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Easy Homemade Toffee - An unbelievably easy peasy, no-fuss, homemade toffee recipe (even for you first-timers!). So perfect for the holidays!

An unbelievably easy peasy, no-fuss, homemade toffee recipe (even for you first-timers!). So perfect for the holidays!

Easy Homemade Toffee - An unbelievably easy peasy, no-fuss, homemade toffee recipe (even for you first-timers!). So perfect for the holidays!

Need an easy budget-friendly holiday gift for neighbors, teachers, friends and family? Some candy to munch on for all of December? I have you completely covered with this easy homemade toffee recipe.

But never made toffee before? Don’t have a candy thermometer? Don’t you worry, I got you. With the ins and outs, dos and donts, tips and tricks, a step-by-step video guide, you’ll be making so much toffee in no time!

Easy Homemade Toffee - An unbelievably easy peasy, no-fuss, homemade toffee recipe (even for you first-timers!). So perfect for the holidays!

what is the difference between toffee and caramel?

  • Both toffee and caramel are made from sugar and butter, but toffee is cooked at a much higher temperature than caramel, resulting in a hard and brittle texture known as the “hard-crack” stage.
  • Caramel has a creamier, thicker consistency and typically does not contain butter, yielding a soft and chewy end result.
Easy Homemade Toffee - An unbelievably easy peasy, no-fuss, homemade toffee recipe (even for you first-timers!). So perfect for the holidays!

Ingredients

Almonds

We love whole almonds but you can improvise with your favorite nuts such as walnuts or pecans.

Butter

A quintessential toffee ingredient! We always recommend using unsalted butter as it allows for more control and consistency. You can of course replace unsalted butter with salted butter in a pinch, reducing the amount of salt indicated in the recipe, and adding to taste.

Sugar

Granulated sugar is a must. We do not recommend using brown sugar as the molasses in the brown sugar has a higher chance of burning and scorching.

Vanilla extract

For added flavor! You can omit if needed, but the subtle notes of vanilla flavors certainly takes this toffee to the next level.

Salt

A little bit of salt allows the other flavors of the toffee to shine through.

Chocolate chips

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are perfect here, melting their way over the hot toffee.

Pecans

An added crunch as a finishing touch! But you can also use almonds, pistachios or walnuts.

Easy Homemade Toffee - An unbelievably easy peasy, no-fuss, homemade toffee recipe (even for you first-timers!). So perfect for the holidays!

tips and tricks for success

  • Patience. Making toffee is a labor of love. Do not try to rush the process and increase the heat for faster results.
  • Use a heavy saucepan. A heavy bottom saucepan is key for even heat distribution. A thin bottom saucepan tends to heat too fast, causing separation and burning.
  • Avoid abrupt temperature changes. A sudden drop or increase in temperature can cause separation. We want to keep the temperature consistent and steady.
  • Use a jar of peanut butter as a color guide. Known as the “peanut butter trick”, it is helpful to have a jar of peanut butter handy in order to cook the hot toffee until it resembles approximately the same color as peanut butter.
Easy Homemade Toffee - An unbelievably easy peasy, no-fuss, homemade toffee recipe (even for you first-timers!). So perfect for the holidays!

Storing and freezing HOMEMADE TOFFEE

  • At room temperature. Leftover toffee can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week with layers separated by wax paper to avoid from getting sticky.
  • In the refrigerator. Leftover toffee can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 weeks with layers separated by wax paper to avoid from getting sticky.
  • In the freezer. Leftover toffee can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To freeze toffee, place the leftover toffee pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet (making sure the pieces are not touching), covered, and place in the freezer until frozen. This can take a few hours or overnight. Once frozen, transfer the frozen toffee pieces into freezer bags, squeezing out any excess air before sealing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Easy Homemade Toffee - An unbelievably easy peasy, no-fuss, homemade toffee recipe (even for you first-timers!). So perfect for the holidays!

Tools For This Recipe

Baking sheet

Silicone baking mat

Saucepan

Easy Homemade Toffee: Frequently Asked Questions

My toffee separated. What did I do wrong?

We recommend using a heavy saucepan for the best results possible, and to avoid any abrupt temperature changes during the cooking process. In some cases, separated toffee can be salvaged by removing from heat and whisking vigorously and constantly.

What kind of almonds should I use?

We recommend using whole almonds but pecans, pistachios or walnuts will also work very well here.

Do I need to use a candy thermometer?

A candy thermometer is not necessary here. The beauty of this recipe is its ease and simplicity!

What is the peanut butter trick?

This is a handy trick to help cook the toffee mixture until it resembles the color of peanut butter.

How can I store leftover toffee?

Homemade toffee can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week (away from heat) or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, letting it come to room temperature prior to serving.

I am very nervous to make toffee for the first time. Do you have a step-by-step video for this recipe?

Here is a foolproof step-by-step video guide for a stress-free toffee!

Easy Homemade Toffee

An unbelievably easy peasy, no-fuss, homemade toffee recipe (even for you first-timers!). So perfect for the holidays!
4.9 stars (72 ratings)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • Spread almonds in an even layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Place into oven and bake until toasted, about 10 minutes; set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine butter, sugar vanilla and salt over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until butter has melted and mixture is almond brown in color, about 10-15 minutes.
  • Immediately spread the hot toffee mixture evenly over the almonds. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. After 1-2 minutes, spread the chocolate chips in an even layer until smooth. Sprinkle with pecans.
  • Let cool completely, about 2 hours. Break into pieces.

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