undercooking the toffee.
- You can customize the nuts to your preference or omit them for a nut-free version.
- Store toffee at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Be careful when handling hot sugar mixtures to avoid burns.
- For a glossier chocolate layer, use high-quality chocolate chips or couverture chocolate.
