Coffee Toffee
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that combines the rich flavors of coffee with the buttery crunch of toffee, you’re in for a real delight with this Coffee Toffee recipe. The combination of deep, nutty coffee flavor and the delightful texture of toffee makes this treat an irresistible indulgence. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or just enjoying with your favorite cup of coffee, this Coffee Toffee is sure to impress friends and family alike. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this delicious confection!
Why Coffee Toffee is Worth Your Time
Coffee Toffee isn’t just another dessert; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures. The buttery toffee melts in your mouth while the espresso notes elevate the experience to a whole new level. Plus, the dark chocolate drizzle and toasted almonds add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth toffee. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the complex flavors of coffee and the sweet, buttery goodness of homemade candy. It’s easier to make than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth the effort!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – This is the base of our toffee, providing rich flavor and the right texture.
- 1 cup granulated white sugar – This adds sweetness and helps with the caramelization process.
- 1 cup light brown sugar – Brown sugar brings a hint of molasses flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
- 1 cup brewed coffee (or espresso) – This is the star ingredient that gives the toffee its unique flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup – Corn syrup helps to prevent the sugar from crystallizing.
- 2 teaspoons salt – A touch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 cup slivered almonds, toasted and roughly chopped (divided) – Almonds add texture and nutty flavor to the toffee.
- 8 ounces dark chocolate chips – For the perfect topping, choose high-quality chocolate for a rich finish.
Recommended Tools
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan – Essential for evenly heating the toffee mixture without scorching.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – For stirring, these tools help prevent sticking and burning.
- Candy thermometer – This is crucial for achieving the right temperature for perfect toffee.
- Parchment paper – Line your baking sheet for easy removal of the toffee once it’s set.
- Baking sheet – You’ll need a rimmed baking sheet to spread out your toffee.
Method: Coffee Toffee
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This will prevent your toffee from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Saucepan
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, brewed coffee, corn syrup, and salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the butter has melted and the sugars have dissolved.
Step 3: Cook the Mixture
Attach your candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom of the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and stir continuously. Cook until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). This will take around 10-15 minutes, so be patient and keep an eye on the temperature!
Step 4: Add Almonds
Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and quickly stir in half of the toasted slivered almonds. Pour the hot toffee mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Add Chocolate
While the toffee is still hot, sprinkle the dark chocolate chips evenly over the top. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the chocolate to melt, then use a spatula to spread it over the toffee.
Step 6: Finish with More Almonds
Sprinkle the remaining toasted almonds over the melted chocolate, pressing them gently into the chocolate to ensure they stick.
Step 7: Let It Cool
Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature until it hardens. This can take about 1-2 hours. Once cooled, break the toffee into pieces and enjoy!
Swap Guide
- Butter – You can use vegan butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- Coffee – Feel free to use decaf coffee or a flavored coffee for a unique twist.
- Dark chocolate chips – Substitute with milk chocolate or white chocolate depending on your preference.
- Almonds – Walnuts or pecans work well if you want a different nut flavor.
Little Things that Matter
- Using a candy thermometer is key to achieving the right texture. Without it, you may end up with toffee that is too soft or too hard.
- Make sure to stir constantly once the mixture starts boiling to prevent burning.
- Letting the toffee cool completely ensures it will break into nice, clean pieces.
- This Coffee Toffee makes a fantastic gift; package it in a decorative box or jar for a thoughtful homemade treat.
How to Store & Reheat
Store your Coffee Toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but make sure to let it come to room temperature before enjoying, as refrigeration can alter the texture. Reheating is not necessary, but if you prefer a softer texture, you can warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
Ask the Chef
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, you can use instant coffee. Just dissolve the instant coffee in water to make a cup of coffee, and use that in the recipe.
What should I do if my toffee is too soft?
If your toffee doesn’t seem to harden properly, it may not have reached the right temperature. You can try reheating it and cook it a little longer until it reaches the hard crack stage of 300°F.
Can I add other flavors to the toffee?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or even a splash of whiskey or rum for a unique twist.
How can I tell when the toffee is done cooking?
The toffee is done when it reaches a temperature of 300°F on your candy thermometer. It should be a deep golden brown color and have a rich, caramelized aroma.
See You at the Table
This Coffee Toffee is a celebration of flavors that combines the deep richness of coffee with the sweet indulgence of toffee, all topped off with dark chocolate and crunchy almonds. It’s a perfect treat to share or keep all to yourself! Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack, giving it as a gift, or pairing it with your favorite brew, this delightful confection is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make some sweet memories with this Coffee Toffee recipe. Enjoy!
Coffee Toffee
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, brewed coffee, corn syrup, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the butter melts and sugars dissolve.
- Attach your candy thermometer to the saucepan. Increase heat to medium-high and stir continuously. Cook until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the mixture reaches 300°F, remove from heat and stir in half of the toasted slivered almonds. Pour the hot toffee onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly.
- While the toffee is still hot, sprinkle the dark chocolate chips evenly over the top. Let sit for a few minutes to allow the chocolate to melt, then spread it over the toffee.
- Sprinkle the remaining toasted almonds over the melted chocolate, pressing them gently to ensure they stick.
- Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature until it hardens, about 1-2 hours. Once cooled, break into pieces and enjoy!
Notes
- Using a candy thermometer is key to achieving the right texture.
- Stir constantly once the mixture starts boiling to prevent burning.
- Letting the toffee cool completely ensures it will break into nice, clean pieces.
- This Coffee Toffee makes a fantastic gift; package it in a decorative box or jar.
