English Toffee

English Toffee

English toffee - a crunchy buttery-caramel flavored candy covered with chocolate and pecans! 

Look at the ingredient list - recipe looks like it should be super simple, right?
But this is one of those where the 'devil's in the details.' More info and tips below!

Traditionally in my family this is a Christmastime recipe. But...I’ll be honest and say I often make it year-round! I learned how to make it from mom, who learned it from my Aunt Melissa. And I have no idea where she learned it. Maybe she’s the inventor! 😉

While it’s safe to say this particular recipe isn’t exactly groundbreaking, I STRUGGLEBUSSED forever to get the consistency right when starting out trying to make it! Hopefully I can pass on all the tips and tricks I've learned and save you some headaches.

Here are all my tips! 
  • Use a dense-base saucepan; I used a pan specifically recommended for caramel-making. It's a stainless steel/aluminum pan and worked SO much better than the first nonstick pan I tried! 
  • Candy thermometer spatulas are a THING, and they are AMAZING! I've linked my favorite below. Not only did it save me tons of aggravation, it also saved my some burns. I'm a clumsy person, and trying to read a thermometer while stirring a boiling nearly-300-degree mixture wasn't a painless process my first couple tries. 
  • If you get the mixture part-way up to temperature and it looks split or curdled - don't worry! Every batch I've ever made has done the same thing. Once it gets up to temperature, it should come back together as long as you keep stirring. 
  • Heat on medium temperature - at maximum. Yes, I can be a little impatient. So once I put the stove on high heat so the mixture wouldn't take so long to come to temperature. I don't recommend that approach; it heated MUCH more quickly past the 275 degree mark and I burned that batch. Some was edible, but I threw most of it away. 

Okay! I think that covers everything!
On to the recipe! 

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Don't forget to pin this recipe for later! 

English Toffee

English Toffee

Toffee making used to intimidate me - but not anymore! Step by step instructions to make deliciously addicting English toffee!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Decorating time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 20 servings
Calories 398 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Toffee

  • 2 cups butter (salted)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar

Topping

Instructions
 

Toffee

  • Melt butter in sauce pan over medium-low heat. Once butter is melted, stir in sugar until combined. If using a separate candy thermometer, place thermometer into pan - attach to the edge of the pan if able but don't let the thermometer base touch the bottom of the pan.
  • On medium heat, continue to heat and stir mixture until it reaches the ‘hard crack’ stage (between 305-310 degrees Fahrenheit). The mixture may appear to separate and almost look curdled as it comes up to temperature; as long as you don't heat it over 310 degrees and continue stirring it should come back together.
  • Once the mixture is at temperature, pour quickly out onto the baking sheet covered with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Allow to cool to room temperature, until set.

Topping

  • Melt semisweet chocolate in microwave (on half power in 30-second intervals) or in a double-boiler. Spread over toffee. surface with an offset spatula. Before chocolate sets, spread chopped pecans over the top and press them gently into the chocolate.
  • Once the chocolate has set, break apart the toffee into bite-sized pieces – this can be done with a knife, but I like the shapes I get breaking it with my hands better!

Tips:

  • As the mixture gets close to temperature, you may notice it start to ‘split’ with butter coming apart from the toffee mixture. It should come together when the mixture gets to the ‘hard crack’ temperature. I had it split when I didn’t get it hot enough AND when I over-heated it – make sure your thermometer isn’t touching the base of the pan and stir until you reach your goal temperature!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (1/20th batch)Calories: 398kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 1gFat: 30g
Keyword Christmas Candy Cane Cupcakes, Christmas Candy recipe, Christmas Toffee, English Toffee, Toffee recipe
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