Ultimate Almond Toffee has been a family favorite for generations, and I remember making it with my Grandmother every holiday season. The rich butter and chocolate combination creates a smooth, crunchy treat everyone loves. It’s an easy recipe to give as a gift or at your next holiday party.
This Almond Toffee is simple: butter, sugar, and almonds are combined and cooked until golden, then topped with melted Chocolate. Once it cools, store it in the freezer for a few hours to harden. It’s a quick and irresistible treat that’s always a hit, perfect for batch-making and gifting.
Toffee vs. Caramel Comparison
When comparing Toffee and caramel, it’s essential to understand their similarities and key differences. Both are beloved candies that involve the cooking process of sugar and butter, but they differ in texture, taste, and the way they are prepared.
| Aspect | Toffee | Caramel |
| Ingredients | Sugar, butter, water | Sugar, butter, milk, or cream |
| Texture | Hard, crunchy, brittle (when cooled) | Soft, chewy, creamy |
| Cooking Temperature | Heated to 300°F (Hard crack stage) | Heated to 245°F (Soft ball stage) |
| Taste | Rich, buttery, slightly bitter | Sweet, creamy, milder |
| Color | Dark amber, deep brown | Golden brown, light caramel color |
| Uses | Typically used in toffee bars, brittle, or as candy | Used in sauces, desserts, and candies like caramels or chews |
| Consistency | Firm and solid when cooled | Thicker, creamier, can be poured or spread |
What Is Almond Toffee Made Of?
To make the perfect Toffee, you’ll need key ingredients to create a rich, crunchy, and delicious treat. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Butter (unsalted) is essential for creating a rich, smooth base. Using a high-quality butter like Land-O-Lakes ensures the best results, as cheaper butter may contain more water, affecting texture and flavor.
- Sugar (two cups) provides the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the richness of the butter. It must be melted carefully to avoid burning, ensuring a smooth, silky toffee texture.
- A pinch of salt helps enhance sugar and butter flavors, making the Toffee more well-rounded and reducing excessive sweetness.
- Chocolate chips (semisweet or milk Chocolate) are melted and spread over the cooled Toffee for a smooth, decadent layer. The Chocolate complements the Toffee’s sweetness, adding richness and depth.
- Almonds (or alternatives like walnuts or pecans) bring a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Toasting them beforehand ensures they stay crisp and fragrant when mixed into the Toffee.
- A candy thermometer is crucial for achieving the perfect hard crack stage (300°F). This tool ensures that the Toffee reaches the ideal consistency, preventing it from being too soft or too hard.
How to Make Ultimate Almond Toffee: Step by Step
Making Almond Toffee is a rewarding experience that will fill your kitchen with irresistible smells. Here’s how to make it in simple steps:
Roast Almonds in the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the almonds evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a mat. Roast them for about 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through until golden and crunchy. Toss them with a bit of olive oil and salt for extra flavour.
Toffee Preparation:
In a medium pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir in sugar and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Cover the pot for 2 minutes to melt sugar crystals, then cook until the mixture reaches 285°F. Once it hits the desired Temperature, reduce the heat and continue stirring until it reaches 310°F.
Pour Toffee into the Prepared Pan
Immediately pour the Toffee onto your prepared baking pan, ensuring it spreads evenly over the roasted almonds. Allow it to cool and set at room temperature. The Toffee will harden as it cools.
Chocolate Preparation
While the Toffee is cooling, melt the Chocolate (either semisweet, dark, or your favourite variety) in the microwave. Stir every minute until it’s fully melted and smooth. Once the Toffee is set, pour the melted Chocolate over the cooled toffee layer
Chop the 1 Cup of Reserved Toasted Almonds
Chop the reserved toasted almonds into small pieces using a knife or food processor. The almonds should be finely chopped, not powdered, for added texture and crunch.
Sprinkle with Chopped Almonds
Sprinkle the chopped almonds evenly over the melted chocolate layer. Allow the Chocolate to set by letting it cool at room temperature or placing it in the refrigerator for faster setting. Once set, break the Toffee into pieces and enjoy!
Why is this the best Almond Toffee ever?
This Almond Toffee is a perfect stocking stuffer for Christmas, with large clusters wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in Holiday take-out boxes. The salted almonds with Chocolate and caramel make it irresistible, and tossing almonds in saltwater ensures perfect seasoning.
Substitutions
- Nuts: Replace sliced almonds with pecans for a different nut flavour.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use ghee instead of butter for a Paleo version.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Swap white sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier, low-glycemic alternative.
- Chocolate Variations: Choose milk chocolate, semisweet, bittersweet, or dark Chocolate as the topping.
- Customize to Taste: Adjust chocolate sweetness based on your taste and preference.
How to Store Almond Toffee:
- Store homemade Almond Toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Please keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks for a longer shelf life.
- Individually wrap Almond Toffee in plastic or layer between parchment paper for 2-3 months.
Can You Freeze Almond Toffee?
Yes, you can freeze Toffee for up to three months. Freeze the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
How to Package:
- Wrap each piece of almond Toffee individually in plastic wrap for freshness.
- Place the wrapped Toffee in a Holiday Chinese take-out box or decorative cellophane for a festive presentation.
FAQs
- Which is the most famous Toffee in the world?
The English toffee is considered the most famous globally, known for its rich, buttery flavour. - Which toffees are best?
Popular toffees include Werther’s Original, Heath Bar, and Almond Roca for their delicious flavour and texture. - What is the name of the almond Toffee?
The almond Toffee is commonly known as Almond Toffee or Almond Brittle. - What country is known for Toffee?
England is widely recognized for its Toffee tradition, particularly the famous English toffee.
Ultimate Almond Toffee Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Roast Almonds:Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread almonds evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Roast for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crunchy. Toss with a bit of olive oil and salt for added flavor.
- Prepare Toffee: In a medium pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add corn syrup, water, and salt, and stir in sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Cover for 2 minutes to melt sugar crystals. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 285°F, then reduce heat and stir until it reaches 310°F.
- Pour Toffee:Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture over the roasted almonds on the prepared baking pan. Let it cool and set at room temperature until it hardens.
- Melt Chocolate:While the toffee cools, melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir every minute until smooth and fully melted.
- Chop Reserved Almonds:Chop the remaining almonds into small pieces (not powdered) using a knife or food processor. This adds extra texture to the toffee.
- Top with Chocolate and Almonds:Once the toffee has set, pour the melted chocolate over it. Sprinkle the chopped almonds evenly on top. Let the chocolate cool and harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Break into Pieces:Once everything is set, break the toffee into pieces and enjoy