Are you looking to satisfy your sweet tooth with an irresistible treat? Look no further than these homemade toffee bars! This delightful dessert combines buttery toffee with a crisp, crumbly base, making it the perfect indulgence for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a sweet gift, or simply treating yourself, these toffee bars are sure to impress. Read on for a simple yet delicious recipe to create your own melt-in-your-mouth toffee bars.
Ingredients
- For the Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Toffee Layer:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the ends to hang over the edges for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Base
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the flour, salt, and vanilla extract, and mix until it forms a crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, smoothing with the back of a spatula. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 3: Prepare the Toffee Layer
While the base is baking, prepare the toffee layer. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream together. Bring to a gentle boil and stir constantly for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped nuts, if using, for an added crunch.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake Again
Once the base is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the warm toffee mixture evenly over the top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until bubbly and caramelized.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Topping
After the toffee layer is baked, remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee layer. Allow the heat to melt the chocolate, then use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top. If desired, sprinkle additional chopped nuts for garnish.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Let the toffee bars cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for 1-2 hours to set. Once fully chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Conclusion
There you have it—the perfect homemade toffee bars that are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family. With their rich layers of buttery toffee and decadent chocolate, these bars will melt in your mouth and leave you craving more. Whether enjoyed as a personal treat or shared at a gathering, these toffee bars are a delectable way to indulge in sweetness. Give this recipe a try and elevate your dessert game today!
Check out our chocolate and confections at hillcountrychocolate.com.