Homemade Toffee Recipe
Indulge in the sweet, buttery goodness of homemade toffee with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself, this toffee is sure to impress!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-45 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 20 pieces
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as almonds or pecans)
Equipment Needed
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Heat-resistant spatula
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
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Line the Baking Sheet: Start by preparing a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper and set aside. This will be where you pour the toffee once it\’s ready.
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Gather Ingredients: Measure out all ingredients and have them ready to go. Candy making requires quick action, so being organized is key.
Step 2: Cook the Toffee
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Melt the Butter: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it melts evenly.
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Add Sugar and Corn Syrup: Once the butter is melted, add the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir the mixture until it is well combined.
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Heat to Hard Crack Stage: Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bottom of the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Do not stir once it starts boiling.
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Monitor the Temperature: Keep a close eye on the thermometer. You want to cook the mixture until it reaches the hard crack stage, which is between 300°F to 310°F (150°C to 155°C). This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
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Add Vanilla: Once the temperature is reached, remove the saucepan from the heat. Quickly stir in the vanilla extract. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up.
Step 3: Pour and Cool
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Pour the Toffee: Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a heat-resistant spatula to spread it evenly if necessary.
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Let it Cool: Allow the toffee to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add Chocolate and Nuts
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Melt the Chocolate: While the toffee is cooling, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
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Spread the Chocolate: Once the toffee has cooled slightly but is still warm, pour the melted chocolate over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
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Add Nuts: If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the melted chocolate and gently press them in with the spatula.
Step 5: Final Cooling and Breaking
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Cool Completely: Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature. This may take about 1-2 hours, or you can place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
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Break into Pieces: Once fully cooled and hardened, break the toffee into pieces. You can use a sharp knife or simply break it with your hands.
Step 6: Storage
Store the homemade toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Nutritional Information (per piece, based on 20 servings)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Tips for Success
- Use a Candy Thermometer: Precision is key in candy making. A candy thermometer ensures you achieve the right temperature for the hard crack stage.
- Be Cautious with Hot Sugar: The toffee mixture will be extremely hot. Handle with care to avoid burns.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different extracts (like almond) or spices (like cinnamon) to customize your toffee.
Enjoy your homemade toffee as a delightful treat or share it with friends and family for a sweet surprise!
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