Butter Toffee

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Butter Toffee is a classic combination of buttery caramel and roasted almonds, topped with a rich milk chocolate coating. The balance of textures—from the crunchy almonds to the smooth chocolate—makes every bite absolutely irresistible. It’s the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers who enjoy the richness of caramelized sugar and the nutty crunch of roasted almonds. Quick to prepare and with minimal ingredients, this toffee will quickly become a go-to favorite for both special occasions and everyday cravings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups unblanched whole almonds
• 11 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup butter, cubed
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cold water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Almonds:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the unblanched almonds evenly on a baking sheet.
   • Toast the almonds in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden and fragrant. Stir once or twice to ensure they toast evenly.
   • Once toasted, remove the almonds from the oven and set them aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Toffee:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and cold water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
   • Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes, without stirring, until the toffee reaches the hard crack stage (around 300°F or 150°C on a candy thermometer). Be careful not to burn the mixture—watch it closely as it boils.
3. Assemble the Toffee:
   • Once the toffee is ready, immediately pour it over the toasted almonds on the baking sheet. Spread the toffee evenly across the almonds, making sure they are all coated.
4. Add the Chocolate:
   • While the toffee is still hot, sprinkle the chopped milk chocolate over the top. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
   • After 5 minutes, use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee.
5. Cool and Set:
   • Allow the toffee to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once the chocolate has set, break the toffee into pieces and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 20-25 pieces
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Dark Chocolate: Substitute the milk chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.
• Nuts: Try using pecans, walnuts, or cashews instead of almonds for a different twist on the flavor.
• Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of the toffee once the chocolate has melted for an added salty contrast to the sweetness.
• Crushed Candy: After spreading the chocolate, you can sprinkle crushed candies like peppermint or toffee bits for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Butter Toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Ensure that it is kept in a cool, dry place to prevent the chocolate from melting.
• Freezing: You can freeze the toffee by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: There’s no need to reheat the toffee, but if the chocolate softens, simply let it cool at room temperature again.

FAQs

1. Can I use blanched almonds instead of unblanched almonds?

Yes, you can use blanched almonds, but unblanched almonds will add a slightly richer flavor due to their skin.

2. How do I know when the toffee has reached the hard crack stage?

The toffee is ready when it reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water; it should harden immediately and break easily.

3. Can I make this recipe without a candy thermometer?

If you don’t have a candy thermometer, test the toffee by dropping a small amount into cold water. If it hardens and snaps when you try to break it, it’s done.

4. Can I make this toffee without nuts?

Yes, you can omit the almonds and still have delicious toffee. For a plain toffee, simply spread the toffee directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and top it with chocolate.

5. Can I use semi-sweet chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Yes, you can use semi-sweet chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor. Adjust to your personal preference for sweetness.

6. Why is my toffee too sticky?

If your toffee is too sticky, it hasn’t reached the hard crack stage. Make sure it reaches 300°F before removing it from the heat to ensure it will set properly.

7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, Butter Toffee can be made ahead of time and stored for up to a week in an airtight container. It also freezes well.

8. Can I add other toppings to the toffee?

Absolutely! You can sprinkle crushed candy canes, chopped dried fruit, or even a drizzle of white chocolate on top for added flavor and decoration.

9. Can I make this toffee without butter?

Butter is essential to the toffee’s texture and flavor, so it’s best to keep it in the recipe. However, you can experiment with margarine if you need a dairy-free alternative.

10. Can I make this recipe without a baking sheet?

If you don’t have a baking sheet, you can use any heatproof surface, such as a glass baking dish or a silicone mat, to spread the toffee.

Conclusion

Butter Toffee is a sweet and crunchy indulgence that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something rich and decadent. With the combination of toasted almonds, silky milk chocolate, and buttery toffee, this treat delivers layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick homemade candy for gifting or simply want to treat yourself, this Butter Toffee recipe is a surefire hit. Simple to prepare and incredibly delicious, it’s a dessert that everyone will love.

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