Indulge in this classic homemade toffee recipe, a rich and buttery treat topped with smooth chocolate and crunchy nuts. Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion, this easy toffee recipe uses simple pantry ingredients like sugar, butter, and chocolate to create a delicious dessert. Learn how to make toffee candy that’s crisp, sweet, and melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making it as a gift, party snack, or an indulgent dessert, this recipe delivers irresistible results every time.

Customize it with dark chocolate, sea salt, or your favorite nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts. Follow our tips for the perfect caramelized toffee texture and achieve flawless results every time. Discover why this is one of the best easy candy recipes for gifting and entertaining!
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds (or your favorite nuts), toasted and coarsely chopped, divided (see notes below)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 lb unsalted butter (2 sticks or 1 cup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Grease a 9×12 or 9×9 metal baking dish, then line it with parchment paper. Do not grease the top of the parchment paper.
Step 2: Toast the Nuts
Heat whole almonds in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent burning. Alternatively, roast the nuts on a baking sheet at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. Coarsely chop the almonds and spread half evenly into the parchment-lined baking dish. Reserve the other half for topping.
Step 3: Make the Toffee Base
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan (3-4 quarts), combine the butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the butter melts and the mixture begins to boil.
Continue stirring slowly and consistently until the mixture reaches a rich caramel color and a temperature of 300-310°F on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage). This will take 8-10 minutes. Watch closely as the toffee will darken quickly toward the end.
Step 4: Pour the Toffee
Carefully pour the hot toffee into the prepared baking dish over the layer of nuts. Tilt the pan to spread the toffee evenly. It doesn’t need to be perfect or reach the edges.
Step 5: Add Chocolate and Nuts
While the toffee is still hot, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. Let them sit for 2 minutes until softened, then use an offset spatula to spread the chocolate evenly. Sprinkle the remaining nuts over the chocolate layer, pressing them lightly to adhere.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate is fully set. Once firm, cut or break the toffee into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips
- Use a Candy Thermometer: Ensuring the toffee reaches the hard crack stage (300-310°F) is key for achieving the perfect texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir constantly but avoid rapid or vigorous stirring, which can cause the toffee to crystallize.
- Cooling Time: Be patient—allow the toffee to fully cool for a crisp texture and set chocolate layer.
Variations and Substitutions
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts for a plain chocolate toffee or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Dark Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Flavored Extracts: Try almond or hazelnut extract instead of vanilla for a twist.
- Sprinkle Toppings: Add a sprinkle of sea salt, shredded coconut, or crushed candy canes on top of the chocolate.
FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes, but reduce or omit the additional sea salt to avoid an overly salty flavor.
Q: How do I know when the toffee is ready?
A: The toffee should reach 300-310°F and turn a deep amber color. It should also form a brittle crack when dropped into cold water.
Q: Can I freeze the toffee?
A: Yes, wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Break the toffee into pieces and serve as a dessert platter alongside coffee or tea.
- Crumble it over ice cream, yogurt, or pudding for a crunchy topping.
- Gift it in decorative tins or jars for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up anytime.
- Perfect Crunch: The rich buttery toffee combined with smooth chocolate and crunchy nuts is irresistible.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Great for Gifting: Homemade toffee makes a thoughtful and delicious gift for any occasion.
Enjoy making this classic, crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Homemade Toffee Recipe
24
servings15
minutes15
minutesIngredients
1 cup almonds (or your favorite nuts), toasted and coarsely chopped, divided (see notes below)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 lb unsalted butter (2 sticks or 1 cup)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate)
Directions
- Step 1: Prep Your Pan
- Grease a 9×12 or 9×9 metal baking dish, then line it with parchment paper. Do not grease the top of the parchment paper.
- Step 2: Toast the Nuts
- Heat whole almonds in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent burning. Alternatively, roast the nuts on a baking sheet at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. Coarsely chop the almonds and spread half evenly into the parchment-lined baking dish. Reserve the other half for topping.
- Step 3: Make the Toffee Base
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan (3-4 quarts), combine the butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the butter melts and the mixture begins to boil.
- Continue stirring slowly and consistently until the mixture reaches a rich caramel color and a temperature of 300-310°F on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage). This will take 8-10 minutes. Watch closely as the toffee will darken quickly toward the end.
- Step 4: Pour the Toffee
- Carefully pour the hot toffee into the prepared baking dish over the layer of nuts. Tilt the pan to spread the toffee evenly. It doesn’t need to be perfect or reach the edges.
- Step 5: Add Chocolate and Nuts
- While the toffee is still hot, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. Let them sit for 2 minutes until softened, then use an offset spatula to spread the chocolate evenly. Sprinkle the remaining nuts over the chocolate layer, pressing them lightly to adhere.
- Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate is fully set. Once firm, cut or break the toffee into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
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