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Homemade Toffee Bits Recipe

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4.4 from 3 reviews

Homemade toffee bits are a delightful way to add a buttery, crunchy, and rich butterscotch flavor to your desserts. Perfect for enhancing cakes, cookies, brownies, or just enjoying as a sweet snack, these toffee bits are easy to make and customizable with optional nuts and sea salt for added texture and taste.

  • Author: Zara
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 34 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 34 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup
  • Category: Dessert Topping
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Toffee Bits

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold (113g)
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar (200g)
  • 1 tsp fine salt (6g)

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1/2 cup toasted nuts, finely chopped – I prefer pecans (60g)
  • 1 Tbsp flakey sea salt – garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a small rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside. Avoid using wax paper as it may melt from the heat of the toffee.
  2. Melt Butter and Combine Ingredients: Melt the cold unsalted butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the packed dark brown sugar and fine salt, stirring vigorously until fully combined. Continue stirring constantly to prevent burning. If the mixture separates, remove it from heat and stir vigorously until it reunites, then return to heat.
  3. Cook toffee mixture: Cook the mixture for about 7-9 minutes or until it reaches 295°F (146°C), ensuring to keep stirring constantly. This prevents burning and helps achieve the perfect toffee consistency.
  4. Pour mixture and add toppings: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into an even layer. If desired, sprinkle finely chopped toasted nuts and flakey sea salt evenly over the top before the toffee sets.
  5. Cool the toffee: Allow the toffee to cool for 15-20 minutes until it reaches room temperature and hardens.
  6. Break into bits: Place the hardened toffee into a Ziplock bag and use a rolling pin or heavy object to break it into your preferred size pieces—large chocolate chip size for desserts or bigger for snacking. Use a towel underneath to protect surfaces.
  7. Storage: Store the toffee bits in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 weeks for best freshness.

Notes

  • Do not use wax paper for lining the baking sheet as it can melt under the heat.
  • Constant stirring is necessary to prevent the butter and sugar mixture from burning or separating.
  • The target temperature for the toffee is 295°F (146°C) to reach the hard crack stage.
  • Adding nuts and sea salt is optional but adds great texture and flavor contrast.
  • Break toffee bits to desired size depending on intended use—smaller for baking incorporation, larger for snacks.
  • Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness for up to two weeks.

Find it online: https://zaracooking.com/homemade-toffee-bits-recipe/