Description
This homemade toffee bits recipe delivers a rich, buttery, and nutty treat made from just a few simple ingredients. Crafted by melting butter with light brown sugar and a pinch of salt, then carefully cooked to the perfect temperature and texture, these toffee bits can be used as a delightful topping or mix-in for desserts and snacks. The process ensures a smooth, golden toffee that’s broken into charming bite-sized pieces with the help of an electric chopper.
Ingredients
Scale
Toffee Ingredients
- 55 g unsalted butter (½ stick)
- 100 g light brown sugar (½ cup)
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Prepare the working surface: Line a plate with parchment paper to have it ready for the hot toffee once it is cooked, preventing it from sticking and allowing it to cool properly.
- Melt the butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 55 g of unsalted butter, ensuring it liquefies evenly.
- Add sugar and salt: Add 100 g of light brown sugar and a pinch of salt to the melted butter and begin whisking continuously to blend the ingredients thoroughly and prevent separation.
- Cook the toffee to temperature: Keep whisking for about 6 minutes until the mixture smooths into a peanut butter-like consistency or, if using a candy thermometer, reaches 150°C (300°F). This is the crucial stage for perfect toffee texture.
- Fix separation if it occurs: If the mixture separates or crumbles, immediately remove the saucepan from heat and whisk vigorously until it recombines into a smooth mixture.
- Watch for burning: Carefully avoid cooking the mixture too long which causes burning and bitterness. Aim for a dark golden color indicative of buttery, nutty flavor.
- Pour and spread the toffee: Pour the hot toffee onto the prepared parchment-lined plate and spread it evenly to cool.
- Let it cool and harden: Allow the toffee to cool and harden at room temperature for approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Break and chop: Once fully cooled and hardened, break the toffee into pieces and pulse 2-3 times in an electric chopper until the desired size of toffee bits is achieved.
Notes
- Continuous whisking is key to prevent the toffee from separating or becoming grainy.
- Use a candy thermometer for best accuracy to avoid burning.
- The toffee must be poured immediately once cooked to prevent it from setting prematurely in the pan.
- Allow toffee to cool completely before chopping for easier handling and cleaner breaks.
- Store toffee bits in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: homemade toffee bits, toffee recipe, crunchy toffee, buttery toffee, dessert topping, candy bits
