Description
A classic English Toffee recipe featuring a rich, buttery toffee base topped with melted dark chocolate and toasted pecans. This easy-to-make confection combines the crunch of toasted nuts with smooth chocolate, perfect for gifting or indulgent snacking.
Ingredients
Toffee Base
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 2 1/2 cups salted butter (room temperature)
- 3 cups + 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 4 cups dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Pans and Toast Pecans: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside. Add the chopped pecans to a medium-sized skillet and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and lightly toasted. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Melt Butter and Combine Sugar Mixture: In a large saucepan, melt the room temperature butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir the mixture to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer the Toffee Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage at 300°F (149°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Pour and Spread Toffee: Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Allow it to set undisturbed for about 5 minutes.
- Add Chocolate Layer: Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips evenly over the warm toffee. Let sit for 1 minute to melt the chocolate chips, then use an offset or rubber spatula to spread the chocolate into a smooth, even layer.
- Add Toasted Pecans and Cool: Sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly on top of the melted chocolate layer. Allow the whole toffee to cool at room temperature until completely set, about 1-2 hours.
- Break and Serve: Once fully cooled and hardened, break the toffee into pieces. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the toffee reaches the correct temperature for proper texture.
- Be very careful when handling hot sugar mixtures to avoid burns.
- Room temperature butter melts more evenly and helps the toffee texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
