If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious, this Simple English Toffee is just the recipe for you! With its rich, buttery base, smooth chocolate topping, and optional crunchy pecans, this toffee strikes the perfect balance between sweet and satisfying. Whether it’s for a holiday gift or a homemade indulgence, this toffee will become your go-to candy recipe in no time!
Why You’ll Love It:
This Simple English Toffee is a treat you’ll fall in love with at first bite. It’s buttery, crunchy, and perfectly sweet with a delicate layer of smooth chocolate. The addition of pecans adds a delightful nutty crunch, but the recipe shines even without them. Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or trying to make toffee for the first time, this recipe is foolproof and comes together with just a few ingredients. Perfect for holidays, gift-giving, or simply indulging at home!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt the butter and sugar: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar and stir constantly until the mixture turns a rich caramel color (about 10-15 minutes).
- Add vanilla: Once the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Spread the toffee: Immediately pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Add chocolate: Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Allow them to melt, then spread the chocolate evenly across the surface.
- Toppings: If using, sprinkle chopped pecans over the melted chocolate.
- Cool: Let the toffee set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until firm, then break into pieces.
Key Tips for Perfect English Toffee:
- Use a Candy Thermometer: Toffee is all about reaching the right temperature. Aim for 300°F (the “hard crack” stage) to get that perfect crunch. If you don’t have a thermometer, watch for the mixture to turn a deep amber color.
- Stir Constantly: Keep stirring the butter and sugar mixture to prevent it from burning. The sugar can caramelize quickly, so stay attentive.
- Use Even Heat: Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the sugar. Too high, and the toffee may scorch; too low, and it may not set properly.
- Prep Everything in Advance: Once the toffee reaches the right temperature, it needs to be poured and spread quickly. Have your pan, chocolate, and toppings ready to go.
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your toffee will depend largely on the quality of the butter and chocolate you use. Opt for real butter and good-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the best taste.
- Let It Cool Completely: Patience is key here! Allow the toffee to cool at room temperature or in the fridge before breaking it into pieces. This helps ensure the perfect snap when you break it.