How to Make Homemade Toffee (2024)

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Toffee is one of those candies that seems super complicated and a little daunting, but I promise you that this tutorial on how to make homemade toffee will make it easy. It takes under 30 minutes (unlike homemade Chocolate Bourbon Truffles)! The key to candy-making, just like this Old Fashioned Chocolate Fudge or these Pecan Pralines, is to have all the ingredients ready to go and near the stovetop. And a candy thermometer!

Toffee uses a little baking soda to make a lighter, less sticky candy. Pair this nutty, crunchy toffee with cardamom crescents or pecan snowball cookies, Moravian Christmas Cookies, and fudgy brownie cookies for the perfect Holiday cookie tray.

Table of Contents

• Why is my toffee sticky?
• Ingredients
• Possible Substitutions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Homemade Toffee Recipe
• Before You Go!

Ingredients

• Almonds: I use blanched, slivered almonds in this toffee. When starting on how to make homemade toffee, consider that toasting the almonds balances the sweetness of the toffee and the chocolate, plus it adds an extra crunch!
• Light Brown Sugar: Cooking the light brown sugar is what gives this toffee its flavor and texture. Dark brown sugar can be substituted.
• Water: Water is important in candy making to dissolve the sugar. Tap water is fine. I usually use cold water just because I want a slow and steady sugar syrup heating process.
• Butter: I use unsalted butter for baking, because you want to control the amount of salt you are adding. In candy making, the butter adds a smooth, richness to caramels, pralines, toffee and brittles.
• Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is less salty than table salt and a teaspoon weighs less than other finer ground varieties. It heightens the flavor here and will keep your toffee from tasting dull or flat.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla Extract adds a beautiful flavor itself but it also boosts the flavor of other ingredients around it like chocolate and brown sugar.
• Baking Soda: Do check the freshness of your baking soda! It does lose potency over time. If it’s not fresh, send it to the back of the refrigerator to absorb some odors, or clean your marble countertops with it!
• Bittersweet Chocolate: I love bittersweet chocolate because it balances some of the sweetness in the toffee. As you practice how to make homemade toffee, you’ll find your favorite chocolate combination to make it all your own!

Possible Substitutions

• Nuts: You can use any nut that you choose in place of the almonds. Hazelnuts would be a phenomenal flavor pairing as would toasted walnuts.
• Chocolate: I love bittersweet chocolate in this homemade toffee, but semi-sweet chocolate would make an even sweeter treat. I did not love unsweetened chocolate because it was too bitter even when paired with the sweet toffee.
• Dark Brown Sugar: I make this toffee with light brown sugar but you could also substitute dark brown sugar if that is all you have on hand.
• Dried fruits: Dried fruits would also be a delightful combination. If you’re considering how to make homemade toffee with dried fruits, sprinkle ½ -1 cup dried fruit with the almonds on the baking sheet before pouring the toffee mixture over the top. This will soften and incorporate the fruit into the candy better than sprinkling on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you tried thisrecipeand loved it please leave a 🌟star ratingand let me know how it goes in the commentsbelow. I love hearing from you; your comments make my day!

Before You Go!

Check out our other delicious, chef-developed candy recipes! You might also want to see some easy Christmas cookies to make with the toffee, or pick a few traditional Christmas cookies!