Love the spinach dip at restaurants like TGIFriday's and the Olive Garden? Make it at home with these easy-to-follow copycat recipes.
Easy Brown Sugar Toffee
- add review
- #32566
This brown sugar toffee is like a little square of heaven. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests with your candy-making skills.
serves/makes:
ready in:
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
6 reviews
2 comments
ingredients
1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
directions
Grease a 9x9x2 pan with butter. Spread the chopped nuts in the bottom of the pan.
Combine the brown sugar and butter in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Stir constantly while the mixture bubbles. Lower the heat to medium and let cook, without stirring, for exactly 7 minutes.
Remove from heat and spread the mixture over the nuts in the pan.
While still hot, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the toffee.
Cover the pan with foil to melt the chocolate.
While still hot, cut into squares then refrigerate until firm.
recipe tips
Use a candy thermometer to make sure the toffee reaches the correct temperature.
Avoid stirring the brown sugar and butter mixture once it starts cooking to prevent crystallization.
For a nuttier flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the toffee.
Try different toppings on the toffee like sea salt, crushed peppermint, or toasted coconut.
To add a more complex flavor, try using a combination of dark brown sugar and white sugar in the recipe.
For a decorative touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled toffee before cutting into squares.
common recipe questions
Why use brown sugar in toffee?
Brown sugar adds a deep, rich flavor to the toffee that pairs nicely with the butter and nuts.
Can I use different nuts in this toffee recipe?
You can use your favorite nuts or a combination of nuts like almonds, pecans, or cashews.
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet?
You can use milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter taste, but the toffee may be a bit softer due to the lower cocoa content.
Why cover the pan with foil after sprinkling chocolate chips?
Covering the pan with foil helps the chocolate chips melt evenly from the residual heat of the toffee, making it easier to spread.
How long should I refrigerate the toffee before cutting?
Refrigerate the toffee until it is firm, usually about 1-2 hours, to make cutting it into squares easier.
How do I store the toffee?
Store the toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Can I freeze the toffee?
You can freeze brown sugar toffee in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
tools needed
Medium Saucepan: For combining the brown sugar and butter over medium-high heat.
Measuring Cups: For measuring out the brown sugar, butter, walnuts, and chocolate chips.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Used for stirring the mixture of brown sugar and butter in the saucepan and for spreading the melted toffee evenly over the nuts.
9x9x2-inch Baking Pan: For holding the toffee mixture. This specific size is important for getting the right thickness for the toffee.
Butter (for greasing): To grease the baking pan before adding the nuts, preventing the toffee from sticking.
Foil: Used to cover the pan after sprinkling the chocolate chips, allowing the heat to melt the chocolate evenly.
Sharp Knife: For cutting the toffee into squares once it has cooled and set in the refrigerator.
what goes with it?
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Pairing chocolate-dipped pretzels with the toffee adds a salty crunch that balances the sweetness of the toffee.
Coffee: A rich cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the toffee. The bitterness of the coffee can enhance the chocolate flavor.
Ice Cream: Vanilla or salted caramel ice cream drizzled with warm toffee creates an indulgent dessert. The creaminess of the ice cream melds well with the sweet, buttery flavor of the toffee.
Cheese Board: Incorporate the toffee into a cheese board with sharp cheese like aged cheddar. The sweet and savory contrast provides an interesting flavor and variety on the board.
Cheesecake Topping: Use the toffee as a topping for cheesecake. The combination of the creamy cheesecake with the sweet toffee adds a layer of richness.
Pudding Cups: Top chocolate or butterscotch pudding with crumbled toffee for added texture and flavor.
Baked Apples: Chop the toffee and mix it with baked apples for a delicious dessert. The combination of the gooey toffee and warm fruit creates a nostalgic dish.
Hot Chocolate: Stir bits of toffee into hot chocolate for a decadent beverage. The melted toffee adds extra sweetness and a unique flavor that complements the rich chocolate base.
nutrition data
259 calories, 19 grams fat, 23 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in sodium.
What's the secret ingredient in these cakes? Pudding mix. It not only adds flavor but it gives the cake a richer, creamier texture. No one will know your secret ingredient!
This iconic whiskey is a "Jack of all trades" when it comes to cooking. Toss it in some pasta, as a savory dipping sauce, and even bake it into something sweet.
see more christmas sweets recipes
reviews & comments
March 12, 2025
I wanted a butter toffee hard candy, found this with brown sugar and thought why not! I tried it, but I think I scorched it a little. Still tastes GREAT!! Next time Ill be more careful.
August 11, 2013
Turned out just fine for me.
December 10, 2012
I really enjoyed making this, it was very simple.... And delicious. I will make this again.
Tried this recipe twice. Both times it burnt after less than five minutes. It would probably turn out fine if cooked less time but I didn't really want to try it again after failing twice, so pay attention to the time!
November 30, 2011
I have this exact recipe from my mom's old recipe box I make it every year for Christmas.It is very easy just cook it exactly 7 min and it should come out perfect. Don't make on a rainy day or it will come out grainy. And it doesn't need water. I use pecans and dark chocolate it is requested by my family every year. Happy cooking. De
May 9, 2008
This was very easy & quick to make. And just 4 ingredients ! I did switch the chocolate to one 5 oz. bar of Hershey's Special Dark chocolate, broken into small pieces & it melted just fine. Tastes like expensive store bought Toffee to me.
I can't fathom that this would be anything BUT grainy....Where's the water?
December 17, 2006
this recipe didn't turn out at all. i followed the directions precisely and the toffee was grainy; it doesn't even look like toffee.