why make this recipe
English Toffee is a delightful treat that blends sweet and crunchy flavors for the perfect dessert or snack. Making this toffee at home is not only simple, but it’s also a great way to enjoy a classic candy that many people love. You can impress your family and friends with this homemade sweet, and it also makes a fantastic gift!
how to make English Toffee
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 ounce milk chocolate (melted)
- 1 cup unblanched whole almonds
- 1 cup finely ground walnuts
Directions
- Begin by lining a baking dish (11×7) with foil or using a silicone brownie bite pan that holds 24 bites. Arrange the whole almonds in a single layer and set aside.
- In a heavy pan, mix together the butter, margarine, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon. Make sure to really stir all the time until the butter melts.
- Once melted, bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Keep boiling and stirring for an additional 5-7 minutes until the candy turns a golden brown color, similar to the almonds. This should reach about 300 degrees on a candy thermometer.
- Pour the hot toffee over the arranged almonds. If you are using the silicone brownie bite pan, use a small metal scoop to fill each bite quickly.
- Allow the toffee to cool completely, which will take about 2 hours.
- Once cooled and set, spread the melted chocolate over the top of the toffee. Generously sprinkle with ground walnuts. If you plan to do both sides, only use half of the chocolate and walnuts.
- Let the top set before flipping over to do the bottom. Once set, pop the toffee out of the silicone pan or cut into pieces if using a baking dish. Store in airtight containers.
how to serve English Toffee
You can serve English Toffee as a sweet treat after dinner, alongside coffee, or as a snack any time you crave something sweet. It can be enjoyed on its own or shared with friends during gatherings and parties.
how to store English Toffee
Store your English Toffee in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep it fresh and crunchy. If you need to keep it for a longer time, you can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container.
tips to make English Toffee
- Make sure to stir constantly when cooking the mixture to prevent burning.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature reading for perfect toffee.
- You can experiment with different nuts like pecans or hazelnuts for a unique twist.
- If you like it a little saltier, sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt over the chocolate before it sets.
variation
You can change the nuts used in this recipe or use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a different flavor. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top can also enhance the taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine entirely instead of butter?
Yes, you can use all margarine, but using some butter gives a richer flavor.
2. How can I tell when the toffee is ready?
The toffee will turn a golden-brown color and reach about 300 degrees. A candy thermometer is very helpful for this.
3. Can I add more ingredients to the toffee?
Of course! You can add crushed pretzels, different types of chocolate, or other nuts to make it your own!
