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Classic Christmas Toffee Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 71 reviews

This Classic Christmas Toffee recipe features a buttery pecan base topped with a rich caramel layer, melted chocolate, and crunchy chopped pecans. It’s a timeless holiday treat that’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients and offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the base:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans

For the toffee:

  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold)
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

For the topping:

  • Additional chopped pecans (about 1/4 cup)
  • Chocolate chips (about 1 cup)
  • Flaked sea salt (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Pecans: Gather all ingredients, line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, and evenly spread 1 cup of chopped pecans on the bottom of the dish to form the toffee base.
  2. Make the Caramel Mixture: In a pot, combine 1 cup butter (cut into pieces), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Heat over medium while stirring frequently until melted and bubbling. Attach a candy thermometer and continue cooking to reach 300°F (hard crack stage).
  3. Cook the Caramel: Stir occasionally, monitoring temperature closely. Once the mixture hits 300°F, promptly remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract thoroughly.
  4. Assemble the Toffee: Pour the hot caramel over the pecan base and spread evenly. Let cool for 2 minutes, then sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm caramel. Cover the dish with foil or a baking sheet to trap heat and melt the chocolate.
  5. Finish and Chill the Toffee: After about 4 minutes, remove the cover and gently swirl the melted chocolate with a knife or spatula to create a marble effect. Sprinkle finely chopped pecans and optional flaked sea salt on top. Allow the toffee to cool completely for about 4 hours at room temperature or speed up by refrigerating.
  6. Cut and Serve the Toffee: Once set and cool, lift the toffee out using the parchment paper, cut into pieces with a sharp knife or break apart by hand, then serve and enjoy your homemade classic Christmas toffee.

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature to achieve the hard crack stage, essential for perfect toffee texture.
  • Kerrygold butter is recommended for its rich flavor, but any unsalted butter will work.
  • Covering the toffee after adding chocolate chips ensures proper melting without overheating.
  • Flaked sea salt is optional but adds a gourmet touch balancing the sweetness.
  • Store toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Keywords: Christmas toffee, holiday candy, homemade toffee, pecan toffee, caramel toffee, easy Christmas candy

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/classic-christmas-toffee-recipe/