Better Than Anything Toffee Recipe

Introduction

This Better Than Anything Toffee is a rich, buttery treat layered with crunchy pecans and smooth chocolate. Its perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors makes it an irresistible dessert or gift for any occasion.

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

1. Step 1: Spray a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Spread the chopped pecans in a single layer on top of the parchment paper.
3. Step 3: In a heavy-bottomed 3-quart pot, combine butter, sugar, and salt.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar.
5. Step 5: Continue stirring occasionally, slowly and evenly, until the candy reaches 290°F to 300°F on a candy thermometer, indicating the hard crack stage.
6. Step 6: Remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Step 7: Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture over the chopped pecans in the baking dish.
8. Step 8: Let the candy sit undisturbed for a few minutes, then sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the top.
9. Step 9: Cover the baking dish with foil and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften.
10. Step 10: Remove the foil and gently spread the softened chocolate into an even layer using an offset spatula or similar tool.
11. Step 11: Place the candy in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours until completely cooled and set.
12. Step 12: Lift the parchment paper out of the baking dish and transfer the toffee to a cutting board or solid surface.
13. Step 13: Use a knife to gently break the toffee into smaller pieces.

Tips & Variations

• Use a candy thermometer for accuracy to ensure the toffee sets properly without burning.
• Try substituting pecans with almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
• For a darker chocolate taste, use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
• Make sure to stir gently when adding vanilla to avoid splashing hot toffee.

Storage

Store the toffee pieces in an airtight container at room temperature or in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. To soften before serving, let it come to room temperature. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the toffee to become sticky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the kosher salt in the recipe to avoid making the toffee too salty.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

Without a candy thermometer, test for hard crack by dropping a small amount of the hot mixture into cold water; it should harden and crack when bent.

Better Than Anything Toffee Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 75 reviews

This Better Than Anything Toffee is a classic, crunchy, buttery treat topped with melted milk chocolate and toasted pecans. It combines the perfect balance of rich caramelized sugar and creamy chocolate, making it an irresistible homemade candy that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying anytime.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: About 24 pieces 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Toffee Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings

• 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Prep baking dish: Spray a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
2. Spread pecans: Evenly spread the coarsely chopped pecans in a single layer over the parchment-lined baking dish.
3. Melt butter with sugar and salt: In a heavy-bottomed 3-quart pot, combine the butter, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Place over medium-low heat and stir frequently to dissolve the sugar as the mixture warms.
4. Bring to hard crack stage: Continue cooking the mixture until it boils gently, stirring occasionally and evenly. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, allowing it to reach 290°F to 300°F, which is the hard crack stage necessary for toffee.
5. Add vanilla extract: Once the temperature is reached, remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.
6. Pour over pecans: Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture over the chopped pecans in the baking dish, spreading evenly.
7. Add chocolate chips: Allow the toffee to sit undisturbed for a few minutes, then sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly on top.
8. Let chocolate melt: Cover the baking dish with foil and let it sit for 5 minutes to ensure the chocolate chips soften and melt properly.
9. Spread melted chocolate: Remove the foil and gently spread the softened chocolate with an offset spatula or a similar tool to form an even layer.
10. Chill to set: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and let the toffee cool completely, at least 2 hours, until fully set.
11. Remove toffee: Lift the parchment paper out of the baking dish and transfer the toffee to a cutting board or solid surface.
12. Break into pieces: Use a knife to gently break the toffee into bite-sized pieces. Store the candy in an airtight container in a cool place to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Use a candy thermometer to ensure the toffee reaches the perfect hard crack stage for the best texture.
• Line the baking dish with parchment paper to make removal and cleanup much easier.
• Be careful when working with hot sugar mixtures as they can cause serious burns.
• For a nut-free version, omit pecans or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
• Store the toffee in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
• For an extra flavor twist, try using dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.

Keywords: toffee recipe, easy toffee, homemade candy, chocolate toffee, pecan toffee, holiday sweets