Description
This homemade toffee recipe is a delightful blend of rich, buttery flavors combined with the crunch of pecans and the smoothness of melted chocolate. Perfect for a sweet treat or a thoughtful gift, this toffee is simple to make and utterly irresistible.
Who is This Recipe For?
This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves homemade candy and enjoys the combination of crunchy nuts, buttery toffee, and chocolate. It’s perfect for those looking to impress guests, create holiday gifts, or simply indulge in a sweet snack.
Why It’s Great
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and steps, this recipe is approachable for even beginner cooks.
- Delicious Layers: The combination of crunchy pecans, rich toffee, and creamy chocolate creates a flavor and texture that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Gifting: Packaged in a decorative tin or box, this toffee makes a great homemade gift for friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
How to Make Homemade Toffee
- Prepare Your Dish: Lightly coat a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper. Spread the chopped pecans evenly over the parchment.
- Cook the Toffee: In a heavy-bottomed 3-quart pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the sugar and salt, stirring frequently until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Bring to Temperature: Allow the mixture to come to a boil, continuing to stir occasionally. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, cooking the toffee until it reaches between 290°F and 300°F, known as the “hard crack” stage.
- Add Flavoring: Once the toffee reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour and Set: Pour the hot toffee mixture over the pecans in the prepared dish. Let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes to begin setting.
- Add Chocolate: Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the warm toffee. Cover the dish with foil and let it sit for 5 minutes, allowing the chocolate to melt.
- Spread the Chocolate: After the chocolate has softened, remove the foil and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly over the toffee layer.
- Cool and Break: Place the dish in the refrigerator and let the toffee cool completely, which should take about 2 hours. Once set, lift the parchment paper out of the dish and break the toffee into smaller pieces with a knife.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9-inch square baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Cooking spray
- Heavy-bottomed 3-quart pot
- Candy thermometer
- Offset spatula
- Refrigerator
- Knife
Storage
Store your toffee in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. For extended shelf life, refrigerate the toffee, where it can last up to a month.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to avoid making the toffee too salty.
Can I substitute different nuts?
Certainly! Walnuts or almonds can be used in place of pecans for a different flavor.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
You can test the toffee by dropping a small amount into cold water; if it hardens and cracks, it’s ready.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate offers a richer, slightly less sweet taste.
Conclusion
This homemade toffee recipe is a surefire way to satisfy your sweet cravings or impress your loved ones with a thoughtful, homemade gift. With its crunchy texture and layered flavors, it’s a treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the delightful combination of nuts, toffee, and chocolate any time of the year!
