Are you craving a sweet treat that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This caramel toffee recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and salty, crunchy and chewy, making it an irresistible addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Forget complicated recipes; this one is surprisingly easy, perfect for a quick dessert or a thoughtful homemade gift. It's a delicious dish that everyone will love, guaranteed to become one of your best recipes. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
Get started: Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the toffee later. This simple step will make cleanup a breeze.
Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Do not stir. Let the mixture come to a boil, swirling the pan occasionally. Continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture turns a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes. This is the key to a perfect caramel—patience is key!
Careful addition: Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble vigorously!), whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in the butter and salt until completely melted and incorporated. Be cautious as the mixture will be very hot.
Adding nuts (optional): If using nuts, gently stir them into the caramel.
Setting the toffee: Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Let it cool completely at room temperature, or speed up the process by chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Breaking it up: Once completely cool and set, break the toffee into pieces. The parchment paper makes this step super easy.
Storing: Store your homemade toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips for Success:
- Use a candy thermometer: For more precise results, use a candy thermometer to monitor the caramel's temperature. The ideal temperature is around 320°F (160°C).
- Don't stir the sugar mixture: Resist the urge to stir the sugar mixture while it's cooking. Stirring can cause crystallization.
- Work quickly: Once you add the cream, work quickly to prevent the caramel from hardening.
- Cool completely: Ensure the toffee cools completely before breaking it, otherwise, it will be sticky and difficult to handle.
Variations:
- Sea Salt Chocolate Toffee: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled toffee and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Spiced Toffee: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the caramel for a warm, comforting twist.
- Pretzel Toffee: Crush pretzels and mix them into the caramel for a salty-sweet crunch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on serving size and the addition of nuts. For a rough estimate, one serving (approximately 1 ounce) might contain around 150-200 calories, 8-10g of fat, and 20-25g of sugar. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredient quantities.
This easy caramel toffee recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while enjoying the simple pleasures of homemade cooking. It's a delightful addition to any occasion, perfect as a quick dessert, a thoughtful gift, or a special treat for yourself. Enjoy!