Better Than Anything Toffee Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe

The best Toffee recipe EVER! Sweet milk chocolate, crunchy pecans, and rich, buttery toffee – what’s not to love? This Better Than Anything Toffee is easy to make and makes the perfect treat OR gift year-round!

Looking for more holiday treats? Make sure to try myButtermilk Pecan Pralines,Candied Pecans and Divinity!

Better Than Anything Toffee Recipe (1)

Toffee Recipe

The holiday season marks my favorite time of year. If you hadn’t guessed already, I’m a leeetle obsessed with food. Making good food for my friends and family is my happy place. One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is make candy. I have a TON of candy recipes on my site. Some are super easy using only the microwave and a handful of ingredients like these while others are more challenging but worth every second like these Buttermilk Pecan Pralines.

I have my personal favorites that never fail to make an appearance each holiday season and this Better Than Anything Toffee recipe is one of those.

Easy Toffee Candy

This recipe reminds me a lot of old school pound cake recipes in that the amounts are simple to remember. One cup of butter, one cup of sugar, one cup of pecans and one cup of milk chocolate chips. A pinch of salt and a little vanilla extract are optional but add a lot of flavor to this easy candy recipe.

So, why do I love toffee so much? Because EVERYONE else does! I have given a lot of food gifts over the years but trust me, I take note of which ones get the biggest reactions. This Better Than Anything Toffee is one such recipe.

free email course

5 SECRETS TO GETTINGDINNER ON THE TABLE...FAST!

Better Than Anything Toffee Recipe (2)

Best Toffee Ever

Yes! I said easy! I know some of you guys are going to get a little freaked when you see that you need a candy thermometer for this recipe. Don’t.

It makes candy making fun and fool-proof! This entire recipe takes about 20 minutes from chopping the pecans to spreading the chocolate on top. Then you just have to let it chill for awhile while you enjoy a steaming mug of Slow Cooker Peppermint White Hot Chocolate.

I’m gonna put this picture right here just in case you have any doubts that this recipe is absolutely worth your time…

Better Than Anything Toffee Recipe (3)

More Christmas Favorites

  1. Christmas Crack – An Easy Saltine Toffee Recipe!
  2. Christmas Peppermint Patties
  3. Kolaczki (Polish Cookies)
  4. Peppermint Snowball Cookies
  5. Peanut Butter Blossoms

What Is Toffee Made Of?

Not a whole lot as it turns out! There are so many things I love about this Toffee recipe and the short ingredient list is one fo them. As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post.Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

  • pecans – other nuts will work in this recipe too: almonds, walnuts, pistachios, etc.
  • butter – use a good quality butter because it’s one of the main ingredients in this candy recipe.
  • sugar – plain granulated sugar is what we’re using.
  • kosher salt – for balance and flavor.
  • vanilla extract – use the best quality you can.
  • milk chocolate chips – semisweet can also be used. If you have baking bars, those work too, just chop up before using in the recipe.

How To Make Toffee

  1. Spray a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
  2. Spread the chopped pecans in a single layer on top of the parchment.
  3. Add butter, sugar, and salt to a heavy bottomed 3 quart pot.
  4. Bring to a boil over medium low heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar.
  5. Stir occasionally, slowly and evenly, until the candy has reached 290F to 300F, or “hard crack” on a candy thermometer.
  6. Once the candy has reached 290°F to 300°F, remove from heat and gently stir in the vanilla extract.
  7. Carefully pour over the pecans.
  8. Let the candy sit for a few minutes before sprinkling the chocolate chips over the top.
  9. Cover the baking dish with foil and let sit for 5 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and gently spread the softened chocolate into an even layer.
  11. Place the candy in the refrigerator and let cool completely.
  12. Lift the parchment out of the baking dish and place the toffee on a cutting board or solid surface.
  13. Use a knife to gently break it into smaller pieces.
  14. Store in an airtight container in a cool place.

Storage Information

Toffee should be stored in an airtight container for up 2 weeks. You want the toffee to stay cool and dry so store it away from heat and moisture. Toffee can get sticky so keep that in mind if you live in a humid environment.

Top Tips for the Best Toffee

  • Use a quality candy thermometer like this one (best for large batches) or this candy thermometer (great for small batches AND large batches and it does a lot more). Digital is my favorite. You literally can’t mess it up. I give the range of 290F – 300F for this recipe. I have cooked it from one end of this range to the other and it’s all good. 300F is hard crack so the toffee will be more brittle the higher you go.
  • There is a whopping 4 main ingredients in this recipe, 5 if you count the vanilla extract, 6 if you count the salt. Use the very best quality ingredients for the best quality toffee. I use Challenge butterit’s the brand I’ve used and trusted for years and years.Made with100% real cream, it’s my butter of choice.
  • I used milk chocolate chips for the top layer. You can use three Hershey’s bars in place of the chips if you prefer. The chocolate is a little softer and will melt faster as it’s being held but it is delicious.
  • Not a pecan fan? Cool. Use what you want: almonds, walnuts, etc.
  • Freaking out over the fact that I didn’t top the toffee with finely crushed and chopped nuts? This recipe doesn’t need it since there are so many nuts IN the toffee. If you still can’t handle it, feel free to top your toffee as you wish.

This recipe can be easily doubled. Use a 10 x 15 jelly roll pan instead of the 9-in square pan and you’ll be all set.

Better Than Anything Toffee Recipe (4)

In the mood for candy making? Try these Peanut Butter Pretzel Truffles (easiest candy EVER), these Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons (always a crowd pleaser) or check out my 30 Last Minute Christmas Treats here. Lots of great recipes!

You can find all of my CHRISTMAS RECIPES HERE 🙂

More Candy Favorites

  1. Martha Washington Candies
  2. Peppermint Fudge
  3. Buttermilk Pecan Pralines
  4. Divinity Candy
  5. Homemade Gumdrops
  6. Chocolate Covered Mint Patties

How to Make Toffee

Better Than Anything Toffee Recipe (5)

Print Pin

4.99 from 155 votes

Better Than Anything Toffee Recipe

The best toffee recipe EVER! Sweet milk chocolate, crunchy pecans, and rich, buttery toffee – what’s not to love? This Better Than Anything Toffee is easy to make and makes the perfect treat OR gift year-round!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword toffee, toffee recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 24 servings

Calories 167kcal

Author Trish – Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

  • 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Spray a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.

  • Spread the chopped pecans in a single layer on top of the parchment.

    1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

  • Add butter, sugar, and salt to a heavy bottomed 3 quart pot.

    1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • Bring to a boil over medium low heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar.

  • Once the candy is boiling, stir occasionally, slowly and evenly, until the candy has reached 290°F to 300°F, or "hard crack" on a candy thermometer.

  • Once the candy has reached 290°F-300°F, remove from heat and gently stir in the vanilla extract.

    1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Carefully pour the mixture over the chopped pecans.

  • Let the candy sit for a few minutes, undisturbed, before sprinkling the chocolate chips over the top.

    1 cup milk chocolate chips

  • Cover the baking dish with foil and let sit for 5 minutes or until the chocolate has softened.

  • Remove the foil and gently spread the softened chocolate into an even layer. An offset spatula works best for this.

  • Place the candy in the refrigerator and let cool completely. Give it at least 2 hours.

  • Lift the parchment out of the baking dish and place the toffee on a cutting board or solid surface.

  • Use a knife to gently break it into smaller pieces. Store in an airtight container in a cool place.

Video

Notes

Toffee should be stored in an airtight container for up 2 weeks. You want the toffee to stay cool and dry so store it away from heat and moisture. Toffee can get sticky so keep that in mind if you live in a humid environment.

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 255IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published November 11, 2017.

Disclosure:I was compensated for this post byChallenge Butter. All opinions are, as always, 100% my own.Thank you to my readers for supporting the brands that make Mom On Timeout possible!

Better Than Anything Toffee Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between British toffee and American toffee? ›

Americanized toffee may include nuts, while a completely traditional British toffee will not. On the other hand, English toffee uses pure cane sugar, brown sugar, or molasses as its sweet base and always involves chocolate.

Which is the best toffee in the world? ›

Lotte Coffy Bite Toffee

This is the best toffee in the world that has a rich flavor of coffee.

Why did my toffee turned out chewy? ›

Low and slow. Simmering the syrup for English toffee to the requisite 300°F temperature can (and should) be a slow process — up to 20 minutes or so. Don't hurry this gradual transformation; syrup that doesn't reach 300°F, or close to it, will make candy with timid flavor and chewy (not crunchy) texture.

What is the difference between caramel and toffee? ›

The difference between caramel and toffee is greater, as caramel has a more liquid consistency and is usually pure sugar (it doesn't contain butter or flour). Still, the taste of caramel, fudge, and toffee is relatively similar, as they are all made from mostly sugar (as well as butter in the case of fudge and toffee).

What is toffee called in America? ›

The English toffee eaten with regularity in America is also called buttercrunch. What's the difference? Primarily, the difference rests in the ingredients. Toffee in Britain is made with brown sugar, whereas buttercrunch is made with white granulated sugar.

Is butter brickle the same as toffee? ›

Butter Brickle is a chocolate-coated toffee first sold on November 20, 1924, by candy manufacturer John G. Woodward Co. of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and toffee pieces for flavoring ice cream, manufactured by The Fenn Bros. Ice Cream and Candy Co.

Who is the king of toffee? ›

By 1896, Mackintosh was calling himself the "Toffee King" and his product "The King of All the Toffees".

What country makes the best toffee? ›

From humble beginnings in 1894, Walker's Nonsuch is one of England's finest and oldest makers of traditional toffee. At the heart of the family company lies quality and passion for just good ingredients like whole milk and butter.

Is toffee just hardened caramel? ›

Toffee – the hard, sweet candy – is an old-fashioned treat, so you might not hear the name very much around modern candy shops. But this classic candy is an enjoyable delight that bursts with flavor at each bite. What is toffee, you ask? Basically, it's hardened caramel (more on that later).

What is the best pan for making toffee? ›

You need a very sturdy pan which is KEY to even heat distribution. Thinner, cheaper pans can scorch the cooking candy and/or cook it unevenly. Here are some great choices: Anolon Nouvelle Copper and Cooks Standard. I own a couple pricier copper pots because of the amount of candy I make.

What toffee doesn't stick to your teeth? ›

English toffee is the epitome of classic toffee. It's rich and buttery, with a firm snap and a crisp texture that doesn't stick to your teeth. Of course, it's delicious on its own, but it really shines when it's paired with a thick coating of dark chocolate and a sprinkling of nuts.

Do you stir toffee or not? ›

If you don't stir the toffee often as it's cooking, the toffee can separate. Once the toffee reaches 250 F degrees, stir the toffee frequently to make sure the ingredients stay together. The toffee can also separate if the temperature is too high and it gets too hot too fast. So keep the temperature around medium heat.

Is there a difference between taffy and toffee? ›

Taffy is related to soft toffee and caramels, but lacks the butter-centric, caramelized flavours of those sweets. Maybe think of it as “white toffee.”

Is dulce de leche toffee? ›

But while it looks like caramel, it is, in fact, based on the Maillard browning of dairy rather than the caramelization of sugar. That may sound like a technicality, but it gives dulce de leche a sweet and mellow, toffee or butterscotch-like flavor without the bitterness associated with caramel (i.e., burned sugar).

What is the difference between American and British candy? ›

British candies traditionally have a higher sugar content compared to their North American counterparts. This is largely due to different food regulations and taste preferences. UK laws allow for a higher percentage of sugar in their candies, leading to a sweeter, more robust flavor.

What makes English toffee separate? ›

If the toffee or caramel is not handled properly during the cooking process, the butter sometimes separates from the sugar and forms an oily layer on top of the candy. This often happens during the cooking stage, but sometimes it separates as it is being poured out onto a baking sheet to cool.

Why does English toffee separate? ›

The butter, sugar and syrup are melted together and should form a smooth sauce. When the sauce cools it should remain amalgamated. If the butterfat separates out then usually this is due to the mixture being either heated or cooled too quickly, which "shocks" the mixture and causes the fat to separate out.

What is British toffee? ›

What is english toffee? English toffee is a sweet candy that people make from sugar, butter, and almonds. It has a crunchy texture and a buttery, nutty flavor. English toffee is also known as butter crunch or almond crunch. It originated in England in the late 1800s.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5597

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.