How to Make Classic Homemade Toffee: Simple Step-by-Step Recipe

Learn how to make homemade toffee candy. This easy, classic recipe is perfect for holiday gifts and simple enough for beginners.

Homemade Toffee Recipe

Making candy can seem intimidating, especially if you think you need a candy thermometer. This homemade toffee recipe is straightforward and reliable — no thermometer required. Simply stir the butter, sugar and water until the mixture turns a rich golden caramel, then remove from heat and pour into prepared dishes to set.

Ingredients for Homemade Toffee Candy

• 2 sticks salted butter
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds, roasted and salted (optional)
• 1/2 cup whole almonds, roasted and salted (or more to taste)
• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips (use a high-quality brand for best flavor)
  

How to Make Homemade Toffee Candy

1. Butter two 9-inch pie plates (for thicker toffee use one 10-inch pie plate). Alternatively, line a 9×9 or 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Divide the whole almonds between the prepared dishes, spacing them apart so they’re embedded throughout the toffee.
3. In a heavy-duty saucepan, combine the butter, water and sugar. Cook over high heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil and becomes frothy. Keep stirring until it turns a light golden brown caramel color and begins to thicken.
4. Remove from heat and immediately pour the hot toffee into the buttered pie plates or prepared pan.
5. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let them sit a few minutes until they soften and melt from the candy’s heat, then gently spread the melted chocolate with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle chopped almonds on top while the chocolate is still warm, if using.
6. Allow the chocolate to set completely — about two hours at room temperature or overnight. Once firm, break the toffee into pieces.
7. Store the finished candy in an airtight container at room temperature.

*This toffee freezes well. Thaw frozen pieces at room temperature for 30 minutes or longer before serving.

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Homemade Toffee

Delicious homemade toffee with no candy thermometer required—easy to make and perfect for gifting.

Ingredients

• 2
  sticks
  salted butter
• 3
  tablespoons
  water
• 1
  cup
  sugar
• 1/4
  cup
  almonds
  roasted and salted (optional)
• 1/2
  cup
  whole almonds
  roasted and salted
• 1 1/2
  cup
  milk chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Butter two 9-inch pie plates or line a 9×9/9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Divide the whole almonds between the prepared dishes and space them apart so they’re embedded in the toffee.
3. In a heavy-duty saucepan, combine butter, water and sugar. Cook over high heat, stirring constantly until it boils and becomes frothy. Continue stirring until the mixture turns a light caramel color and thickens.
4. Remove from heat and immediately pour the hot toffee into the prepared dishes.
5. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee. After a few minutes the chips will melt; spread them gently with a rubber spatula and top with chopped almonds if desired.
6. Allow the chocolate to set for up to two hours or overnight, then break into pieces and enjoy.
7. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Recipe Notes

This toffee freezes well. When frozen, let pieces thaw at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Making this recipe? Tag us on Instagram @NoBiggie using #NoBiggieRecipes so we can see your creations!

We sometimes speed things up by chilling the toffee briefly in the freezer; note that it may lighten in color when frozen. A double batch is handy — enjoy some now and freeze the rest for later.

Common questions about making homemade toffee:

What if the butter separates from the sugar?

To prevent separation, stir constantly while the mixture cooks on high heat. The process goes quickly, so stay attentive and keep stirring until the color changes to caramel.

Do you need a candy thermometer?

No. Watch for the butter and sugar to reach a golden caramel color — that’s your sign to remove from heat and pour. A thermometer is optional but not necessary for this method.

Which nuts work best in toffee?

Roasted, salted whole almonds are used here: some embedded inside and a small amount chopped on top. Pecans are an excellent alternative. Nuts are optional if you prefer nut-free toffee.

More candy and treat recipes to try:
– Sea Foam Candy
– Cream Cheese Mints
– No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls