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- 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup water - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup pecans, chopped - Sea salt for garnish To make Chocolate Pecan Toffee, you need simple ingredients. Start with unsalted butter. It blends well with sugar, giving a rich taste. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create a nice crunch. You also need water and salt. The water helps the sugar melt evenly. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor. Next, grab semi-sweet chocolate chips. They melt beautifully on top of the toffee. You will also need chopped pecans for a delightful crunch. They add a nutty flavor that pairs well with chocolate. Lastly, don’t forget vanilla extract. It gives the toffee a warm, sweet aroma. A sprinkle of sea salt on top makes every bite even better. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preparing the baking sheet: Start by lining a 9x13 inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the edges. This helps lift the toffee out easily later. - Cooking the butter mixture: In a medium saucepan, mix 1 cup of cubed unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Heat it on medium, stirring non-stop until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. - Reaching the hard crack stage: Turn up the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a boil. Keep stirring as it heats. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. You want it to reach 300°F (150°C). This should take about 10 to 15 minutes. - Incorporating vanilla into the toffee: Once the toffee mixture is at the right temperature, take the saucepan off the heat. Carefully stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Be cautious of the steam. - Spreading the toffee onto the baking sheet: Pour the hot toffee onto the prepared baking sheet right away. Quickly use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. It will start to set fast, so work quickly. - Topping with chocolate and pecans: Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let them sit for about 2 to 3 minutes to soften. Then, use the spatula to spread the melted chocolate over the toffee. Next, add 1 cup of chopped pecans, pressing them lightly into the chocolate. - Cooling and setting the toffee: Let the toffee cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. To speed up the process, place it in the fridge for an extra 30 minutes. This helps it firm up nicely. - Breaking into pieces for serving: When the toffee has fully set, lift it out using the parchment overhang. Break it into pieces as you like. Serve right away or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment. Using a candy thermometer helps you get the right temperature. You want your toffee to reach 300°F. This is the hard crack stage where the magic happens. Always keep stirring the mixture as it heats. If you stop, it can burn. One common mistake is overcooking or undercooking the toffee. If it cooks too long, it will become hard as a rock. If it cooks too little, it will be soft and chewy. Another mistake is not using parchment paper. This paper makes it easy to lift your toffee out and cut it into pieces. You can really enhance the flavor of your toffee by trying different nuts. Pecans are great, but almonds or walnuts can work well too. You can also add spices or flavor extracts like cinnamon or almond. These small changes can make your toffee unique and delicious! Pro Tips Use a Candy Thermometer: Ensuring the toffee reaches the hard crack stage is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. A candy thermometer takes the guesswork out of this process. Choose Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best flavor. The chocolate layer is a key element, so don't skimp on quality. Customize Your Nuts: While pecans are classic, feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for a different flavor profile and texture. Proper Storage: Store the toffee in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness. Avoid refrigeration unless necessary, as it can make the toffee too hard. {{image_4}} You can play with flavors in your chocolate pecan toffee. One option is to use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet. Dark chocolate gives a richer taste. It can balance the sweet toffee well. If you prefer semi-sweet, that works great too. Both options will melt beautifully on top of your toffee. Another fun twist is adding dried fruit or coconut. Chopped dried cherries or apricots add sweetness and color. Coconut flakes can give a tropical vibe. Just sprinkle them on top with the pecans. They add texture and flavor to your treat. If you want a vegan version, you can swap some ingredients. Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate. This keeps the taste while making it plant-based. You can find vegan chocolate chips in most stores. They melt just like regular chocolate. For gluten-free options, this recipe already fits the bill. Just ensure your chocolate chips are gluten-free. Most brands are, but it’s good to check. You can enjoy this treat without worrying about gluten. You can also change your toffee based on the season. For holidays, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. These flavors create a cozy, festive feel. You can even drizzle white chocolate on top for a holiday look. Consider themed toppings for special occasions. For Halloween, use orange and black sprinkles. For Christmas, add crushed peppermint candies. These small touches make your toffee fun and festive. To keep your chocolate pecan toffee fresh, choose a good container. An airtight container works best. This type of container keeps moisture out and flavor in. You can also use a metal tin, which helps the toffee stay crisp. If you stack pieces, place parchment paper between them to avoid sticking. For room temperature storage, your toffee lasts about two weeks. Keep it in a cool, dry place. If you want to store it longer, refrigerate it. In the fridge, the toffee can last up to a month. You can also freeze it for three months. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. If your toffee softens, don’t worry! You can revive it easily. Place it in a cool oven at 200°F (93°C) for a few minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t melt again. Once it firms up, let it cool before serving. This way, you can enjoy that crunchy texture again! How can I tell when my toffee is done? You can tell when your toffee is done by using a candy thermometer. Cook it until it reaches 300°F or 150°C. This stage is called the hard crack stage. You can also do a simple test. Drop a small amount of the mixture in cold water. If it forms a hard ball, it is ready. Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe? Yes, you can substitute some ingredients. For example, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter. You can also swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or milk chocolate. If you have allergies, try using walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. Best online stores for purchasing chocolate pecan toffee You can buy chocolate pecan toffee from several online stores. Amazon offers many brands and types. Specialty food shops like GourmetGiftBaskets.com also sell high-quality toffee. Check out local bakeries that may have online ordering too. Local retailers that carry it You can find chocolate pecan toffee at grocery stores or specialty shops. Look for it in the candy aisle or the bakery section. Stores like Whole Foods or Trader Joe's often carry gourmet treats. Local farmers' markets may also have homemade versions. How to make a smaller or larger batch To make a smaller batch, cut all ingredients in half. This will yield about ten pieces. For a larger batch, double the ingredients. Ensure your baking sheet can hold the extra toffee without spilling. Adapting recipe for different nuts or chocolates Feel free to get creative with nuts or chocolates. You can use cashews, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts. For chocolate, try using white chocolate for a sweeter twist. Just remember to adjust the topping amounts as needed. In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious chocolate pecan toffee. We detailed ingredients and easy steps for perfecting your toffee. We also shared helpful tips to avoid mistakes and variations to try. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative. Don't be afraid to experiment and add your unique touch. Enjoy making and sharing your tasty treats!

Decadent Chocolate Pecan Toffee

A rich and crunchy toffee topped with chocolate and pecans, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 20
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 pinch sea salt for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Baking Sheet: Begin by lining a 9x13 inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Ensure there is some overhang on the sides; this will make it easier to lift the toffee out once it has set.
  • Cook the Butter Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the cubed unsalted butter, granulated sugar, water, and salt. Place it over medium heat, stirring continuously until the butter has completely melted and the sugar has fully dissolved into a uniform mixture.
  • Bring to a Boil: Raise the heat slightly to bring your mixture to a boil. Remember to keep stirring constantly. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature; you want to cook the mixture until it reaches the hard crack stage (300°F or 150°C). This should take approximately 10-15 minutes.
  • Incorporate Vanilla: When your toffee mixture reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, being cautious of any steam.
  • Spread on the Baking Sheet: Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Using a spatula, spread the toffee into an even layer, working quickly as it will begin to set.
  • Top with Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee surface. Let them sit undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the chocolate to soften. Then, use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate across the toffee.
  • Add Pecan Topping: Generously sprinkle the chopped pecans over the melted chocolate layer, gently pressing them down to ensure they adhere.
  • Finish with Sea Salt: For a delightful contrast, lightly sprinkle sea salt over the top of the pecans and chocolate. This will enhance the flavor profile of the toffee.
  • Cool and Set: Allow the toffee to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour until it is firm. For easier handling, place it in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to ensure it fully sets.
  • Break and Serve: Once the toffee has set, lift it out of the baking sheet using the parchment overhang. Break it into pieces as desired and serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Notes

For best results, use a candy thermometer to ensure the toffee reaches the hard crack stage.
Keyword chocolate, dessert, pecans, toffee