If you’re anything like me and adore a sweet treat with a satisfying crunch, then this Homemade Toffee with Chocolate and Pecans Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s rich, buttery, and combines the perfect balance of sweet toffee, silky chocolate, and those toasty pecans that make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re making gifts for friends or just want a decadent snack for yourself, this recipe will quickly become a favorite—trust me, it’s fan-freaking-tastic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of exotic stuff—just butter, sugar, chocolate, and pecans.
- Perfect Crunch and Flavor: That deep amber toffee combined with smooth chocolate and crunchy pecans hits all the right texture notes.
- Great for Gifting: Handmade treats like this always wow friends and family during the holidays or anytime.
- Beginner-Friendly: I broke it down in easy steps so you can confidently nail perfect toffee without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this Homemade Toffee with Chocolate and Pecans Recipe is that the ingredients are straightforward but pack a punch when combined. Choosing high-quality butter and semisweet chocolate really makes a difference, and fresh pecans add that signature nutty crunch.
- Unsalted Butter: Use real, high-quality unsalted butter—it adds a rich depth without any salty surprises.
- Granulated Sugar: Essential for that smooth, crunchy toffee texture.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: They melt beautifully and balance the sweet toffee perfectly.
- Pecans: Finely chopped for even distribution, giving each bite a nutty, toasted flavor.
Variations
I like to switch things up depending on the season or guests coming over. This Homemade Toffee with Chocolate and Pecans Recipe is incredibly flexible, so don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors to make it your own!
- Use Walnuts Instead of Pecans: When I ran out of pecans once, I swapped in walnuts, and my family actually loved the extra earthiness.
- Dark Chocolate Topping: For a slightly less sweet version, try bittersweet or dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
- Add Sea Salt Flakes: Sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before the chocolate sets adds a beautiful sweet-salty contrast.
- Nut-Free Version: Simply skip the pecans, or substitute with toasted coconut flakes for a different crunch.
How to Make Homemade Toffee with Chocolate and Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Gather Ingredients
First things first, line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the toffee from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Make sure your ingredients are measured and ready to go because once you start heating, things move quickly.
Step 2: Cook Butter and Sugar Slowly
In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and granulated sugar. Stir with a wooden spoon constantly—patience is key here. You’ll want to keep cooking until the mixture reaches 285°F on a candy thermometer, turning a lovely dark amber. This process can take 35 to 45 minutes, so don’t rush it! Lower the heat slightly if the temperature climbs too fast to avoid burning. This step is where the magic happens.
Step 3: Pour and Chocolate Layer
Once your toffee reaches the perfect color and temperature, pour the hot candy onto your prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly. Immediately sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips over the surface and let them rest for 1 to 2 minutes to melt. Use a spatula to gently spread the melted chocolate into a smooth layer. This quick step seals in that gorgeous glossy finish.
Step 4: Add Pecans and Let Set
Sprinkle the finely chopped pecans evenly across the melted chocolate, pressing them in gently so they stick well. Now, patience again: allow your toffee to cool and set for about an hour at room temperature. After it’s firm, break into rustic, irresistible pieces and get ready to indulge.
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Toffee with Chocolate and Pecans Recipe
- Use a Candy Thermometer: Trust me, this step is a game changer; it guarantees your toffee cooks perfectly every time.
- Go Low and Slow: Cooking the sugar and butter mixture gradually keeps it from burning—don’t rush this step!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temp butter helps the toffee cook evenly.
- Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: This makes all the difference for easy removal and cleanup—learned this the hard way once!
How to Serve Homemade Toffee with Chocolate and Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
I often add a light dusting of flaky sea salt right after adding the pecans because the hit of salt elevates the sweet-chocolatey flavors. Sometimes, I’ll toss on a few whole pecan halves for extra visual appeal when serving to guests—it adds a rustic, homemade feel.
Side Dishes
This toffee goes amazing alongside a cup of rich coffee or creamy hot chocolate. I love serving it at holiday parties with a cheese platter and fresh fruit—it’s a great balance of sweet and savory that my family can’t resist.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or special occasions, I like to wrap the toffee pieces in festive parchment or cellophane bags tied with a pretty ribbon—that personal touch goes a long way. Sometimes, I’ll layer different flavors of toffee in decorative tins for a stunning, homemade confection assortment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover toffee pieces in an airtight container at room temperature—this keeps them perfectly crisp for up to a week. Just make sure it doesn’t sit somewhere humid to avoid softening.
Freezing
If I’m making a big batch ahead of time, I freeze the toffee after breaking it into pieces by wrapping them tightly in parchment and then storing in a freezer-safe container. When thawed at room temperature, the texture and flavor hold up beautifully.
Reheating
Honestly, toffee doesn’t really need reheating, but if the chocolate becomes too firm, I simply let it sit at room temp for 10-15 minutes or briefly warm it (wrapped) in a low-temp oven to soften before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
While it’s best to use unsalted butter for precise flavor control, salted butter can work in a pinch. Just be aware it may add a slightly salty edge to your toffee, which some people enjoy for contrast, but it could overpower the sweetness if too strong.
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How do I know when toffee is done cooking?
The key is using a candy thermometer and waiting for the mixture to reach 285°F, the “hard crack” stage. At this point, the toffee will be a dark amber color and will harden perfectly once cooled. Without a thermometer, this step can be tricky, so I always recommend investing in a good one.
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Why is my toffee grainy or doesn’t harden properly?
This usually happens if the sugar cooks too quickly or the temperature isn’t reached correctly. Stirring constantly and controlling the heat carefully helps prevent graininess. Also, avoid stirring after adding chocolate and nuts to keep your toffee smooth.
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Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts work wonderfully. Just make sure to toast and chop them finely for the best texture and flavor distribution.
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What’s the best way to break the toffee into pieces?
Once fully set, gently lift the parchment paper from the baking sheet and place it on a sturdy surface. Use your hands or a rolling pin to gently tap and break the toffee into pieces. Wearing gloves helps prevent sticky fingers!
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Toffee with Chocolate and Pecans Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s that perfect blend of simple ingredients creating something truly wow-worthy. I love sharing it with friends and family — it’s always a crowd-pleaser that brings smiles. I hope you enjoy making this toffee as much as I do, and that it becomes a go-to treat for you too, whether it’s for celebrations or just an everyday indulgence. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get toffee-making!
Print
Homemade Toffee with Chocolate and Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 32 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: English
Description
This Homemade Toffee recipe is a deliciously sweet and buttery treat featuring a rich hard candy base topped with melted semisweet chocolate and crunchy pecans. Perfect for candy lovers, this classic English-style toffee comes together on the stovetop and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with its signature nutty crunch and smooth chocolate layer.
Ingredients
Toffee Base
- 2 cups (4 sticks / 454 g) Challenge unsalted butter
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
Topping
- 2 cups (336 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (109 g) finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a large rimmed baking sheet (11×15 inches) with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to allow easy removal of the toffee once set.
- Cook toffee mixture: In a medium, heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and granulated sugar. Stir consistently with a wooden spoon to ensure the mixture cooks evenly and doesn’t burn. Cook until the mixture reaches 285°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer, displaying a dark amber color. This process typically takes 35-45 minutes; control the heat to manage the temperature rise carefully.
- Pour and top with chocolate: Pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Immediately sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips over the hot toffee and let them sit for 1-2 minutes to soften and melt.
- Spread chocolate and add pecans: Use a spatula to gently spread the melted chocolate into an even layer over the toffee. Then sprinkle the finely chopped pecans evenly on top and gently press them into the chocolate to adhere.
- Set and cool: Allow the toffee to cool and set at room temperature for about 1 hour until firm and fully set.
- Serve and store: Once set, break the toffee into pieces to serve. Store leftover pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Homemade English Toffee is a classic sweet treat featuring a crunchy hard candy base topped with rich chocolate and nutty pecans.
- Use a candy thermometer for accuracy to avoid overcooking or burning the toffee.
- Ensure the saucepan is heavy-bottomed to promote even heat distribution and prevent scorching.
- Store toffee in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
