English Toffee Bites

If you’re a fan of hard candies, this is a recipe you’ll want to save and return to time and time again. English toffee is our go-to treat when we’re craving something sweet and salty with just the right amount of crunch. Instead of buying a tin—which can add up if you’re indulging as often as we do—we decided to make it ourselves! With just five pantry staples, a couple of nuts, and a handy silicone square ice cube mold, this easy, delicious candy can be whipped up to gift to friends and family or kept all to yourself. Either way, you’ll be delighted (just remember to brush your teeth).

We start with a layer of chopped almonds, then make an easy toffee by whisking together butter and sugar over medium-high heat for five to seven minutes. You’ll know it’s perfect when the mixture transforms from a light beige to a rich almond color. Add vanilla extract and salt, then pour the mixture over your almond layer. Melt a layer of chocolate, pour it on top, and you’re in business! One of our favorite parts of this recipe is the large silicone ice cube trays we used as molds for our toffee. They’re the perfect size, giving everyone a substantial piece that feels like a real dessert and not just a tiny bite. We’re obsessed, and we’re pretty sure you will be too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors with a satisfying crunch. It’s easy to make, requires only a handful of ingredients, and is perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself. Plus, using silicone molds means you get perfectly sized treats every time!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Silicone square ice cube mold
• Heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Whisk or spoon for stirring

Ingredients

• 12 oz. dark chocolate
• 1 cup unblanched almonds, roughly chopped
• 1 cup walnuts, finely ground
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place chopped almonds in the silicone square mold and set aside.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, combine butter and sugar and cook until melted.
3. Add vanilla and salt, stirring constantly, bring to a boil, and cook until the mixture is almond-colored, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully pour or scoop the mixture over the almonds in the silicone mold. Let it cool.
5. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolates and melt in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth.
6. Pour melted chocolate over the cooled toffee, then top with ground walnuts. Let cool completely.
7. When ready to serve, pop the toffees out of the mold and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Keep a close eye on the butter and sugar mixture as it cooks to prevent burning. Stir constantly to ensure an even color and texture.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate for an extra flavor dimension. You can also try milk chocolate if dark chocolate isn’t your preference.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This recipe is rich and indulgent, providing a good source of healthy fats from nuts and a dose of antioxidants from the dark chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your preferred type of chocolate.

How should I store the toffee?
Store the toffee in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

Can I make this recipe without a silicone mold?
Yes, you can pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and break it into pieces once cooled.

Conclusion

This English Toffee Bites recipe is a delightful treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you choose to share them or keep them all to yourself, we invite you to try this recipe and share your experience. Enjoy every sweet and salty bite!