Description
Indulgent caramel toffee squares deliver pure sweet nostalgia with buttery crunch and rich chocolate layers. Homemade comfort beckons dessert enthusiasts to savor each delectable bite crafted with simple ingredients and classic technique.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 cup (225 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (170 grams) semisweet or dark chocolate chips
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 grams) salt
Topping:
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat, ensuring a smooth, non-stick surface for the toffee creation.
- Select a heavy-bottomed saucepan and melt butter over medium heat, creating a smooth liquid base for the confection.
- Incorporate sugar and salt into the melted butter, stirring consistently to blend the ingredients into a harmonious mixture.
- Maintain constant stirring while cooking the mixture, watching carefully as it transforms into a rich, golden amber hue.
- Monitor the temperature using a candy thermometer, aiming precisely for 300°F, which represents the critical hard crack stage of toffee making.
- Remove the saucepan from heat the moment the desired color and temperature are achieved, preventing any risk of burning.
- Swiftly introduce vanilla extract, stirring quickly to distribute the flavor throughout the molten toffee.
- Immediately transfer the hot toffee mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, using a spatula to create an even, thin layer across the surface.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips generously over the still-hot toffee, allowing them to melt naturally from the residual heat.
- After 2-3 minutes, use a spatula to spread the now-melted chocolate into a smooth, uniform coating covering the entire toffee surface.
- Generously distribute chopped nuts across the chocolate layer, gently pressing them to ensure they adhere to the chocolate surface.
- Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature, or expedite the process by placing it in the refrigerator.
- Once fully hardened, break the toffee into irregular, bite-sized pieces using gentle pressure.
- Store the finished toffee in an airtight container to maintain its crisp texture and rich flavor.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution for the perfect golden caramel color.
- Monitor the temperature closely with a reliable candy thermometer to achieve the ideal hard crack stage without scorching.
- Consider using unsalted butter for better control of the salt content and to prevent potential bitter flavors.
- Experiment with different nut varieties like almonds, pecans, or pistachios to add unique texture and flavor profiles to your toffee.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg