Chocolate Almond Toffee is an irresistibly crunchy and rich treat that combines the deep flavors of caramelized sugar with the nutty crunch of almonds, all topped with a smooth layer of chocolate. This classic confection is a favorite during the holidays and makes for an excellent gift or dessert table feature. Crafting your own toffee at home allows you to experience the transformation of simple ingredients like butter and sugar into a golden, brittle sheet of toffee, which is then enhanced with toasted almonds and a generous coating of melted chocolate. The result is a decadent blend of textures and flavors that are deeply satisfying and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole almonds (toasted and roughly chopped)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: Sea salt or crushed almonds for topping
Directions:
- Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment:
- Before you begin, have all your ingredients measured and ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Sprinkle the toasted, chopped almonds evenly over the lined baking sheet.
- Make the Toffee:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, salt, and water. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to boil.
- Once boiling, insert a candy thermometer and continue to cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage). The mixture should turn a deep amber color.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble up.
- Pour and Set the Toffee:
- Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture over the almonds on your prepared baking sheet, spreading it with a spatula to cover the nuts evenly.
- Allow the toffee to set undisturbed for a few minutes until it starts to harden.
- Add the Chocolate Layer:
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the warm toffee. Let them sit for a few minutes to melt, then spread the melted chocolate with a spatula to cover the toffee.
- If desired, sprinkle the top with a little sea salt or additional crushed almonds for extra texture and flavor.
- Cool and Break the Toffee:
- Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature. Once set, break or cut the toffee into pieces.
- Storage:
- Store the chocolate almond toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or refrigerate to extend its shelf life.
Chocolate Almond Toffee is not just delicious; it’s also a delight to make, providing a wonderful way to get creative in the kitchen. This toffee makes a beautiful addition to any festive occasion, offering a sweet and savory treat that’s as fun to break apart as it is to eat.
