It wouldn’t be The Toffee Kitchen without an English Toffee recipe. I remember my first time trying Skor candy Bar, I said wow what have I been missing? I have never had toffee before in my life. This is weird because I have been baking my entire life, it just wasn’t a thing I was ever introduced to growing up. Ever since that day, I became obsessed with Toffee. I spent time after time mastering a good toffee. Well, it paid off because now during the holidays I send barks of toffee to my family and friends. And they LOVE it!! So do I!
Let’s Take a Step Back
What’s the difference between Toffee & Caramel?
If you have tried toffee before you probably thought this is a hard caramel right? Well here’s the difference, Caramel is softer it is made out of sugar, water, and cream. Toffee is made out of sugar and butter more of a hardened brittle state. Temperature plays a huge difference, Caramel is heated to 248F known as the “firm ball” while Toffee is heated to 290F known as the “hard crack stage”
Another difference, Toffee is often combined with nuts such as almonds and semi sweet chocolate to create a classic English Toffee.
How do I make Toffee?
- Prepare a baking sheet pan with a silicone mat or by spraying it with cooking oil.
- In a heavy pot over low heat, melt the butter and sugar together. Bring to a boil, stirring slowly. Using a candy thermometer once the mixture reaches 290°F it will be a light amber color. Remove from heat, add the salt, vanilla, and chopped almonds. Give it a stir.
- Pour into the prepared baking sheet pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Let sit until melted, spread evenly with an offset spatula. Add more nuts or holiday sprinkles, let it cool completely.
Helpful Tips
Use a candy thermometer! Its your best friend. I use this candy thermometer.
Never step away from the sugar when its cooking. It only takes a few seconds of neglect for sugar to burn.
Cook your mixture in a larger pot, as the sugar cooks it can produce large bubbles as it turns into a liquid or when additional ingredients are added.
English Toffee
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla Extract
- ½ cup chopped almonds
- 2 cups semi-Sweet Chocolate chips
- holiday Sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet pan with a silicone mat or by spraying it with cooking oil.
- In a heavy pot over low heat, melt the butter and sugar together. Bring to a boil, stirring slowly. Using a candy thermometer once the mixture reaches 290°F it will be a light amber color. Remove from heat, add the salt, vanilla, and chopped almonds. Give it a stir.
- Pour into the prepared baking sheet pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Let sit until melted, spread evenly with an offset spatula. Add Sprinkles, let it cool completely.
- Once cooled completely, break into pieces. Store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to one month.
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