Are you craving a delicious, homemade treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This English toffee recipe with Hershey bars is the perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and salty – a delightful combination that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Forget store-bought candy; this recipe lets you create a batch of gourmet toffee in your own kitchen, making it a perfect gift or a delightful indulgence for yourself. This recipe is perfect for those searching for easy recipes, quick dinner ideas (well, dessert ideas!), and delicious dishes that are surprisingly healthy, relatively speaking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup butter, unsalted
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups Hershey's milk chocolate bars, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Equipment:
- 13x9 inch baking pan
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Parchment paper
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Candy thermometer (highly recommended for perfect toffee)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pan
Line your 13x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to help with lifting out the toffee later. This is a crucial step for easy removal and clean-up.
Step 2: Making the Toffee Base
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Stir constantly until the butter is completely melted and the sugar is dissolved. This step requires patience and careful attention to prevent burning.
Step 3: Reaching the Hard-Crack Stage
Continue cooking the mixture without stirring, swirling the pan occasionally, until the candy thermometer registers 300°F (150°C) – the hard-crack stage. This is where having a candy thermometer is invaluable. It guarantees perfectly cooked toffee every time.
Step 4: Incorporating Cream and Vanilla
Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble vigorously!), stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Pouring and Spreading
Immediately pour the toffee mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Work quickly, as the toffee will begin to set.
Step 6: Adding Chocolate
Sprinkle the chopped Hershey's chocolate bars evenly over the toffee. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the chocolate to melt slightly from the heat of the toffee.
Step 7: Setting and Cutting
Use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired. Let the toffee cool and harden completely at room temperature, ideally for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Once firm, lift the toffee out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.
Tips for Success:
- Use a candy thermometer: This is essential for achieving the correct hard-crack stage and ensuring perfectly cooked toffee.
- Don't stir after the sugar dissolves: Stirring after this point can cause the sugar to crystallize.
- Work quickly: Once the cream is added, the toffee will set quickly.
- Let it cool completely: This ensures that the toffee is firm enough to cut and prevents breakage.
Variations:
- Dark Chocolate Toffee: Substitute dark chocolate for the milk chocolate.
- Nutty Toffee: Add chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, to the toffee base before pouring it into the pan.
- Spicy Toffee: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the toffee base for a kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your squares and the specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients and serving sizes. However, expect a high calorie, high sugar, and high fat content, typical for this type of confection.
This English toffee recipe with Hershey bars is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Its ease of preparation, combined with its exquisite taste, makes it ideal for any occasion, big or small. Enjoy!