Description
Crisp homemade toffee delights chocolate lovers with its rich, buttery essence. Walnut-studded layers and silky chocolate create an irresistible sweet treat perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226 g / 2 sticks / 8 oz) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 g / 7.1 oz) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- 1 cup (170 g / 6 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preparation: Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat, ensuring complete surface protection for effortless toffee removal.
- Melting Foundation: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine butter, sugar, and salt over medium heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until ingredients melt and integrate smoothly, preventing sugar crystallization.
- Caramelization Process: Continue cooking, maintaining constant stirring to prevent scorching. Track the color transformation to a deep golden amber and monitor temperature using a candy thermometer until reaching precisely 300F (hard crack stage), which typically occurs within 10-15 minutes of careful heating.
- Flavor Infusion: Remove from heat and instantly incorporate vanilla extract, vigorously mixing to distribute aromatic essence throughout the toffee base.
- Toffee Layering: Pour molten toffee onto prepared baking sheet, spreading uniformly with a spatula to create an even, smooth surface. Immediately distribute chocolate chips across the hot toffee, allowing residual heat to soften them for 2-3 minutes.
- Chocolate and Nut Topping: Spread melted chocolate into a seamless layer, then delicately sprinkle chopped nuts across the surface, gently pressing to ensure adherence.
- Cooling and Setting: Allow toffee to cool completely at room temperature or expedite the process by refrigerating. Wait 1-2 hours until the confection becomes fully hardened and set.
- Final Presentation: Break the toffee into irregular, rustic pieces, creating an artisanal treat ready for serving and indulging.
Notes
- Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Brush down pan sides with water during cooking to stop sugar crystals from forming, ensuring smooth, glossy toffee texture.
- Temperature Precision: Use a reliable candy thermometer and remove from heat immediately at 300F to avoid burning, which can create bitter, acrid flavors.
- Chocolate Melting Technique: Let chocolate chips sit undisturbed after sprinkling to melt naturally from toffee’s residual heat, promoting even, silky chocolate coating.
- Nut Alternative Options: Swap traditional nuts with seeds or coconut flakes for allergy-friendly versions, maintaining delightful crunch and added flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Caramelizing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg