Easy English Toffee Recipe (2024)

This Easy English Toffee Recipe features crunchy almonds and a creamy chocolate outer layer. No candy thermometer needed, and you will still end up with perfectly snappy and delicious toffee!

You’ve come to the right place for easy, delicious holiday treats! Try my Microwave Peanut Brittle, Disneyland Copycat Churro Toffee, and Christmas Crack (Cracker Candy) recipes.

Why This Recipe Works

So Simple to Make: Toffee may seem like a complicated thing to make, but trust me, it is actually quite simple and so impressive when you can share this recipe with loved ones! You don’t need a candy thermometer for this easy english toffee recipe, unlike most other toffee recipes. I will detail exactly how to get perfectly crunchy, snappy toffee in this easy english toffee recipe.

Smooth & Snappy: This homemade english toffee will taste buttery and smooth, while still having that perfectly crunchy snap. Plus, the added nuts on top offer the perfect balance of flavor and texture. If you have ever had a heath bar, you will eat this toffee and never think about store bought toffee again.

Perfect for the Holidays: You might just find that this toffee candy recipe will help you create delicious, affordable holiday gifts! Toffee is perfectly shareable, and everyone will be wondering how you made it. Tie it up in little bags and share it with family and friends this holiday season.

Ingredients for the Easy English Toffee Recipe

• Whole, Raw Almonds- The whole almonds will be toasted for maximum flavor and then placed in the toffee to have crunchy almonds bites throughout.
• Butter– Butter is needed for the texture and flavor of the toffee. Do not substitute butter with margarine.
• Sugar– The key to cooking candy like this toffee is heating up sugar until it has caramelized.
• Salt & Vanilla– Salt and Vanilla are both needed for flavor. If you like a more salty toffee, add extra salt. Go for sea salt if you like chunkier bites of salt!
• Milk Chocolate Chips– I added milk chocolate chips on top of the warm toffee and spread the chocolate on top. You can also use dark chocolate if you prefer!
• Chopped Pecans– A sprinkle of chopped pecans over the top of the toffee adds flavor, texture, and makes the toffee look amazing!

Here’s How to Make It

Step by Step Instructions

1. First, gather all of your ingredients and get them measured out so you are prepared for each step in the recipe. Then, place your almonds on a plate and microwave them for 2-3 minutes on high to toast them. Line a baking sheet (9×13 if possible) with parchment or foil and place the almonds in a single layer on the foil. Space them out as best as you can. (photos 1 and 2)
2. Add sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt to a large sauce pan. The pan needs to be at least 2 quarts and it needs to have a thick bottom, otherwise the toffee can burn! Melt these ingredients together over medium heat. (photo 3)
3. When the ingredients are completely melted, continuously stir and gradually increase the heat to medium-high. Keep stirring and stirring for about 9-15 minutes until the toffee is a golden brown color, about the same color as raw almonds. (photos 4-6)
4. As soon as it reaches that color, quickly pour the mixture over the almonds in your prepared pan. (photo 7)
5. Allow to cool for about 2-3 minutes, then sprinkle on the chocolate chips. Allow to sit for another couple of minutes while the chocolate chips melt. (photo 8)
6. Spread the melted chips over the toffee. (photo 9)
7. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and allow to cool completely. Feel free to put the pan in the fridge to speed up the process if preferred. (photo 10)
8. After the toffee and chocolate have completely cooled, use a butter knife to break apart the english toffee. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Expert Tips

• Make sure you keep an eye on your toffee as it is cooking and keep stirring it. If you take your eye off of it, it can burn very quickly!
• Anytime you are cooking with sugar, be very careful to not get it on your skin. Hot sugar can burn your skin easily, so take care when pouring the toffee mixture into the baking pan.
• If you don’t like almonds or pecans, you can skip the nuts! Or, add in whatever type of nut you prefer. Peanuts, cashews, walnuts, and macadamia nuts would all be delicious in this easy english toffee recipe!
• Sprinkle crushed up candy canes onto the top of the melted chocolate for peppermint english toffee. Yum! Or, for a more sweet and salty vibe, add broken pretzels to the top of the melted chocolate.
• For color and added flavors, add little candies to the top of the cooling chocolate (it should be soft but not hot) like mini M&Ms, Reese’s cups, white chocolate chips, or other little candies you enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Dessert Recipes to Try

• Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
• No Bake Churro Krispie Bars
• Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars
• 3 Ingredient Peppermint Bark
• Chocolate Almond Clusters