Pecan Toffee Recipe – A Sweet Treat for Every Occasion

There’s something special about the aroma of warm, buttery toffee filling the kitchen, isn’t there? It wafts through the air, mingling with the nutty fragrance of toasted pecans. As I stir the bubbling mixture, I can almost hear the laughter of family gathered around the table, eager to get their hands on this delightful Pecan Toffee. This recipe is a treasure trove of memories, warming hearts and two-hour chats over sweet treats. So let’s dive in and create some magic together!

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make: Perfect for busy days when you just need a sweet fix!
• Comforting homemade flavor: The combination of butter, sugar, and pecans is pure bliss.
• Made with simple ingredients: You likely have everything you need right in your pantry.
• Great for any occasion: Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or just because!
• Always a crowd-pleaser: You’ll be the star of your next get-together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans (toasty goodness awaits!)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) (better control over the salt)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (sweetens the deal)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (a bit of balance)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (brings warmth to the flavor)
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips (because chocolate makes everything better)

How to Make It

1. First, spray a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. This little step helps ensure nothing gets stuck!
2. Next, spread the chopped pecans in a single layer on the parchment. You’ll love how they smell as they toast and meld with the toffee.
3. In a heavy-bottomed 3-quart pot, combine the butter, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves, and the mixture comes to a glorious boil.
4. Continue to stir occasionally as the candy boils until it reaches 290-300°F (hard crack stage). Keep your eyes peeled — this part is super important!
5. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Ah, that lovely smell wafts through the air!
6. Carefully pour the hot mixture over the pecans in the baking dish. Make sure to cover every pecan in toffee goodness.
7. Let it sit for a few minutes, then sprinkle the milk chocolate chips on top. Cover with foil and wait about 5 minutes for the chocolate to soften, giving it that dreamy layer.
8. Remove the foil and use an offset spatula to spread the chocolate evenly, creating a lovely, shiny topping.
9. Refrigerate the toffee until it sets completely, about 2 hours. The wait is definitely worth it!
10. Lift the parchment from the dish and place the toffee on a cutting board. Break into bite-sized pieces and watch everyone gather around!
11. Store in an airtight container in a cool place, and enjoy whenever the craving strikes.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saving trick: If you’re in a rush, look for pre-chopped pecans, which can save you some prep time.
• Fix for common mistake: If your toffee doesn’t reach the right temperature, it might not set properly. Invest in a candy thermometer for perfect results.
• Creative twist: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of sea salt on the chocolate topping for an unexpected flavor boost!

Serving Ideas

Serve your delicious Pecan Toffee during family dinners or at cozy weekend brunches. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. You could even package them beautifully in a jar as heartfelt gifts for friends, or set them out at your next holiday gathering. You might also want to sprinkle a little bit of sea salt on top for that sweet-salty contrast!

Storing & Leftovers

• Store your Pecan Toffee in an airtight container in a cool place to keep it fresh and crunchy.
• If you need to store them in the fridge, just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper — nobody wants that sticky mess!
• Have fun with leftovers — crumble it over ice cream or mix it into yogurt for a delightful crunch that takes your snack game to the next level!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! One of the beautiful things about Pecan Toffee is that it often tastes even better the next day.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! You can easily use mixed nuts or even a different kind of chocolate if that’s what you have on hand — this recipe is very forgiving.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: I recommend serving it fresh from the pan, while it’s still warm and aromatic. That’s when the magic happens!

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden edges and that delicious, fragrant smell — that’s your sign you’ve nailed it!

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Pecan Toffee, it reminds me of gathering around the table with my loved ones, sharing stories and laughter. It’s such a simple recipe, yet it holds a special place in my heart and is sure to warm yours, too. Whether you’re passing it around during a family night in or gifting it to a friend, I hope you enjoy this Pecan Toffee as much as I do. So roll up your sleeves and dive in – let the cozy vibes roll!

Pecan Toffee

A delightful combination of buttery toffee and toasted pecans, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 24 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the toffee

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) Better control over the salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the deal
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt A bit of balance
• 1 tsp vanilla extract Brings warmth to the flavor

For the toppings

• 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans Toasty goodness awaits!
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips Because chocolate makes everything better

Method

 

Preparation

1. Spray a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
2. Spread the chopped pecans in a single layer on the parchment.

Cooking

1. In a heavy-bottomed 3-quart pot, combine the butter, sugar, and salt.
2. Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Continue stirring occasionally as the candy boils until it reaches 290-300°F (hard crack stage).
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Carefully pour the hot mixture over the pecans in the baking dish.
6. Let it sit for a few minutes, then sprinkle the milk chocolate chips on top.
7. Cover with foil and wait about 5 minutes for the chocolate to soften.
8. Remove the foil and use an offset spatula to spread the chocolate evenly.
9. Refrigerate the toffee until it sets completely, about 2 hours.

Serving

1. Lift the parchment from the dish and place the toffee on a cutting board.
2. Break into bite-sized pieces and watch everyone gather around!

Notes

Store in an airtight container in a cool place; if stored in the fridge, separate layers with parchment paper. For a creative twist, add cinnamon or sea salt on top. Crumble leftovers over ice cream or mix into yogurt.