Better Than Anything Toffee Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- Spread pecans: Evenly spread the coarsely chopped pecans in a single layer over the parchment-lined baking dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour over pecans: Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture over the chopped pecans in the baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Add chocolate chips: Allow the toffee to sit undisturbed for a few minutes, then sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly on top.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill to set: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and let the toffee cool completely, at least 2 hours, until fully set.
- Remove toffee: Lift the parchment paper out of the baking dish and transfer the toffee to a cutting board or solid surface.
- 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