Old-Fashioned English Toffee Recipe is the perfect candy recipe for the holidays.
There’s something magical about the crunch of buttery toffee topped with smooth chocolate and nutty almonds. If you’ve never made candy at home, this Old-Fashioned English Toffee is the perfect recipe to start with. It’s surprisingly simple, doesn’t take long to whip up, and always disappears faster than I can make it. Seriously, I usually end up making multiple batches because it’s that irresistible!
This toffee is the ideal balance of textures and flavors: a crisp, crunchy base that breaks easily, paired with the creamy sweetness of chocolate and the subtle nuttiness of almonds. Let’s dive into the recipe!
English Toffee
A buttery toffee with toasted almonds topped with chocolate. The perfect holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter
- 1 1/4 cups White Granulated Sugar
- 3 tablespoons Water
- 3 tablespoons Light Corn Syrup
- 1/4 cup Sliced Almonds
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan
Line a jellyroll pan with tin foil and butter the foil generously to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Toffee Base
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, add the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then add the sliced almonds.
3. Cook to Hard Crack Stage
- Stir constantly as the mixture cooks to prevent scorching.
- Continue cooking until it reaches the hard crack stage (300–308°F). If you’re using a candy thermometer, this is your guide. Without one, look for a dark golden-brown color.
4. Add Vanilla and Pour
- Once the toffee reaches the desired temperature, quickly stir in the vanilla.
- Immediately pour the toffee mixture into the prepared pan. Do not spread it—it will naturally settle into an even layer.
5. Add Chocolate and Almonds
- While the toffee is still hot, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Wait a minute or two for the chocolate to soften, then spread it smoothly over the toffee using a spatula.
- Sprinkle additional sliced almonds on top of the melted chocolate for extra crunch and flavor.
6. Cool and Break
- Let the toffee cool completely. Once it’s set, break it into smaller pieces using your hands. (the toffee while it has a crunch is easy to snap into pieces.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Toffee
- Watch the Weather: Avoid making toffee on rainy or humid days. High humidity can prevent it from setting properly and leave it sticky.
- Constant Stirring: Toffee can burn easily, so keep stirring to avoid scorching the sugar.
- Storage: Store your toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If gifting, wrap pieces in cellophane or place them in festive tins for a sweet homemade treat.
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There’s a reason English toffee has been a favorite for generations. The rich buttery base, perfectly caramelized sugar, and indulgent chocolate topping make every bite pure bliss. Plus, it’s a delightful homemade gift for the holidays—or any occasion, really.
Once you make this recipe, it’s sure to become a tradition in your kitchen. Your family (and friends!) will be asking for it year after year.
Let me know if you try this recipe—I’d love to hear how it turns out! Happy candy-making!
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