Cracking Good Classic English Toffee with a Hint of Sea Salt
Cracking Good Classic English Toffee With A Hint
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 200 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 0g |
Cracking Good Classic English Toffee (with a Hint of Sea Salt)
Ever had a craving for something seriously buttery and crunchy? Then this english toffee recipe is your answer. Honestly, it's like a little piece of England in every bite. It’s ridiculously addictive.
What's the Deal with This Toffee?
This isn't just any old candy. Our homemade toffee recipe hails from Blighty. It’s a simple pleasure enjoyed for generations.
This recipe is easy, so don't worry. It takes about 35- 40 minutes, and you'll get around 24 pieces.
Why You'll Love This English Toffee Recipe
This butter toffee recipe is special. The slight touch of sea salt makes it really good. It balances the sweet buttery flavour.
It’s amazing. Plus, a little bit of fat is good for you, right? Perfect for Christmas, birthdays, or just because.
And it's a fantastic homemade candy recipe to show off your skills.
Let’s Get Down to the Nitty Gritty
Okay, so here's what you need to grab from the shops.
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (115g) semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (50g) chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts), toasted (optional)
Oh my gosh, almost forgot the important bits! You'll also need a saucepan, candy thermometer, baking pan, and parchment paper. Now, let's move on to the actual cooking part.
Tips for Totally Awesome Toffee
Alright, you wanna make the best toffee recipe ever? Use a heavy bottomed pan. Seriously, it stops the toffee from burning.
And a candy thermometer is your best friend. Get that mixture to 300° F ( 149° C)! This "hard crack" stage is key.
Be quick when pouring and spreading. Time is of the essence here!
This easy christmas toffee will not disappoint.
Where can you find good butter toffee recipe?
If you fancy trying another variation of Toffee, it is pretty easy to do a quick search of sea salt toffee recipe or old fashioned toffee recipe , and you will be spoilt for options!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Right then, are you ready to dive into this english toffee recipe ? It's easier than you think. Trust me, even if you're like me and have had some kitchen "incidents" (let’s not talk about the Great Burnt Biscuit Fiasco of '08), you can nail this homemade toffee recipe .
Main Ingredients for Your Best Toffee Recipe Ever
Ok, so here’s the lowdown on what you need. Accurate measurements are your friend here. I learnt the hard way: a little too much sugar and you've basically got glass.
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (227g) , cut into little chunks. Go for good quality stuff here, it makes a difference. The paler stuff is mostly water.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g) . I use regular granulated, but caster sugar is fine too.
- Water: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Straight from the tap will do.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon , plus extra for that fancy sea salt sprinkle.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon . Don't skimp!
- Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup (115g) . Feel free to go dark chocolate if you're feeling moody.
- Chopped Nuts (optional): 1/2 cup (50g) . Almonds, pecans, walnuts…whatever floats your boat. Toasted ones are extra yummy.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (or Just Your Toffee)
The classic butter toffee recipe is pretty straightforward, but a few tweaks can make all the difference.
- Essential Spice Combinations: You don't really need much more than salt and vanilla.
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: A teeny pinch of cinnamon is nice, but keep it subtle. It should compliment, not overpower the old fashioned toffee recipe flavour!
- Quick Substitution Options: If you don’t have vanilla extract, a dash of almond extract will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don’t need fancy gadgets for this easy christmas toffee . I find a candy thermometer to be essential; otherwise it's a guessing game!
- Heavy bottomed saucepan: This is crucial. It stops the toffee from burning. A stainless steel is ideal.
- Candy thermometer: Don’t even think about skipping this.
- 9x13 inch baking pan: Any similar size will work.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Makes life so much easier.
- Heat resistant spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring!
If you don't have parchment paper, greasing the baking pan really well is an option, but honestly, it's not worth the risk of sticky toffee bark .
Speaking from experience, of course. Getting the right equipment sets you up to make the best toffee recipe !
Let's Get Cracking: Classic English Toffee Recipe
Oh my gosh, who doesn't love English toffee ? It’s like a hug in a sweet, buttery, crunchy form! This is my take on the best toffee recipe , with a cheeky sprinkle of sea salt.
Honestly, it's proper lush and makes for awesome homemade candy recipes . You'll wanna whip up this homemade toffee recipe for Christmas, trust me.
Prep Like a Pro: Toffee Prep Steps
First things first, mise en place , darlings! Get everything measured out. It's like having all your tools ready before building something.
Time saving tip: chop your nuts (if using) before you start cooking. Saves a panic later. Safety note: boiling sugar is HOT.
Be careful! Seriously.
From Hob to Heaven: Step-by-Step Toffee Magic
- Line your 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Stops the sticky situation!
- In a heavy bottomed saucepan, combine 1 cup butter , 1 cup sugar , 1/4 cup water , and 1/4 teaspoon salt .
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved.
- Pop a candy thermometer in and cook, without stirring, until it hits 300° F ( 149° C) . Keep a close eye!
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract . Smells amazing, right?
- Pour immediately into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let them sit for a minute to soften.
- Spread the melted chocolate, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup chopped nuts and extra sea salt (optional).
Toffee Triumphs: Pro Tips
Don't stir once it starts bubbling! It stops the sugar from crystalising. A common mistake is rushing the toffee bark to get to temperature and burning it.
Toasting the nuts first boosts their flavour loads . Honestly, sea salt toffee recipe works wonders. Make ahead? Absolutely! Store cooled toffee in an airtight container for up to a week.
This crunchy english toffee is just the ticket.
Recipe Notes for Your Cracking Good English Toffee Recipe
Right then, let's chat about making this homemade toffee recipe the absolute best it can be. I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years, and I’ve got a few tips and tricks.
Honestly, even a slight change can make a world of difference!
Plating Like a Pro & Perfect Pairings
Right, first impressions count, eh? For plating, think rustic charm. A simple slate board, maybe some greaseproof paper underneath the toffee pieces. A sprinkling of extra sea salt? Oh my gosh, stunning.
How about serving? Picture this: warm butter toffee recipe alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Bliss! Or a proper cuppa tea Earl Grey, naturally to cut through the sweetness.
Maybe even a small glass of dessert wine, like a Sauternes.
Storing Your Sweet Treasure
Now, storage is important. Nobody wants sticky toffee!
- Refrigeration: Keep your easy Christmas toffee in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to a week.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly in cling film, then foil. It’ll last for a couple of months. Let it thaw in the fridge before breaking it up.
- Reheating: No need to reheat! It's best served cold.
Twist It Up! Variations on a Theme
Fancy a little something different? Let's look at adapting our Old Fashioned Toffee Recipe .
- Dietary: For a dairy free version, try using a good quality vegan butter. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious.
- Seasonal: In the autumn, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the toffee. It adds a lovely warmth.
Getting Down to Basics: Nutrition
Alright, let’s talk numbers. I'm no nutritionist, mind you, but here's a rough idea.
Each serving is roughly 200 calories. It also has a decent amount of fat and sugar, as you’d expect from homemade candy recipes .
But hey, everything in moderation, right? The key health benefit ? Pure, unadulterated joy!
So there you have it! A few little pointers to make your English toffee recipe even better. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have some fun.
After all, cooking should be a laugh! You will absolutely love this sea salt toffee recipe .
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my English toffee turn out grainy?
Grainy toffee is usually a sign that sugar crystals formed during the cooking process. This can happen if you didn't stir the mixture properly at the beginning or if sugar crystals splashed onto the sides of the pan.
To prevent this, stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely, and brush down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush if you see any crystals forming, a trick straight from a GBBO episode!
Can I make this English toffee recipe without a candy thermometer? Is it absolutely essential?
While it's possible, making proper English toffee without a candy thermometer is like trying to navigate London without a map - you might get there eventually, but it'll be a bit hit or miss! The "hard crack" stage is crucial for that perfect snap.
If you're feeling brave, look for visual cues like a deep amber color and a hard, brittle texture when a small amount is dropped into cold water. But honestly, a thermometer is your best bet for consistent results.
My toffee burned! What did I do wrong, and how can I avoid it next time?
Burnt toffee usually means the heat was too high or it cooked for too long. Make sure you're using medium heat and monitoring the temperature very closely, especially towards the end. A heavy bottomed pan also helps distribute heat more evenly.
Like keeping an eye on your roast on a Sunday, you need to keep a close watch, so don’t get distracted by the telly!
How long does English toffee last, and what's the best way to store it?
Properly stored, English toffee can last for up to 2-3 weeks. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat. You can also refrigerate it, but be aware that the chocolate may bloom (develop a white coating), although it's still perfectly safe to eat.
For maximum shelf life, avoid any moisture getting to it - think of it like your favourite biscuits, best kept dry!
Can I add different toppings to this english toffee recipe? What kind of variations can I make?
Absolutely! Get creative with your toppings. Besides the suggested nuts and sea salt, consider using crushed pretzels for a salty sweet combination, dried cranberries for a festive touch, or even a drizzle of peanut butter.
As for variations, think about different extracts (almond, peppermint), types of chocolate (dark, white), or even adding a little spice like cinnamon or cayenne for a kick. It's your toffee, make it your own!
Is there a dairy free version of this english toffee recipe?
Yes, you can make a dairy free version of this English toffee. Substitute the butter with a high quality vegan butter alternative. Brands like Miyoko's Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter work well and have a similar fat content, which is important for the toffee's texture.
Keep in mind the flavour may vary slightly from traditional toffee.
